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Health Services
Travelling to another country is always a concern when it comes to Health Care. Barbados is recognised as the most modern medical facilities throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Queen Elizabeth Hospital provides several specialist treatments, and also has a 24-hour casualty service. Barbados is reknowned for having one of the best fertility cetres availablewith a success rate of 54% and more affordable treatments than most other places, costing 1/3 of treatments in the USA and UK, plus you get to enjoy a relaxing trip.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required to travel to Barbados. However, travelers to Barbados, over the age of 1, are required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination but only if traveling from a contaminated locale. Although this the only health requirement visitors to Barbados must meet, a vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended since it is a frequently occurring disease on the island. Liberal use of mosquito repellent is also considered sound advice, as there have been occasional outbreaks of Dengue fever.
Health Information
Visitors who would like the most up-to-date information or those with questions about specific requirements are encouraged to contact the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s 24-hour hotline at 888-232-3228.
Medical Treatment
For health and medical treatment while staying in Barbados, first consult the hotel for recommendations in finding a medical clinic, dentist, or doctor. Many hotels keep doctors and dentists on call so in non-emergency situations, check with the concierge before making the trip to the hospital.
Barbados has a high standard of health care which is easily accessible to all. The main Government hospital - the Queen Elizabeth Hospital - has 600 beds and offers specialized care in areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, plastic surgery, radiology, etc.
Ambulances
- Q.E.H. Ambulance - 511 or (246) 426 - 0016
- Private Ambulance - (246) 435 - 9425 / (246) 438 - 4357
Hospitals
- Bay View Hospital - St. Paul's Ave. Bayville, St. Michael - (246) 436 - 5446
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Lower Collymore Rock, St. Michael - (246) 436 - 6450
- Woodside Memorial Clinic - Woodside Gardens, Bay Street, St. Michael - (246) 426 - 3053
- FMH Emergency Medical Clinic - 3rd Ave. Belleville, St. Michael - (246) 228 - 6120
- Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Sunset Crest Holetown, St. James - (246) 419 - 4911
Insurance
If an emergency vehicle is required, dial 511 immediately. Also, be sure to check if your insurance policy covers medical expenses incurred while traveling. Medical care in Barbados can be somewhat expensive, so if your insurance company does not provide sufficient coverage, you should obtain traveler's insurance before visiting the island. It is best that you have any paperwork from your own doctor if you may need it on your travels, including prescription information.
Prescriptions
Visitors prescriptions may be filled at local pharmacies, if you require a refill, make sure you have the appropriate documentation with you. If you need a prescription while on avcation you should consult with a local physician first. A list of pharmacies and medical practitioners may be found in the Barbados Yellow pages.
Pharmacies
- Lewis Drug Mart - (246) 435 - 8090
- Knight's Pharmacies - (246) 417 - 5232 (Warrens)
- Pearson's pharmacy - (246) 432 - 0118 (Holetown)
Dentists
Dental Services in Barbados are generally very comprehensive. Tenax Central Corporation compromises a group of highly trained specialist consultant oral surgeons, with many being trained in the USA & UK. Treatment here is comparably inexpensive,hence you can cover the cost of your trip and procedure with the money saved by doing the treatment here. To contact the Tenax Corporation you can call them at (246) 435 - 9504, and they are located at #2, 6th Avenue Belleville, st. Michael
Drinking Water
Drinking water in Barbados is piped-in and treated for sanitation. Piped-in water is usually safe to drink because it is filtered and chlorinated. However, the chlorination could cause mild abdominal upsets, so if you're prone to stomach problems, it may be wise to drink bottled water, which is readily available.
Food Safety
Cigatuera is a neurotoxin found in fish that normally feed on reefs. This toxin is not a problem in hotels and restaurants in Barbados as these establishments take extra precautions when selecting fish to serve guests, but be wary of catching and cooking reef fish yourself. Be particularly cautious of amberjack and barracuda. In fact, before heading out on a fishing expedition, ask for guidance on the prime spots to catch cigatuera-free fish. Symptoms of exposure to cigatuera include tingling in the fingers, mouth, and toes.
A few precautions should prevent many potential health hazards, and a basic familiarity with the medical procedures on the island should allow visitors to be prepared for any possible situation that may arise while in Barbados.
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