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Healthcare System information/Insurance news |
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While Sri Lanka is emerging as a modern industrial economy, there are still many aspects of society that have yet to improve to the standards seen in fully and moderately developed countries worldwide. The healthcare system in Sri Lanka is one of these. As such there are many important factors to consider when traveling to the island nation, in terms of the healthcare in place and what to expect from medical service there. Emergency medical treatment in Sri Lanka is not readily available outside the main urban centers, and you may have to be taken to Colombo for medical treatment. Medical facilities are not always of a standard expected in western nations, particularly outside Colombo. Treatment in private clinics and hospitals can be pricey and the options for evacuation to your home country or neighboring countries in case of a serious medical emergency are limited and extremely expensive.
The 2006 Report on the worldwide AIDS epidemic under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) found that around 5,000 adults aged 15 or over lived with HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka. The prevalence rate of the illness was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in many developed nations of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. Along with this serious illness, other health risks abound. These include certain food and waterborne diseases, such as chikungunya, malaria and dengue fever which are prevalent in Sri Lanka. Figures for dengue fever specifically have increased dramatically over the last month. It is advised to keep away from stray animals, such as cats, dogs and others due to the risk of rabies. In 2008 there was a confirmed outbreak of Leptospirosis (rat fever) in the nation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. While there have been little to no cases to report in Sri Lanka thus far, you should continually monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The Government of Sri Lanka has installed certain measures at the Katunayake (Bandaranayake) International Airport to keep watch over passengers entering the nation, and their medical conditions. Visitors coming in from A (H1N1) swine flu affected countries will be subject to questioning and medical testing for symptoms that may arise from the ilness. Anyone suspected of having swine influenza will be sent to immediate and mandatory quarantine at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda. Transfer to any better equipped facility is not allowed by the Ministry of Health, so it is essential that you seek medical attention if you display any symptoms of A (H1N1) before travelling to Sri Lanka. Make sure to follow reports on how the country continues to handle passengers at its main international hub.
While Sri Lanka is on high alert to avoid the spreading of the swine influenza within its borders, there have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) in Sri Lanka during the current series of outbreaks. But the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region. You should keep in mind that outbreaks can occur at any time, and keep following reports on the latest coverage of medical emergencies that may plague Sri Lanka. While not a serious threat, as a precaution keep away from bird populations and follow the advice of local authorities on the methods to avoid illness while visiting the island nation.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Sri Lanka and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre. Last but not least, given Sri Lanka�s less than average medical services, it is highly recommended that you acquire a comprehensive medical and a travel insurance package before travelling there. Any serious medical emergency would probably require evacuation from the country, thus leading to a high medical bill. To ensure that you avoid serious financial troubles due to an unforeseen mishap, obtaining this policy will allow your travels in Sri Lanka to be worry-free.
For more information about the Sri Lanka, international medical insurance that we can provide, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today. |
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