doc

Over ten years and counting while living in México I am realizing more every day the monetary advantages of being here, proof that there is always something new to learn if you don´t have your head in the sand and become a recluse. A fixed income always sets the stage for how one should manage affairs. Income parameters can make the proverbial cheese very binding. The fact that our Honorable (?) union President stole a large share of the pension funds makes it even more binding.

Fortunately, I am not one that requires the best of everything, but at the same time I won´t accept living at poverty levels either. Every day I meet people that are obviously affluent in varying degrees, but all the while running around crying poverty and not spending one centavo extra to make life a little easier for themselves.

On arrival in Acapulco, México, the first part of February of this year (2005), I brought with me one physical ailment that had been bothering me for at least two years – Rosecia which, supposedly, is an advanced age rash called Butterfly Rash around the face, ears, etc. Doctors in the States gave me ointment and antibiotics, but nothing really worked. It was totally annoying and didn´t help any for my ego. While talking to my landlady she mentioned a medical service here in the entire country and South America that was developed to help poor people that can´t afford normal medical expenses. It is called Similares and they have a doctor, no appointment, for $20 pesos (equal to $1 dollar and change) plus generic medication for a fraction of the cost in the U. S.. I decided to try it out and the woman doctor gave one look at the rash, prescribed two things for about “.60 cents” and in less than three days the rash was completely gone and has never come back. After putting up with it for so long it was like a miracle. Another time I had a urinary infection and in two or three days it was gone after using the same service. They also have labs to make all the usual blood tests, etc. many times for less than half the normal cost.

It goes without saying there are always those “Doubting Thomases” that don´t trust places like that, but the fact is I have never heard anything negative about it. Of course there are doctors here that are just as eager to take your money as anyplace else and with the usual dubious results. Believe me, I have already been through that routine.

By
Bruce Stokes

Changing LINKS