Coming to the Philippines Im sure most ( as I did) look forward to a cheap and fruitful living compared to the western worlds. I was rudely,rudely shocked when it came to the costs of medicine and healthcare.
Firstly, I gave birth to my child here.
Secondly, I am epileptic, and therefore must have a certain medicine I take - we cannot change brands etc etc.
The birth - well I cant complain too much in service and doctors, they were amazing! But rudely shocked when the bill arrived to find you are required to pay for absolutley every single thing that was used for you in that time. Everything from pillows,needles,sheet rental, plate washing,bed cleaning (labelled as room service???) - everything was broken down. And you take those things with you when you leave! You basically purchase all items. This can be a shock,as when hosptial fees are quoted they dont say anything about all of that!
Also, if you dont have the money to pay the bill they wont release people from the hospital!
Now keep in mind this is also a common scam people will say to get a few bucks from you.. "my daughter is in hospital..."
With medicine - my medicine usually cost me $30aud for a 3 month supply in Australia. Here,it costs me $80 aud per month! and sure thats not an everyday medicine but the markups are across the board!
The reason?
"suppliers" work their way in with the local "in charge". Those "in charge" are given a government budget. The "supplier" offers them medicines at a certain rate, and 20% of the profit.
Its disgraceful.