Medical Memo

Not all shipboard medical expenses mirror those high cruise line rates mentioned in the Feb. 11 Healthy Traveler (“Medical Costs Afloat”), at least they didn’t back in 1988 when my wife needed attention aboard the M.S. Bashan on the Yangtze. In a well-equipped surgery, a thorough examination of her swollen leg, followed by acupuncture, cost $3 and cured her ailment. The charge was added to our laundry bill, and in his spare time, the doctor helped move furniture. The Chinese apparently have their own ideas as to the value of their medical services--a lesson, perhaps, for us Westerners!

ROBERT L. ROD

Marina del Rey