Doctor Visit #3

Kai had to get his 6 month shots today (he's almost 9 months:) so we went to a pediatrician that was recommended to us by some American friends. I am still amazed after visiting 3 clinics how simple these offices are. There's no reception window to sign in at, no nurse to call your name, no insurance accepted, and the doctor visit averages around $3-$5 (although the immunizations were much more). The exam table has no disposable paper to change after each patient and the waiting area is so small that if the person next to you is sick there's no sitting on the opposite side of the room to avoid them:) the one room office is divided by a wall partition...one side is for waiting, the other side is the small doctor's office and exam table--you could see into the exam room from the waiting room. It's only the doctor there. She examed the children, gave them the shots, took the payment, answered the phone, etc.
Being the germ freak mom that I am I prayed the whole time that the kids wouldn't touch something that a sick child touched then put their hands in their mouths--isn't it funny/sad and prejudice that i rarely had these thoughts at doctor's offices in america where the same germs exist!) This doctor has worked in the west and was very knowledgeable so i think that's why the simple office still amazes me. I'm not writing this to gain sympathy or look sacrificial--really. This is life in India...millions of people attend clinics just like this one. It really makes me appreciate the wonderful facilities we've had in the states and that there are doctors in India who care enough to only make $4!!