This morning, I visited Rangpur Medical College and I don't even know how to relay the shock I was in when I first walked through the door. I was not even aware that hospitals like this still exist in 2011. However, I met with some very nice, educated, dedicated, and passionate doctors that made me realize that medicine is the same all over the world, despite the aesthetics. I am constantly reminded that no matter how corrupt and ridiculous we feel our government/country/healthcare system is, we are so lucky to be Americans! We toured the pediatric ward which is a large room with rows of beds. If the babys were small enough, there were two to a bed. The NICU consisted of a room with isolettes lining the walls (not much less aesthetically pleasing than our NICU at Mount Sinai honestly). Some neonates were under white lights and I didn't get the chance to ask if they were onto something there that we aren't, or if they just weren't able to get actual bili lights. There was a special room for kids with diarrhea...I won't go any further about that room. Then, there was a large room with a sign above the door that said "isolation" where about 30 beds were full of patients all together...no gowns, masks, gloves, fancy signs, Mona walking around. It was one of the most enlightening experiences I have had this entire trip.
Then, the day went downhill as we boarded our "sitting bus" as Jasim calls it which means that we pay to actually have a seat, vs standing, vs riding on the top of the bus. Seriously! You can pay a certain amount for a seat, less if you are willing to stand, and even less if you are willing to ride on the top of the bus. If you knew how these people drive, I would equate riding on the top to sky diving! I will hear honking in my sleep tonight! 
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