Having a Baby overseas?
A new edition of "Help I'm Having A Baby" has just been
released and, due to the popularity of the video the price has also
dropped to £14.99.
A significant number of the 50,000 videos already despatched have
gone to expatriates (many via the internet) from 37 different countries.
This comprehensive video is 155 minutes long and is a practical
step-by-step guide for coping with pregnancy, easing childbirth
and looking after your new baby. If getting to ante-natal classes
is difficult for you this video will be a useful resource. The information
is presented by childhood education expert Ann Buckle with contributions
from doctors, midwives and parents.
To order your copy of "Help, I'm Having A Baby" go to:
www.babiesdirect.com or write
to Nursery Cottage Productions Ltd, P O Box 370, Newquay, Cornwall,
TR8 5YZ. 24-hour orderline: 44 (0) 1637 831001
SLEEPING SICKNESS ALERT
There has been an alarming upsurge of African Trypanosomiasis, Sleeping
Sickness, in Uganda and several other East and Central African countries.
The infection rate has reached the devastating peak of the 1930's
in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The disease
has re-emerged in Togo, Benin, Ghana and Gabon.
Infection - Is through the bite of an infected tsetse fly.
Habitat - Tsetse flies can be found in forests, thick shrubbery
and trees by rivers and waterholes.
Vaccination - There is neither a vaccine nor recommended
drug available to prevent African trypanosomiasis.
Symptoms - Can occur within months to years after infection.
Occasionally, 1-2 weeks after the tsetse fly bite, a red sore appears
at the site of the bite. Several weeks to months later other symptoms
occur. These include fever, rash, swelling around the eyes and hands,
severe headaches, fatigue, aching muscles and joints. Swollen lymph
nodes on the back of the neck may appear. Sleeping for long periods
of the day and having insomnia at night is a common symptom.
Treatment - Should be started as soon as possible and is
based on the infected person's symptoms and test results.
Prevention - Wear long-sleeved shirts, sleep under bed nets,
wear khaki or olive coloured clothing as the tsetse fly is attracted
to bright colours and very dark colours. Inspect vehicles for flies
before entering. Do not ride in the back of open jeeps or pickup
trucks as the tsetse fly is attracted to the dust. Avoid bushes
as the fly rests during the hottest part of the day but will bite
if disturbed.
NHS Treatment denied to Expats
Our tax consultant has advised that if a British expat works abroad
and is absent from the UK for three months, the 'medical practice'
is duty bound to return the patient's medical records to the Department
of Health.
The expat is subsequently regarded as not resident in the UK and
therefore not entitled to NHS treatment. Apparently, this applies
even though National Insurance contributions (class three stamp)
have been paid. So, it seems that paying National Insurance contributions
now preserves the state pension only.
Our tax expert is awaiting documentation from the Department of
Health to help us analyse why anomalies such as this exist. There
is no way that a GP will know if his expat patient is abroad unless
he has been notified, so the patient's records will remain active!
If your records have been returned to the Department of Health and
you need treatment upon returning to the UK, you will have to register
as a temporary resident, which means that a fee may apply. This
does seem absurd.
Insurance News for Saudi Arabia
It has been announced that there will be new rules in force on health insurance
affecting all expats working in Saudi Arabia.
The Co-operative Health Insurance Scheme brings expats and their
families into a compulsory scheme. Employers will be responsible
for arranging cover for their expat workers before a visa or permit
is granted or renewed.
The scheme is not yet finalised, but reports suggest that employers
will pay 85% of the scheme cost and expat employees will pay the
remaining 15%. However, there is still a question mark over who
will pay for the families.
Apparently the main reason for the change is because state hospitals
will be offering fee-paying facilities, helping to free the main
areas for Saudi nationals. Although western insurers will be able
to provide cover for expats under the scheme, companies which are
set up in accordance with Islamic principles may be the only ones
allowed to take part in the compulsory medical insurance provision.
Similar schemes are also being considered in other states across
the Gulf. UAE has already introduced schemes, without legislation.
