Page 296 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

294  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Health and Medical Matters Pharmacies
The national pharmacies are
Thanks to the good health services, and the absence of not well stocked and generally
most tropical diseases, a trip to Cuba should pose no reserved for Cubans. Medicines
unusual health risks. All the international hotels have a are sold only upon presentation
doctor on 24-hour call, and the first visit, as well as first-aid of a prescription. In these
pharmacies foreigners can only
service, is free of charge. However, owing to the present purchase medicines made from
economic difficulties in the country and the embargo, natural ingredients, including
everyday pharmaceutical items are in very short supply. syrups, tinctures and vegetable
Normal pharmacies are rarely well stocked, but the essences, which are made on
well-supplied farmacias internacio nales – international the premises. They are excellent,
effective and cost virtually
pharmacies which charge in conver tible pesos – are now nothing (they can be paid for
found in many towns. However, it is best to bring your own in pesos). On the other hand,
supply of usual medicine – pain relievers, fever reducers, the international pharmacies,
antibiotics and stomach treatments – as well as strong which are located in Havana
sunscreens and insect repellents. and more tourist resorts, stock
various medicines that can be
bought with or without a
prescription, as well as over-
the-counter products not
found in the tiendas.

Public WCs (Restrooms)
Public toilets are hard to find,
and they are often dirty and
without water. Toilet paper is
A Cuban ambulance limited and it is wise to carry
a good supply with you. Be sure
Vaccinations Health Insurance
to leave a tip for the attendant.
No vaccinations or inocu lations Cuba requires that all visitors to
are required for visits to Cuba and Cuba and non-Cuban residents Illnesses
it is quite safe to travel around the hold a valid health insurance
entire island. Malaria is no longer policy. Those who do not may Summer colds are quite common
a threat thanks to a successful be required to purchase in Cuba and it is a good idea to
eradication campaign, but there insurance at the airport. This is carry a light sweater or jacket for
have been recent outbreaks of provided by Asistur, Cuba’s these occasions.
cholera and dengue fever. travel emergency help Asthma sufferers may find
There are restrictive sanitary organisation. US-issued medical that the humid climate could
regulations only for those insurance policies are not valid trigger an attack; visitors to
arriving from countries in which in Cuba. Citizens holding these Cuba with respiratory problems
yellow fever and cholera are must seek extra cover through should always carry their usual
endemic diseases. Havanatur Celimar. medicine (packaged) and an
Medical Treatment
Cuban public health care is
free of charge, efficient and
superior to that offered in
any other Latin American
country, though it has been
put under severe pressure by
the US embargo.
The national service is
reserved for Cuban citizens.
Foreign visitors are treated in
international clinics or in
public hospitals, where they
will have to pay for treatment
in convertible pesos. On the
plus side, they are given more
comfortable rooms. Entrance to the historic Taquechel pharmacy in Havana (see p76)

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