Stanislav Kucher: "Panopticon"

The journalist talks in detail on Facebook about his visit to a children's clinic in order to find out the prices for dental services. In the end, it was not possible to complete this seemingly simple task. About the difficulties of making a copy of a price list and the role of management in the lives of ordinary people.

"Children's clinic. I'm approaching the registration desk.

- Hello, can I see the price list of paid dental services?
- On the wall.

In the lower left corner of the giant bulletin board I find the required A4 sheet of paper. The sheet is under cloudy glass, the font is small, the printing is terrible, it’s impossible to read.

- Excuse me, but can I get it from there?
“I’ll clarify now,” the administrator calls someone and, having received an affirmative answer, takes out three yellowed pieces of paper from under the glass at once.

Of course, my eldest daughter’s mother is to blame for everything. It was she who asked me to stop by the clinic and take a photo of the price list in order to check the prices for treatment. They refused to give her this information over the phone. I take out my iPhone to take a photo and see that the battery is dead.

“Sorry again,” I say, “Can I make a photocopy?”
“You can’t,” the administrator answers sternly. - Besides, we have a paid photocopier.
- So is it possible or not? I have to pay - I'm ready.
- It’s impossible in any case.
- But why?
- Because.
- Hmm... Even children are taught that “because” is not the answer. Maybe explain what the problem is?
- We are not allowed to make copies of documents.
- So this is the price list of your paid services, which can be photographed.
- And permission to use a photocopier can only be given by the authorities.
- Fine. Then ask your boss for permission. It is in your interests to get another client. You are a paid clinic.
- We're only half paid! - the administrator measures me with a very unambiguous look and understands that she has come across a nasty client. She silently gets up, takes the price list sheets and leaves.

- Don’t worry, now she will coordinate everything with her superiors and they will decide there! - a nice woman of about 35 in a blue security guard uniform calms me down. - We have very good leadership.
- It’s strange that for such a small thing - making a photocopy - you need a decision from good management.
- What else is management needed for? - The female security guard smiles peacefully. “That’s what we need to do, to decide what is possible and what is not.” Even in small things.

I understand that it was really not in vain that I came here for this stupid price list.”