General information about healthcare in the Dominican Republic
Over the past couple of years, healthcare in the Dominican Republic has improved a lot. It is definitely way ahead of the systems in neighboring countries like Haiti, for example.
The services offered by healthcare providers in the DR will likely be more affordable than in Europe and the US. However, this sometimes comes at a price, as the standards won't always be the highest, depending on the region.
Lately, more and more so-called health tourists, mainly from the United States, are coming to the DR to get their dental services done. This medical field is considered to be very well adapted and comes with good value at lower costs than in the US.
Healthcare in the Dominican Republic has a two-tier system. This means that the government provides essential services to every person in the country, and you can upgrade if you want additional care, which usually includes better access and overall quality. Take into consideration that government-paid healthcare might be free, but it definitely is below the standards of a first-world country.
Most of the time, these public clinics provided by the government are marked by a lack of staff, medical equipment, and also medicine. It could even happen that the patient has to make sure they have their own supplies! It is not uncommon for Dominicans to take care of their loved ones when they are in the hospital and bring food, medicine, etc.
You can find the best hospitals (first-class private clinics), which offer the latest technology and methods, and well-educated and experienced staff in the city of Santo Domingo as well as in Santiago, another main city in the Dominican Republic. Most of the personnel will be able to communicate fluently in English, and many of them were educated abroad, probably in the United States. So, if you are facing major surgery or something serious like a transplant of an organ, these types of clinics will be the ones performing them.
Also, in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, two major tourist areas, you'll have excellent healthcare facilities and are among the top-rated clinics in the entire Dominican Republic. The hospitals probably won't be the same size as the ones in the bigger cities, but at least you can be assured of finding English-speaking staff to make sure to explain your health issue adequately and get the necessary attention. Be aware of the prices in these hospitals, as they are mainly built for tourists and foreigners. They will probably charge you way higher than a regular clinic would do.
Public hospitals
Basically, there are four different types of health care available: public hospitals, tourist area clinics, private clinics, and major public/private hospitals.
There is a public hospital available in every large town, and the medical treatment is free, but usually, medication, X-rays, stitches, etc., have to be paid for. Some hospitals do not charge for X-rays and stitches. The standard of care is average at best, and they should only be used in dire emergencies. The in-patient has to provide their own sheets, pillows, toilet paper, food, etc., and their family members basically look after them. It is doubtful that any English will be spoken here.
World-class hospitals
The second type of hospital is the world-class hospital, which is located in the two major cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago. These hospitals have the latest equipment and top medical professional staff. They have private facilities along with public facilities, but they are not free, although all take medical insurance. Nonetheless, they are still significantly cheaper than the United States, for example. These hospitals will carry out everything, including heart operations and organ transplants, and some, although not all of the staff, can speak English, so these would probably be the best choice if you're in need of attending a more severe matter.
Tourist hospitals
In the touristy and heavy expat areas, there are private clinics where all or most of the staff speak English. Although they do not have the same high standards as the hospitals in Santo Domingo and Santiago, they are usually of high quality with a good standard of patient care in private rooms, operating facilities, and intensive care units. They will usually be more expensive than the private clinics mentioned below but are often the best choice in case of an emergency, mainly because the staff will be able to offer their services in English, which can be a crucial factor when experiencing health issues.
Private clinics
The final type of hospital is the private clinic, which is used by local people who do not want to go to public hospitals. There are usually three to five in each town, and they are of a higher standard than public hospitals but are generally unable to deal with anything overly complex.
Consultations
All of the different types of hospitals offer consultations, usually by specialists rather than General Practitioners. Most do not keep files on patients, and consultation is rarely made without an analysis of blood, X-rays, and other tests.
In-patient care
All Dominican hospitals will always put patients on a saline drip immediately and will almost always administer IV antibiotics, whatever the problem is, even if it might not require saline drops or antibiotics. In addition, the nursing staff does not perform the same duties as in the UK and USA, in that they only administer the injections, change dressings, etc. The family is supposed to look after the patient, bathe them, and provide food, and most family members will stay with the patient around the clock.
Family doctors/ general practitioners
These types are not very common in the Dominican Public, and you might find them in more rural zones of the country. The best advice is to find yourself a physician who specializes as an internist and start seeing him as your general practitioner because they can send you to another specialist to treat your problem in case they are unable to do so. You can also look for one clinic that offers various services and specialists, so you'll have all you need under one roof. Apparently, the tradition of word-of-mouth to choose a clinic is still the best way in the Dominican Republic. Ask acquaintances or friends, and neighbors to help you find your way within the world of healthcare in the DR.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are called farmacias in Spanish and are available everywhere, with even a small town having around 20. They have long opening hours, and many also have delivery services. In addition, colmados will also have some essential medicines such as antibiotics, cold and flu aids, and painkillers in most convenience stores.
Almost all medicines are available over the counter, including strong painkillers, antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and sleeping pills. The only drugs that require a prescription are narcotics, such as morphine, although some pharmacies will also provide this without a prescription, even though it is against the law. Most pharmacies will also prescribe medication simply upon you telling them or showing them the problem, which saves a trip to the doctor.
It is not necessary to buy a whole packet of tablets, and they are all sold singly. A typical antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or blood pressure pill will cost RD 10 (USD 0.20). Most pharmacies will give discounts for cash as opposed to credit card payments, so it is always worth asking for that as they may 鈥渇orget鈥� when they see a foreigner.
In addition to brand names, there is also a wide range of generic drugs, but it is thought that around 10% of all medicines in the country are fake, so you should check what you are buying.
