What is healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago like?

Facilities and Health Information

Medical care is significantly below U.S. standards for treatment of serious injuries and illness, with limited access to supplies and medications. While care at some private facilities is better than at most public health facilities, patients may be expected to prove their ability to pay before assistance is given, even if emergency care is needed. Patients requiring blood transfusions are expected to arrange for at least the same amount to be donated on their behalf. Physicians and nurses have been known to go on strike, causing strain on public and private medical services. Ambulance service is extremely limited in the quality of care, response time, and the availability of vehicles. Most ambulances lack standard emergency life-saving equipment.

The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for travel to Trinidad. However, CDC does NOT recommend vaccination if you ONLY plan to visit Tobago. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from an infected area within a 5-day time period or have an onward destination that requires proof of vaccination for travelers coming from a country with Yellow Fever.

Dengue fever deaths have been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago as recently as 2011. Dengue is the most common cause of fever in travelers returning from the Caribbean, and is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Usually dengue fever causes a mild illness, but it can be severe and lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be fatal if not treated. People who have previously been infected with dengue fever are at greater risk of contracting severe dengue. There is no vaccine for dengue. To avoid infection, it is advisable to utilize insect repellent and ensure lodging or residence has adequately screened areas to prevent the entrance of mosquitos. Commonly used repellents usually contain one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.

Marine hazards include corals, jellyfish, sharks, and sea urchins. Heed posted warnings at organized beaches, and do not bathe at unmarked, unpatrolled beaches. Use extreme caution at Maracas Beach on Trinidad, as the tides and undercurrents can be dangerous, and waves can exceed five feet in height.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

93.1%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

6.4%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

97.4%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.5%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.1

People Living with HIV/AIDS

15,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.18

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

7.9%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

92.1%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

92.1%

Disability Access In Trinidad and Tobago

Accessibility

While in Trinidad and Tobago, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Trinidad and Tobago has no statutes mandating equal access for persons with disabilities to the political process, employment, education, transportation, housing, health care, or other citizen services.

In Port of Spain, few sidewalks have wheelchair ramps. In fact, most sidewalks are impassible for wheelchairs, due to the deep gullies that run alongside most roads. Additionally, cars parked on sidewalks, uncovered manholes and other obstacles force persons in wheelchairs onto the main roadways in what can be very dangerous traffic conditions. Since only a small portion of public transit conveyances are equipped for persons with disabilities, most wheelchair-bound persons are home-bound.

Disclaimer

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