Why pay more?

This morning, Vicky told me that she felt tremor 5 mins ago. I just woke up and didnt feel anything. She told me that the fish tank was moving and the hanging lights too. She said if it lasted longer, she would have woken me up and took Caleb downstairs. Haha. I might have felt it when I woke up but probably didnt think much since I always feel a little dazed and groggy after waking up.

Anyway, Vicky also told me that Caleb's blocked nose is worse. I could also hear from his breathing that it was getting more blocked. So after his milk, we went to the polyclinic at about 830am. I dropped Vicky there first before finding a place to park my car so that she can take the queue number.

After I parked my car, I joined her in the polyclinic and she said the number pass already. I asked her how come she didnt go forward to register. She said she dunno what to tell the receptionist. So, I went to take another number and within 20 mins, I was called up and am glad, Vicky didnt go up the first time as I was also certain she didnt know how to register Caleb.

I must say I was very impressed with how fast,efficient and orderly the polyclinic's system was. After registering, I went up to the 2nd floor to wait to see the doctor. waited for probably about 20-30 mins and the doctor was a young lady who was quite patient and nice to Caleb. After seeing her, I went to the vaccination room to book appointment for Caleb's next immunisation.

You see, I have been visiting Baby & Child Medical Group at Tampines since Caleb was born because by default. He was taken care by Dr Ho from East Shore who has a clinic in Tampines. So right after Caleb was discharged, he went there for follow up and his BCG jab (since he was underweight then) and one thing led to another. By the time I knew, I went to the clinic for about 6 times already for his vaccinations and blood test for jaundice and each time I go there, I pay about $30-$110 as well as having to wait for 30 mins - 3 hours! The last time I went to that clinic, I waited for 3 hours and told myself that it would be the last time.

It was unfair as the clinic's opening hours is 930am and I went there at 925am and got the queue number, 12! I was shocked as there were not many people in the clinic. So, I asked the nurse how come my queue number so far behind even when I come early. The nurse say, next time ask your maid to come get queue number early in the morning lor. I was disgusted as the clinic opens earlier for maids to come down to the clinic to get the queue number and then go back home. So unfair! So from that day onwards, I decided to go to the polyclinic as Vicky says its much cheaper and no need to wait so long, as compared to 3 hours!

So today was a good, first-time experience in the polyclinic and I was impressed. Impressed by the short waiting time because of the many counters they have and impressed at how cheap it is.

First of all, here is a medicine Caleb was given when we visited the pediatrician at Tampines because of the wind he has in the stomach.



Consultation alone was $35 in the private clinic!

During this visit to the polyclinic, Caleb was given 2 types of medicine- one for his nose block and the other for his phlegm.



I thought it would be expensive since I got 2 types of medicine. But look at how much I had to pay...



A mere $1.30!!! The total cost is actually $6.50 but because I am a civil servant, I get a subsidy and the $1.30 actually comes from one of the medicine which is not subsidised. So if not for the particular medicine, it would be free for me!

So from now on, I would not pay more to go to a private clinic to see the specialist and pay ridiculously high price for the consultation and medicine and even cramp myself in the small clinic with lots of babies and kids crying.