Health in Fiji

Healthcare in Fiji

Healthcare is good in Fiji. There are hospitals and health centers around the country. The largest hospitals are in Suva, Labasa, Levuka, Lautoka, Ba, Savusavu, Sigatoka and Taveuni. To call an amublance, dial 911. The government-run medical facilities provide free care to local residents. They also treat non-residents for a fee. There are also private facilities that are usually no more expensive.

Agriculture-related importation laws

Tropical diseases, including malaria, yellow fever and cholera, occur very rarely in Fiji, since the country does its best to protect itself against animal, human and vegetation-related pests and diseases. Fiji's import laws and restrictions are some of its methods to ensure that illnesses and other health risks do not enter the country.

The importation of vegetable seeds, matter, or any animal product into the country is prohibited unless the individual possesses the relevant import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests. A permit is also required for the importation of dogs, cats and any other live animals. These animals must be kept in quarantine isolation on arrival, with the length of the isolation period depending on the animal's country of origin. Quarantine officers are also stationed at the Fijian international ai rports in Nadi and Nausori and at the ports of entry for vessels.

Vaccinations to enter Fiji

No vaccination certificates are required for entering Fiji, except a yellow fever vaccination certificate for those who are entering the country within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer in infected areas.

Fiji food and water safety

Food and water-borne diseases are the leading causes of illnesses among travelers visiting foreign countries. These preventive measures will help protect you from getting sick through food and water:

• Drink only bottled or boiled water and carbonated drinks in bottles or cans. Avoid fountain drinks and tap water.
  
• Make sure food is fully cooked before eating it.
  
• Do not eat dairy products, unless you know that they have been pasteurized.
  
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating. However, if soap and water are not available, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Preventing insect bites and other animal bites and scratches

Diseases, such as dengue, Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis and filariasis (philariasis) are diseases carried by insects that occur in the Pacific island region.

Following these precautions can help prevent you from contracting diseases through insects and other animals:

• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat outdoors (especially in the rainforests) to protect yourself from insects.
  
• Use insect repellent.
  
• Do not feed or touch any animal, including dogs and cats. Even if they appear healthy, they can still carry diseases.
  
• Help children stay safe by supervising them around all animals.
  
• If you are scratched or bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and go to a doctor immediately. Also, after returning from your trip, make sure to tell your doctor or state health department that you were scratched or bitten by an animal during your stay.

Avoiding and protecting yourself from vehicle-related accidents and injuries

Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of injuries among travelers. To lessen the chances of getting into an accident and/or help reduce the severity of injuries from it, follow these tips:

• Wear your seatbelt at all times and keep children in the backseat in car seats or booster seats.
• Follow local traffic laws.
• Avoid night driving.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Wear helmets when riding motorcycles, bikes and motor bikes.
• Avoid getting in an overloaded bus or mini-bus.

Medicine and other items you may need

You may need the following medicines and other items during your stay, so you should bring them with you for health and safety reasons:

• Your prescribed medicines: Make sure you have enough that will last the entire trip.
  
• Diarrhea medicine
  
• Sunglasses and sunblock to protect against harmful UV rays from the sun.
  
• Alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes.
  
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat to wear outside to protect against insects.