Dominica Healthcare System: A Guide for Travelers and Expats

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Contents

The Commonwealth of Dominica’s health system provides a high quality of care for the country’s residents and visitors. This guide offers an overview of the Dominica healthcare system, covering medical infrastructure, private health insurance options, health policies, and tips for travelers and expats. 

Dominica Healthcare System Overview

Dominica has a mix of public hospitals and private clinics. There are five public hospitals in Dominica, and the main hospital is Dominica China Friendship Hospital (Princess Margaret Hospital), which had 74 beds in 2021. Dominica’s healthcare system is funded by the country’s social security scheme, meaning citizens receive primary healthcare treatment at no direct cost, including basic medical care and medicine and overnight stays at public Dominica hospitals. 

Dominica Healthcare Expenditure  

Dominica’s Ministry of Finance funds healthcare through Dominica taxes and social security contributions from taxpayers and those living in Dominica. The most recent data from the World Bank reported that Dominica’s public healthcare expenditures accounted for 6.5 percent of GDP in 2021.

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Dominica Health Policies  

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Health policies and regulations the Dominica’s Ministry of Health has implemented include:   

  • National Mental Health Policy 
  • Disaster Resilience Strategy 
  • National Insurance Scheme 
  • National Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Commission  

Cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO)   

Public Health Initiatives (PHIs) were established by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is overseen in collaboration with the Dominica government to fund health projects, medical supplies, initiatives, and medical facilities in cities and rural areas.

Dominica Medical Facilities  

For expats considering Dominica citizenship by investment and moving to the country, the capital city of Roseau is home to the country’s main healthcare facilities. 

Dominica China Friendship Hospital: Formally the Princess Margaret Hospital, the Friendship Hospital is Dominica’s central hospital and most equipped medical facility. Contact: 1 767-266-2000 

Marigot Hospital: Marigot Hospital in Marigot is a vital medical center for residents in the north of the island. Contact: 1 767 266-2800 

Private hospitals  

Justin Fadipe Medical Centre: The Justin Fadipe Medical Centre in Mero is Dominica’s leading private hospital. 

Pharmacies   

Pharmacies in Dominica include:   

  • Jollys Pharmacy Ltd in Roseau 
  • Bullseye Pharmacy in Portsmouth 
  • DSN Pharmacy in Berekua 
  • Adams Pharmacy & Laboratory in Roseau 

Opening times range from 7:30 or 8 am to 6 or 8 pm, Monday to Saturday. 

Health and Mortality Rates in Dominic

Dominica citizens had an average life expectancy of 72.7 years. Key statistics for the country’s profile regarding health issues include mental health disorders, infectious diseases, and mortality rates based on research by the WHO, the World Bank, and UNICEF.

Statistic

Rate

Life Expectancy (2021)

72.7 years old

Infant Mortality Rate (2021)

13.8 per 1,000 births

Crude Death Rate (2021)

9 per 100,000

Natural Disasters  

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As a tropical Caribbean country, Dominica is prone to impacts by natural disasters, primarily from hurricanes. Past natural disasters include Hurricane David in 1979, which claimed 56 lives and left more than half the total population homeless, and Tropical Storm Erika in 2015, which resulted in 20 fatalities and impacted 16,000. 

Diseases   

Beyond the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, viral diseases are uncommon in Dominica. The World Health Organization, Global Tuberculosis Report released data of 16 cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) reported a HIV infection incidence rate of 9.7 percent per 100,000 in 2021. 

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 13.3 percent of Dominica’s adult population suffered from diabetes in 2021, highlighting concerns regarding obesity, high blood pressure, and the need to allocate funding to human resources in healthcare. 

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Dominica Health Advice for Travelers and Expats 

Travelers should read the latest information on government websites like cdc.gov and gov.uk concerning health and safety in Dominica. Foreigner citizens who require prescription medical supplies should bring sufficient medication in its original container with the date and a signed letter from their doctor.   

Private health insurance will add to the Dominica cost of living. However, compared to several other countries in the Caribbean, Dominica has limited medical services, and healthcare insurance with emergency evacuation coverage ensures more comprehensive care if needed. 

The CDC and the WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travel to Dominica:   

  • Hepatitis A   
  • Hepatitis B   
  • Typhoid   
  • Rabies   
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) 
  • Rubella (MMR)   
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)   

Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in Dominica

Dominica’s main hospital and other public facilities offer fair healthcare. Expensive healthcare costs do not burden citizens, as the National Insurance Scheme funds primary healthcare services. Improved governance and sustainable funding through partnerships with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) contribute to the country’s health goals. 

Dominica offers free primary healthcare to citizens and residents through social security, including pregnant women and those suffering from non-communicable diseases. Private medical services in Dominica must be paid for with a foreign or Dominica bank card.

The Commonwealth of Dominica has two medical schools, Ross School of Medicine and All Saints Medical School, offering accredited medical programs to citizens and international students. 

According to data from the WHO, the primary health issues and causes of death in Dominica are non-communicable diseases, including:  

  • Heart disease  
  • Stroke  
  • Cancer 
  • Diabetes 
  • Chronic respiratory diseases 

A private health insurance company can provide private healthcare in Dominica at one of the country’s private medical facilities. Insurance companies like Pacific Prime Insurance, BUPA Global, and MSH International offer comprehensive medical care with international Caribbean healthcare coverage.

Dominica’s tropical climate can be challenging for citizens and travelers prone to mosquito bites. While mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, Zika, and dengue fever are a risk, cases of malaria and yellow fever are uncommon. 

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