CURATED BY NIKI DE WITT
In Rwanda, patients are seeking medical treatment in neighboring towns across the border in Burundi. The Burundian national health service is reportedly faster and since the exchange rate is in the Rwandese’s favor with one Rwanda franc equaling over two Burundi francs, it is also cheaper.
FROM SYFIA INTERNATIONAL/WORLDCRUNCH
GAHARA ““ Nsengimana, a fiftysomething merchant from this town in eastern Rwanda, is ranting against his country’s medical services. “Old Gerard died in May in the courtyard of Gahara’s health center. The nurses refused to take care of him because he hadn’t paid the health insurance fees for all of his family members,” Nsengimana says.
As the anger rises in his voice, Nsengimana says that in Rwanda someone can be denied treatment even if just one family member has not paid for their health insurance card.
“The authorities lock us up in their offices for hours and demand that we sell our cattle so that we can pay for the card,” adds Yoweri, a fellow merchant”….Continue Reading
Niki is currently exploring Asia while working on a children’s book series about travel. As a child, she traveled and moved often for her parents’ jobs. As a result of this, she has always felt most at home when she’s off and away. She is interested in international films, working on building an impressive tea collection, and can often be found with her camera in hand. You can have a look-see at her blog and follow her on Twitter @nikidding.