Medical Dental

We have used medical services a couple of times since coming here. I had an infection on my leg from bashing my leg on a bike pedal. April had a mild eye infection from getting dust in her eye. So off we went to the medical centre to see the doctor - a western trained lady who was quite accessible. Show up at 9 a.m. and you are done and gone by 11. The cost to see her - R100 or $2.30. each. Add the cost of prescriptions and we were out of there for under $10.00

We also had teeth cleaning done today - R800 each or a total cost of $42. It was done at a well equipped dental office here in Auroville.

I asked the lady who manages here if she goes there. She says no that she goes into Pondicheru to the new hospital. With her government card, she gets her teeth cleaned in what she dscribes as an equally modern dental office for R75 or $1.73. For her, this is very affordable and she considers the R800 that we paid outrageously expensive.

The clinic that we went to has dentists that come on a volunteer basis from various parts of the world. They go out to the villages here within about a 20 km radius and offer free dental care as well as teaching personal dental care. Thus, my fees helped to fund that activity so I feel ok about the "outrageous" amount that we paid.

Western locals here do say that if you develop a serious medical problem get back to your country of origin as fast as possible. Routine and minor care here, they tell us, is quite good most of the time. So far, we have been quite satisfied.

Looking at the average ambulance here, however, they bear no resemblance to anything you are used to in the West. They have virtually no equipment of any note. Hope not to have to rely on them.