We’ll help you primarily understand the Dominica healthcare system, Dominica’s country profile regarding health statistics, and provide a guide to medical care in the country.
Healthcare Facilities Available in Dominica
Since this is a small island nation, medical care is somewhat restricted. Dominica currently has one main hospital – Princess Margaret Hospital (Contact No- (767) 448-2231/5720).
In addition to this, the country has another hospital and various other healthcare clinics. In case of emergencies, private hospitals in Dominica are equipped to tackle them.
The ambulance service in the country is also limited, and in case of emergency evacuation to other countries, you might have to pay a hefty amount of money. Payment through cash for medical services is the preferred mode of payment in the country.
Access to healthcare services in Dominica
Drinking Water Source – percentage of total population unimproved – 4.3 percentage
Drinking Water Source – percentage of the urban population improved – 95.7 percentage
Hospital Bed Density – beds/1,000 population – 3.8
Physicians Density – physicians/1,000 population – 1.59
Sanitation Facility Access – percentage of total population unimproved – 18.9 percentage
Sanitation Facility Access – percentage of urban population improved – 79.6 percentage
Sanitation Facility Access – percentage of rural population improved – 84.3 percentage
Access to healthcare for specially-abled people
Antigua and Barbuda is divided into seven health districts, each with its own public health clinic offering citizens and residents free and straightforward access to healthcare services. Private health clinics in the country’s larger towns and cities require upfront cash payment for treatment.
Compared to countries like the United States, access to medical services for disabled people is challenging in Dominica. Be it pedestrian paths, transportation, sidewalks, or ramps, it is not very friendly for people with disabilities to navigate the medical infrastructure of the country. Moreover, restaurants, buildings, and buses could be more accommodating for specially-challenged people in the country.
Here are some key statistics for Dominica regarding health issues, including mental health disorders, infectious diseases, and mortality rates based on data from the WHO, the World Bank, and UNICEF.
Statistic
Rate
Life Expectancy (2021)
74 years old
Infant Mortality Rate (2021)
32 per 1,000 births
Cancer Mortality Rate (2019)
180 per 100,000
HIV infection incidence rate (2021)
9.7 per 100,000
Health Advice for Expats Traveling to Dominica
Expats needing medication are encouraged to bring an ample supply of all prescribed medications in their original labeled containers for their stay in Dominica.
Expats should ensure they have sufficient health coverage from a reputable travel insurance company, including evacuation coverage. Expats living in Dominica would benefit from private insurance.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
The Dominica citizenship by investment program allows foreigners t obtain a Dominica passport in return for a $100,000 donation to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund or a $200,000 real estate investment.
Take a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
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Compared to healthcare in other developed countries in the Caribbean, Dominica has limited access to human resources, medical supplies, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
What is the life expectancy in Dominica?
According to the World Bank, the average life expectancy in Dominica is 74 years in 2023.
Does Dominica provide free healthcare?
The Dominica government provides free primary healthcare for its citizens, including pregnant women and those suffering from communicable diseases, at seven major Dominica healthcare centers and 44 treatment clinics.
Does Dominica have hospitals?
There are five hospitals in Dominica. Among these, four are run by the Dominica government, and one is privately run. The Princess Margaret Hospital is the primary hospital in Dominica and the most well-equipped to deal with emergencies, followed by other Dominica hospitals, including Marigot Hospital, Grand Bay Hospital, and Portsmouth Hospital.
What are the health issues in Dominica?
Dominica faces health challenges from chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country. Communicable diseases also pose a risk in Dominica, with 14 new cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 in 2019 and 9.7 per 100,000 new cases of HIV in 2021, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Since this is a small island nation, medical care is somewhat restricted. Dominica currently has one main hospital – Princess Margaret Hospital (Contact No- (767) 448-2231/5720).
