LOOSELY defined, an accident is "an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance". Typically, accidents result in harm, damage or injury, and more often than not the impact is costly both financially and psychologically to the people involved.
In this first instalment of a series of my stories unpacking the issue of medical travel or tourism, I will narrate mostly from my own experience, following a tragic and horrific road traffic accident late last year.
Recently an international organisation ranked Zimbabwe third on the worst roads to drive on globally, meaning they are a hotbed for accidents and trauma with very limited trauma services available the country.
This often leads the survivors being placed in several groups depending on the gravity of their injuries and the infrastructure at hand. Is it safe? In the worst-case scenario, a survivor might pick up injuries that need specialist attention and complicated medical procedures.
In my case, after a couple of botched surgeries locally, it was time to look elsewhere and travelling to India came at the top of my options. This is why I felt compelled to unpack the phenomenon of medical travel, which has become the most significant treatment option for those needing specialist medical treatment.
It’s not a stroll in the park until you have the right partner to travel with. It needs meticulous planning and know-how so that you don’t falter along the way. My experience started with me having undergone the trauma of multiple surgeries back home and the last surgery, particularly, being botched. While I don’t aim to blame anyone for this, a botch-up is a complication and I had to look for other options to save myself without having to undergo similar trauma again.
Favour found me as one of my sisters, who had undertaken this journey, immediately linked me with an international partner to help to carry my cross. The next step was identifying a specialist surgeon in India. The search for the right specialist was made easy by my partner who provided me with first-hand information about the doctor and the medical facility that best suited my condition.
Sharing my medical history was another huddle as I found it difficult to give such personal information to strangers but counsellors helped me to overcome the challenge and eventually I opened up marking the beginning of a life-saving journey.
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After that I received a detailed report as to what my problem entailed, the type of surgery required, the costs involved and the time it may take to make a full recovery. The emotional stress of leaving home and the comfort of family was always going to be there but the move had to be made to ensure my well-being.
As soon as I met the specialist doctor — a bubbly young surgeon — he helped me to regain confidence, especially after going through his resume which chronicled a series of successful surgeries.
The first meeting resulted in a series of diagnostic tests being done under one roof, again another major milestone considering the urgency required in my case. On my fourth day after landing in India, I can safely say I was ready for theatre.
Watch out for...Medical travel: Here's what you need to know (Part 2). The author is a Zimbabwean road traffic accident survivor. She can be contacted on [email protected] and 0711925773
