A Woman From Gomel Was Charged 50 Rubles At A Clinic For A Consultation That Never Took Place

And this is a common practice

A woman from Gomel hreads.com said that the clinic demanded she pay for a consultation that no one actually performed.

“Here’s the situation,” she writes. “I need to have my tonsils flushed. I call the clinic. ‘Yes, yes, sure.’ The procedure costs 20–25 rubles. And 50 rubles for a consultation. What kind of consultation is that?

I know what I need; there’s a separate section for services on the website. Do I have to pay 50 rubles just so they’ll tell me, ‘Yes, you need to have them flushed’? What’s that all about?

The last time I went, a year ago, this didn’t happen.”

Social media users reported that this is a common practice in Belarusian healthcare facilities. The website Charter97.org cites some comments:

— I also called private clinics, and they said I need a consultation first, and only then can I get the procedure done if there are no contraindications. But I was lucky—at the clinic where I’m registered, they perform the procedure in the day hospital. And yes, they make you get examined first there too, but at least everything is free.

— It’s the same here in Minsk. Everyone wants money.

— Buy a special syringe and flush it out no matter the weather. I’ve been doing this for 10 years, even though I could have it done through my insurance. But it’s more convenient at home.

— I’ve been thinking it might be easier to learn how to do it myself at home.

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