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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
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HI guys, I am planning a trip to AC this fall, and I just have a question about medical services offered on the island.
The only Medical Clinics I have been able to locate online are:
1. Los Pinos Medical Clinic
2. Lions Club Medical Clinic
Could someone tell me if both of these clinics general medical clinics? (Like walk-in clinics in the west?) Does anyone know what type of physician(s) work at these clinics (Specialists, GP's)? Can a foreigner, finding themselves ill, go to either of these above mentioned clinics for help? Or is there another place non-locals go? Have any of you guys been to either of these two clinics?
I know that is a lot of questions; I really appreciate any answers you folks can lend.
Thanks again,
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 991
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Any of the clinics are perfectly OK for a non citizen. We have utilized a couple of them during our stays in SP, and find the doctors and staff knowledgable, kind, caring, and affordable. Don't worry, go and relax. Only thing, if you have a chonic medical problem, make sure you have enough of your medications to carry you through, since not all meds are available on the island. They can come close, but it isn't worth the risk.
Live so that when you arise in the A.M, Satan shudders & says..
'Oh sh t..she's awake!'
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
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OP
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Are they like Western clinics where the wait times are several hours? I assumed b/c there seems to be so few clinics to service a fairly large population that they must be busy? is that true?
I think we are staying very near the Los Pinos Clinic... Honestly I am not concerned but my wife is worried about our kids - I am trying to ease her mind. I read an article about Dr. Damera on your San Pedro Times website - is she the doctor who runs Los Pinos Medical Clinic?
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 991
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There is a real difference between citizens in SP and citizens in the US. In SP, the only go to the clinics when they are really in need of medical attention. Here in the states, some ppl go for every little ache and pain. I speak from experience, a RN in the ED for 10 years. We see ppl who wake up and just don't feel right, before they have even taken a tylenol, they are in the ED. In SP, the go after they have exhausted every home remedy, and aren't improving. So, as a result, there is a very short wait time, unless there is something "going around" and the whole neighborhood has it. Not very likely.
My hubby had kidney stones the last time he was there, and was taken care of very well, just as good as in the states, but for about a fifth of the cost. And, even tho they didn't have the most modern equipment, he was still treated with drugs comparable to what we would have treated him with here at home.
I suggest you bring tylenol, an epi pen if you or your little ones have any allergies, and perhaps some benadryl, and a first aid kit. If you need anything further, the clinics are very good, with real doctors and nurses.
If something comes up that you need major medical attention, you can be flown to the mainland to a hospital, or to the states for that matter. Don't let "what ifs" keep you from enjoying the island.
Live so that when you arise in the A.M, Satan shudders & says..
'Oh sh t..she's awake!'
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,018
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I've been the the Lion's Club Clinic on several occasions. Have been seen almost immediately. Good GP's. The Lion's Club Clinic is a no charge facility no matter where you are from. However, I've always given them a donation.....certainly do not want to take advantage of their generosity.
I'm happier than a pig in s__t...a foot on the sand...and a Belikin in my hand!
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Joined: Mar 2008
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This is great info for all visitors. Thanks for sharing...
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,299
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Los Pinos is good
They do charge per visit - around $30 bzd - Sometimes there is a wait time but not too long
The other thing about here is you can get a lot of things at the pharmacy that you could not get without a prescription elsewhere
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 517
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Dr Daniel Gonzalez, Ambergris Hopes Clinic, OB, GYN and General Medicine 226 2660/ 606 2316.Private practice and does a lot of charity work for underpriveleged.
DR Otto Rodriquez, General Medicine 226 2854/225 2536/604 7599
private practice and govt doc at Polyclinic.
Dr Teresa Damera, General Medicine,private practice, Los Pinos 22686/602 6385
DR Lerida Rodriquez, Gastroenterologist and General Medicine. private practice. 226 2197/ 620 1974
DR Miquel Allison, private practice, General Medicine, 600 9071 /603 1755
Dr. Zuniga, General Medicine, private practice and govt doc for the Polyclinic, 2262536/2264016/600 7410
For emergency transportation or First Aid, call Island Ferry, all staff extensively trained in advanced first responders courses 226 3231
I am an RN and CNM, worked at some time with all of them, especially with Dr. Gonzalez, all great people and wonderful doctors.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 160
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There is a real difference between citizens in SP and citizens in the US. In SP, the only go to the clinics when they are really in need of medical attention. Here in the states, some ppl go for every little ache and pain. I speak from experience, a RN in the ED for 10 years. We see ppl who wake up and just don't feel right, before they have even taken a tylenol, they are in the ED. In SP, the go after they have exhausted every home remedy, and aren't improving. So, as a result, there is a very short wait time, unless there is something "going around" and the whole neighborhood has it. Not very likely.
My hubby had kidney stones the last time he was there, and was taken care of very well, just as good as in the states, but for about a fifth of the cost. And, even tho they didn't have the most modern equipment, he was still treated with drugs comparable to what we would have treated him with here at home.
I suggest you bring tylenol, an epi pen if you or your little ones have any allergies, and perhaps some benadryl, and a first aid kit. If you need anything further, the clinics are very good, with real doctors and nurses.
If something comes up that you need major medical attention, you can be flown to the mainland to a hospital, or to the states for that matter. Don't let "what ifs" keep you from enjoying the island. since you don't live in SP what makes you feel they don't go in for every like ache and pain? I hear quite the opposite and that they go in even in the wee hours of the morning for a scrape or headache.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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(Like walk-in clinics in the west?) You mean like in Guatemala?
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