First, mange tusen takk (many thousand thanks) to Tina, my PhD student colleague. She guided us through the lesson on Norway’s health care system.
Anya was not getting better. My earlier quandary about strep throat was confirmed with her distinctive symptoms that were manifesting. So, she suffered through the night with a bit of sleep, and Tina told me to call the Sandnes Legevakt or emergency services, advising me in what to say in order to get an appointment today. Fortunately, the symptoms justified an appointment, and Tina offered a lift. She warned us that if more urgent matters appear, we may be waiting for hours, which she was prepared to do with us! However, we were in and out with an hour, which was probably even shorter.
As stores are closed on Sunday, we were able to buy 5 penicillin pills prior to leaving. These will tide us over until tomorrow, when I can walk to the pharmacy. Otherwise, Tina was ready to drive to Stavanger to the one emergency pharmacy for us! With the emergency room visit and the penicillin, our bill was $6.44! This is socialized medicine with free care for all children under 16! This is the graciousness of my Norwegian colleagues!
Anya will miss school tomorrow, as she needs to wait 24 hours from starting the penicillin to not be contagious. At least, Anya is on the mend.
What a wonderful health care system!