Submitted by Hayeon Park on the 2020 winter session program in Portugal sponsored by the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences…
I wish this adventure would never end. Time flies when you’re having fun! In these past three weeks, I’ve gained a better perspective on people, culture, and life itself.
While Europe provides universal healthcare, many patients must wait until their condition becomes critical to receive care. Unless they want to pay to go to a private clinic, patients are left waiting. Like in America, only the wealthy receive the best treatment. I’ve also learned that many gypsy communities live in Portugal and most of this population is illiterate. Therefore, doctors spend large portions of consultations simply reading and explaining basic documents. This dilemma creates an inefficient system.
It’s a sad reality, but poverty exists everywhere. Yet, I think Portugal does a better job to take care of their less fortunate population. The hospitals will keep patients for extended periods of time after treatment if they have no place to go. While the government knows this can lead to other issues, Portugal continues to find a better solution for the homeless. Also, the hospitals provide free drug treatment to those with addictions. They will provide substitutes and other medications to slowly wean the addicts off. In America, I don’t believe we view the homeless or addicts as our issue, rather as bad people who made poor decisions. I think we could learn from Europe as a whole that we need to take better care of our people.
While I am excited to be back home, I know I will miss the beautiful country of Portugal. I hope to be back soon!
