The Nightmare of Obtaining an Anti-Rabies Shot in the Philippines: A Personal Experience
Dealing with medical emergencies can be incredibly stressful, especially when access to necessary treatments becomes a convoluted and time-consuming process. Such was the case for our recent experience with obtaining an anti-rabies shot in the Philippines. Despite being informed that Bacolod Adventist Medical Center would provide the complete treatment, we found ourselves being sent from one place to another, resulting in wasted time and mounting frustration. This blog post aims to shed light on the challenges we faced and the inefficiencies in the system that made it excruciatingly hard to get the necessary care.
A Wild Goose Chase:
With the urgency to receive the complete anti-rabies treatment, we headed to Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, hoping to find the necessary medical attention. However, our hopes were quickly dashed when we discovered that they were unable to provide the complete treatment themselves. They were only able to administer two shots of anti-tetanus and an active anti-rabies shot. With the death of the cat after the biting incident, I needed the passive anti-rabies as well. For that pursuit, the hospital sent us on a wild goose chase, directing us to various locations that ultimately proved to be dead ends. This lack of clarity and coordination left us feeling helpless and stranded in our search for proper medical care.
Misdirection to Teresita Jalandoni Hospital:
One of the places we were directed to was Teresita Jalandoni Hospital in Silay City. There, we were informed that we could purchase the Equine Rabies Immuno Globulin from a small vaccine pharmacy called Vaccine Network, conveniently located just across Collegio De San Agustin in Bacolod. Though this seemed like a step in the right direction, it was only the beginning of a series of obstacles we had to face.
The Skin Testing Predicament:
Upon reaching Vaccine Network, we were informed that before administering the injection, a skin test was mandatory. To our dismay, it was already too late in the day to find a medical center that could perform the necessary skin testing. Feeling frustrated and defeated, we were left with no choice but to return home to Hinigaran, uncertain of how to proceed.
A New Day, a New Attempt:
Despite the setbacks we encountered, we remained determined to obtain the required treatment. The following day, we embarked on another journey back to Bacolod, hoping for a more successful outcome. This time, armed with the knowledge gained from the previous day’s misadventure, we managed to purchase the vaccine from Vaccine Network. However, due to the lack of available resources in our local area, we had to rely on our local doctor in Hinigaran to administer the shot.
Conclusion:
The difficulty and frustration we faced while attempting to get the passive anti-rabies shot in the Philippines was an unfortunate testament to the challenges of accessing proper medical care in certain regions. The miscommunication and lack of coordination between healthcare facilities resulted in a time-consuming and arduous process, leaving us feeling anxious and uncertain about our well-being. It is crucial for healthcare providers and authorities to address these issues and streamline the process for individuals seeking emergency medical treatments.
As individuals, we can advocate for improved healthcare systems by sharing our experiences, raising awareness about the challenges faced, and encouraging local authorities to take action. It is essential that access to life-saving treatments, such as passive anti-rabies shots, is made easier and more efficient to prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure the well-being of those in need.
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on a personal experience and should not be considered as medical advice or a reflection of the entire healthcare system in the Philippines. It is always recommended to consult with medical professionals for accurate information and guidance.
