
A thermometer that has been purposefully held close to the heater shows 42°C, miserable facial expression and a nose protruding from under the blankets – all this makes up a picture of t typical schoolchild who is trying to skive off the lessons. Children see this as a kind of game, and think that they are the smartest and the most quick-witted. Adults, on the other hand, can just smile in response to this “wittiness”. However, the real illness is unlikely to make anyone smile. Worry for the loved one is a typical response in this case.
Unfortunately, in Kazakhstan the widespread mistrust of the health care system is added to the common worry. Almost everyone in the country can tell about either personal negative experience or share a relative’s or a friend’s adverse story about the local hospitals and health centers.