The War on Drugs

I think we lost that one. It looks like they have struggles here too. I read more and more about drug busts here in Kuwait. Seems like the MTV culture exists even in a country where alcohol is banned.

It is so weird though when you need what are considered controlled substances in the USA. I have been suffering from bronchitis which was triggered by the change from dry, hot Iraq; to humid, hellish Kuwait. I hacked so much my head hurt and I had trouble sleeping. I had no antibiotics but I did have my steroidal inhaler with me. I knew I needed the drugs but did not want to go to another doctor to be told, "Hey MiG, you have bronchitis and and need a steroidal inhaler and some broad based antibiotics." No shit Sherlock.

I stopped at one of the multitude of drugstores here hoping that it is as loose as Dubai. Dubai has the loosest pharmacies I have ever seen. You wnat Viagra. No problem. You want Valium. No problem there either. The only problem is when you carry it out of country. I decided to give it a shot.

I walked into a clean looking place with a big neon sign for Panadol. Panadol is sort of like British Tylenol so I knew it was at least semi-legit. I walked up to the counter and an Indian fellow asked if he could help me. I asked of he had any broad based general antibiotics preferably in twice daily dosages. He looked at me like I had asked him for the physics breakdown for cold fusion. I asked again. Same result, the moose look.

Finally a local with a brilliant white lab coat walked up and asked if he could help me. I told him what I wanted. He started asking me diagnostic questions about signs and symptoms. I politely explained that I am a former paramedic and have a background in pharmacology. I also told him my condition was chronic and I knew what I needed. He started shaking his head and telling me that only a doctor could tell me what I really needed and that I should visit the doctor upstairs.

Yep, that's right, upstairs. I explained that I did not need a doctor I needed Amoxicillin. He stated again that I should see the doctor. I had enough by then. I looked him in the eye and said, "I'm not going upstairs to see some quack with a mail order degree from Bangladesh State University. If they don't have an NCAA football team, I'm not interested. What I am interested in is some Amoxicillin."

He looked at me rather quizzically and that is when I decided to be diplomatic and asked if he was going to,"Sell me the fuc*&^% Amoxicillin or do I go else where?" I got the Amoxicillin and harsh looks after that.

Yep, Kuwait is as jacked up about drugs as Dubai but at least they make you work for it.