Filipino UK health - what's the difference ?

[Doc Alan]

I fully understand what Grace and Rohany say about the filipino culture and concept of "bahala na", and appreciate your input ! But all the faith and support of family and friends, not to mention money, will not cure these diseases when they're advanced.
Both diabetes and bowel cancer are classic examples of common illnesses both in UK and Philippines where early diagnosis and treatment will save lives ! Treatment of both at an early stage is less expensive (however it is paid for), and more effective. Simple tests can be carried out for diabetes, and now in the UK we have a bowel cancer screening programme for those most at risk. But even without screening, awareness of early symptoms and attending the doctor could save illness and your life.

[keithAngel]

I fully understand what Grace and Rohany say about the filipino culture and concept of "bahala na", and appreciate your input ! But all the faith and support of family and friends, not to mention money, will not cure these diseases when they're advanced.
Both diabetes and bowel cancer are classic examples of common illnesses both in UK and Philippines where early diagnosis and treatment will save lives ! Treatment of both at an early stage is less expensive (however it is paid for), and more effective. Simple tests can be carried out for diabetes, and now in the UK we have a bowel cancer screening programme for those most at risk. But even without screening, awareness of early symptoms and attending the doctor could save illness and your life.

Thats very true Alan but of course tricky to do when your extended family may be living on 1-200 pounds a month for a dozen people rice on the table becomes the priority and preventive medicine like mechanics servicing the vehicle befor it breaks is unheard of for the vast majority.

A friend here had 8 days in hospital and a bill for 3k for some minor knee surgery following a motorbike tumble thats 3 years income for a family here.

Terpe your story was heartfelt and it occured to me that to be conected to the Philipines by relationship means for almost all of us, one day measuring someones life by our ability or willingness to pay and or say no.

Ive had a small entre in a public hospital where the childrens ward had 10 sick mostly dehydrated kids on ripped plastic covered foam and no sheets all medicines and food need someone to purchase them on the streets outside We spent £50 in 3 days on medicines and this was a reletavily easy case

[Arthur Little]

A friend here had 8 days in hospital and a bill for 3k for some minor knee surgery following a motorbike tumble thats 3 years income for a family here.

Slightly ... but would I be correct in my assumption that the friend you're talking about here was Al? If so, no wonder he's facing financial constraints in trying to bring Hana across!