Doctors & Clinics in Seychelles
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Capital: Victoria
Population: 95, 843
Official language: English, Seselwa, French
Time zone: Seychelles Time
Emergency #: 151
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: No
This archipelago – consisting of 115 islands – is well known for its beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves. Visitors can explore the Victoria Botanical Gardens, the rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park, and hiking along the Copolia Trail.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Seychelles may differ from your home country. Seychelles has both public and private healthcare. On Mahe there are two hospitals and several smaller private medical centres. Healthcare on the outlying islands is limited – there are three hospitals on the islands of Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette providing basic care, as well as doctors who are employed by hotel resorts to provide basic medical care. Public healthcare in Seychelles generally does not meet international standards. There is only one decompression chamber for divers in Seychelles located in the hospital in the capital city of Victoria on Mahe.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Seychelles typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation – possibly to South Africa or Nairobi, Kenya – will be required for complex medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance. Coverage for medical evacuation is a high priority. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Seychelles.
Public pharmacies in Seychelles are generally accessible and well-stocked, but some prescription medications may be in short supply or unavailable. Travellers should pack a sufficient supply of essential medications for the duration of their trip.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Seychelles’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Roads in Seychelles are generally in poor condition and poorly-maintained. Roads may also be very narrow and winding. Drivers and front-seat passengers in vehicles are required to wear seat belts, but all passengers should wear seat belts for safety. Motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to wear helmets at all times. In Seychelles, traffic drives on the left.