In early July 2021, people in our local villages began getting sick. Some had symptoms but could not afford to miss work, and they spread the virus to their coworkers. Some stayed home but could not properly isolate themselves, and entire families became infected. Some people experienced light symptoms, but others became seriously ill.
The doctors who live and work in the villages quickly became overwhelmed, lacking both the resources and expertise to treat these patients. The demand for oxygen tanks to treat cases in their homes quickly surpassed the available supply. Some people were admitted to hospitals, but many were turned away from public hospitals either due to overcrowding or simply having incorrectly filled out the admission paperwork. The private hospitals and clinics require fees to be paid up-front, a cost so high that most could not afford. In both public and private hospitals, patients’ family members have to purchase and deliver any necessary medications, which are both expensive and in low supply. Many people did not even consider going to a hospital due to fear of getting even sicker, the belief that hospitals are where you go to die, and the unbearable thought of being isolated from their family members.
Within two weeks, several people had died, and the residents of the local villages realized the importance of taking precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors. They began wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, canceling family gatherings, and getting vaccinated. As a result, the curve is now leveling out, but the damage cannot be undone.
For most families of people who have required medical attention, the cost of care and treatments have either burned through all of their savings or left them deeply in debt. Hospital bills can be over $5,000 USD; fees for funerals (which are automatically charged by the local government) can amount to $1,000 USD or more. In many communities, neighbors and extended family have come together to raise funds to help in these situations, but even this cannot solve the problem.
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