AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Medical Services on the island??

Tillie, I can only assume that you live full time on the Island per your post. I can't say either way....havn't heard that accusation from our friends.....many of which are locals.

When I was first living here I got really eaten up by pica pica and was told to go to the government clinic which was then up by the high school. I was seen within 10 minutes, diagnosed by the doctor, given and injection by the nurse and several prescriptions to take with me. When I asked how much I was told a donation would be appreciated. I signed over a Travelers check.
The next year I went back for the same thing, sat down and thought I was being ignored when no one came and talked to me. Within five minutes the doctor called me in and had my previous visit papers in front of him. They didn't have to talk to me, they remembered my name. Same donation given.
I have called Dr. Dan's office to see when I could be seen and each time they have said come right after lunch - 2:00. Only one time did I have to wait about a half hour while they took care of an emergency.
I've gone to Dr. Lerida Rodriguez and she is an expect in tropical diseases. I've had a lot of problems with fungus infections. Never had any wait with her.
Dr. Otto Rodriguez is also wonderful and is the doctor for the Hyperbaric Chamber.

Like Sun&Sand - I worked for 30 years for a county hospital and clinic system. We were lucky to get an appointment in less than six weeks. Once you are backed up there is no catching up - the docs here are not backed up.

The reason the fees are so reasonable is there is no malpractice insurance here, government agencies to bill - endlessly - HMO's to interfere with treatment plans, etc. What a delight. I don't even turn my bills into my US insurance company and am pleased to pay what they charge me here.

Nurse Natalie's list is very comprehensive.

My tongue is bleeding from the restraint I am exercising.

Having had the pleasure of having Dr. Dan as my next door neighbour for quite a while, Tillie's comments are not that accurate. Anyone who came knocking at night, most times on my door first, were in need of real attention. If they weren't they were given advise and sent on their way. It wasn't that frequent of an occurrence.

I contracted some sort of persistent infection from something I touched underwater. I saw Dr Otto at the Polyclinic, seven visits in all including some injections, and it worked. I honestly couldn't have expected better treatment (both clinically and socially) from my family doctor in England. The doctors & nurses here work with restricted resources (eg. no X-Ray machine on the island) but IMO do an excellent job. They also work for an absolute pittance. Sadly any contributions made go to the government to offset the cost of free welfare; I'd like to see some going to the staff on whom the whole edifice depends.

My wife was in a golf cart accident at night several months ago. She was hurt and within about 5 minutes Dr. Zuniga was on the scene helping. He did an excellent job and I would recommend him to anyone visiting who might get sick or hurt for some reason.