Although there is a very limited stock of
time for me these days to tend the garden of my blog and in the process walk
into the blogging meadow to graze over those green fodders that supplements educational and literary nutrition by different bloggers, not doing either,
makes me almost mentally uncomfortable.
At this season of my study routine, I am busy
bulldozing academic journals to excavate and gather the bricks of relevant literature
to construct my thesis. But at times, some inflammatory and informatory
articles that keep floating on the web undeniably appetite me to weave some
posts for my blog.
One such kind that forced me to squeeze my
time is about a condom in Venezuela that
costs more than an iPhone. Reports claim that owing to its economic shrinkage,
consequent repercussions have vibrated into the plains of the country’s health plunging
into a sea of crisis. The worst thing is that now a 36-pack of Trojan condoms costs
$750. In a South American nation
that sustains a high number of STDs and teenage pregnancies, Venezuela is
fearful of pushing the country backwards in terms of countering this health
issue.
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| 36-pack Trojan condom Picture courtesy: Click LINK |
As I was drenched with the thoughts related
to this scenario, the picture of my country Bhutan appeared in my mind. A nation
with a populace of just 700,000 is so lucky to have free healthcare and basic
education. Thanks to our farsighted, legendary and benevolent monarchs.
And more than that, it has been enshrined in
the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan that every individual has a right
to avail of free medical amenities and basic schooling.
Medical commodities like
male contraceptives (condom) are largely available and freely distributed from
any dispensary in our country with a noble vision to prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS.
We have a story of Mr Tshewang Nidup popularly known as ‘Condom Man’ that surfaced on the front pages of
international newspapers for distributing condoms to drivers and bartenders. Most
significantly, Her Majesty the Queen mother Ashi
Sangay Choden Wangchuck in her capacity as the UNFPA Goodwill ambassador works
tirelessly with the local communities to prevent and promote reproductive health
issues and teenage pregnancy.
During such advocacy programs, it is always followed
by dispensing free male contraceptives to encourage safe sex practices. Now that
Health is one of the 9 domains of Gross National Happiness, it is always on the
list of priorities no matter what and which government comes into power. So as
a bona fide citizen, realizing such medical freedom and comfort, I always feel
so lucky to have been born in this beautiful Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom.
Bhutan truly is where happiness is place.
“Things only have the value that we give them”- Moliere
how lucky are we the bbhutanese
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tashi.
DeleteFor that kinda price, those condoms had better clean the house and cook meals. That's ridiculous! (Are they at least reusable? HA!)
ReplyDeleteTomorrow, I will be doing my post for your blog award, and I thought you might like to know. Again, thank you so much for giving it to me. I found a lovely photo of prayer flags in Bhutan to use as my header to go along with the post. I hope you like it.
That sounds funny but it is wrong with the economy. Hope situation will improve.
DeleteI'm astounded to know that a condom costs more than an iPhone. It's a jaw-dropping news for me. But the fact is disease cannot differentiate rich and poor even if that $750 condom can.
ReplyDeleteEvidently, fortunate Bhutanese like us are always fortunate to be born in this small big peaceable lovable nation of Bhutan where every facility is as free as air, nothing to be worried. Forget about free facilities, the in-charge people like above about 'Condom Man' would render door-to-door services.
Hope everything is going well everyday with sound in health. Regards from me. Do Great. Take Care. :)
We are not only fortunate but very fortunate indeed. Thanks to our greatest Kings.
DeleteVisiting fromb Susan's blog - and loving what I see.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to hear of a Government which focuses on the well-being of the community, instead of the well being of the economy. If only mine would follow suit.
I'm also visiting from Susan's blog (and a new follower). I read about the problem in Venezuela this morning. Sad, sad, sad. If more countries, including mine, had proper health care so many people would be happier!
ReplyDeleteCondom costing $750! Better die then to have sex lol~ haha....
ReplyDeleteThe exorbitant prices are really shocking. But nice to know Bhutan provides primary education and health services for free.
ReplyDelete$750 for a pack of condoms...that is unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteIt is no wonder there is such a problem with teenage pregnancies and STDs there.
I had considered condoms to be expensive here, but I will never complain again now!
Have a great weekend.:)
I am with you Dumcho... If anything condoms should be cheap if not free... I don't think we should be encouraging our teenage children to have sex but I won't bury my head in the sand and not teach my daughter to protect herself. I was a teenager after all... I remember what it was like.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I live in a country where we are afforded education and health caret too... it's not free as it is covered by our tax system but I am forever grateful for it :)
Thanks to our beloved kings and RGoB. May the people of Bhutan blessed with free medical facilities.
ReplyDeleteThat is a ridiculous price, and a way for making their population suffer big time. They need to get their priorities straight. What they're facing with their health crisis will have long-term effects for many, and the entire country.
ReplyDeleteWow, that price is highway robbery.
ReplyDeleteOutrageous! How are we allowing this? And how did it get to that really? The world is mental. :P
ReplyDeleteVery useful information was shared by author. It’s really help for to know more information about free condoms government
ReplyDelete