Job Discussion Forums

[Penelope1]

Hey,

I searched online previously and learned that the medical exam for the WP in Vietnam includes: blood test, chest x-ray, height, weight, and blood pressure. What else does the exam comprise of? What blood tests do they take?

Also, do they ask you what medications you take? I take medication for non-serious pre-existing conditions like mild anxiety and hypothyroidism. I am just curious if having these common health problems could cause problems for me when taking the health exam. Does anyone have any insight about this?

[LettersAthruZ]

When I went to get mine, there were no question verbally asked of myself nor written on any forms about current medications I might be taking.

I'm figuring that, in your case, if nothing is written on the form, and nothing is asked......well......

Pretty much all that you listed above is what they did to me.....except they also made me take an eye exam.

I have no guess at all what the blood tests are for! No clue. I figured that if it showed I had AIDS or Leukemia or something nasty, I'd be denied my Work Permit and would prolly also be escorted to the airport by now......

[Penelope1]

Thanks! You are probably right and if its not on the form then nothing will be asked...

Thanks for the advice and letting me know what I will be experiencing in the next few months.

[Oh My God]

[toiyeuthitmeo]

Hi,

One quick note/ question. Is your anti-anxiety medication available in Vietnam? We've heard about problems with getting such drugs. The Vietnamese have not caught the boat on psychotropic medicine, which, when considering the over-medicated populations of the West, might not be such a bad thing. It could make it difficult for you to find what you've grown accustomed to.

About the health check, when I did my check there was a urinalysis; a comical affair involving a ridiculously small test tube, a horrid WC, and a pleasant stroll through throngs of people whilst holding said test tube, being careful not to spill. Was a few years ago, maybe this part of it has been dropped? It was not a drugs test and nor is there one these days, so rest easy, ye toking masses. There was also an EKG check, eye exam, quick teeth and throat exam, and a cursory chat with a surgeon who asked "You have any hell prollem?" I actually did have an infected gash on my toe from putting my motorbike kickstand down on it, and thought, what the heck, free medical advice, so I pointed down at my toe, and he chuckled and said "You say "No" ok?" and sent me on my way.

[Penelope1]

Hey,

That is a good question. The one I take, a generic called Citalopram, is very common in the U.S., but how would I find out if I could buy it there? I am wondering if one of the international hospitals there have pharmacies that would offer it.

[toiyeuthitmeo]

Hi,

Any type of mood disorder / depression / psychoactive pharmaceutical is going to be really hit-or-miss at the typical pharmacy. Diazepam (Valium) is widely available at many street pharmacies, but is regarded as a strong (and dangerous) sleep aid, not as an anxiety reducer. It's been known to make an otherwise-terrifying Mekong coach journey a bit more placid, and is not difficult to obtain.

Contact FV Hospital pharmacy on 08 5411 3380 about your particular script.

I've worked with two teachers who ended up leaving Vietnam because they couldn't get various medications-- both were a bit misled by the school's portrayal of the local healthcare quality. So if it's really important to you, do the groundwork and checking on your own.