Entrance exam, interview, costly registration fees and that’s not the end of the pain to even get the kids enroll into a school. We still have one more step to fulfill, need to bring them for a body checkup before they are even allowed to begin school.

So, I have more or less decided on the kindergarten to send Didi to and was ready to go down to the school for application and payments. However, the staff requested the body checkup report with the application form. Hey, Didi just did a similar checkup back in Shanghai in February before he started school with Okiki, however, they don’t accept that report!? And no, I am only supposed to go to the 4 hospitals they have listed. Erm, whats wrong with the other hospitals? Does it implies the other hospital aren’t qualified?

Nevermind, I called 朝阳区妇幼保健医院 and check their consultation hours. The lady told me the hours today is until 11am and told me to come down before 11am. So I rushed down with Didi but was told there were no more queue numbers left. I was advised to arrive early on Monday at 7am as they start to allow 挂号 at that timing. Damn, that sotong woman should have told me that on the phone instead of wasting my time.

So it seems that I have to start my day early if I want to save money by visiting public hospital. I also called the (private own) United Family Hospital to check their rates, naively hoping they might have special package for such checkup. Fat hope, the check up alone cost 2000rmb and the next available appointment is like 10 days later!??? WTH, so many rich people around!!!???

I have had much pleasant experience back in Shanghai when I need to bring the kids for such routine. But Singapore is the best, no need checkup at all!