Health & Safety In The Maldives

Given the huge number of four and five star resorts in the Maldives, it’s a relatively safe place to visit, health-wise. The Maldives has excellent medical and dental service available. In addition, there are pharmacies to get medicines that are prescribed and many private clinics and doctor’s offices in the capital city of Male.

The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’ is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high medical standards. All of the resorts are also very well equipped to handle medical problems with their own medical facilities and clinics. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.

Vaccinations

Normally, no vaccinations are required by the Maldives authorities. The exception is that if you are from a Central African nation or from South America, or if you have traveled through those areas to get to the Maldives, you need to have a valid certificate saying that you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Otherwise, you don’t need any specific vaccinations to enter the Maldives. If you want to be cautious, you should consult your personal physician for his advice. To be safe, visitors are generally advised to get immunizations for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B and those that intend to dive should get a medical check prior to going to the islands.

In addition to vaccinations, ensure that your general health is good prior to travel and you might consider taking a basic medical kit if you aren’t planning on staying in a resort. Most resorts have adequate facilities to treat minor problems that may occur, so a basic medical kit wouldn’t be necessary to pack.

Some of the common health problems that may occur to visitors include heatstroke or heat exhaustion, and motion sickness, and sunburn. Some infectious diseases may include fungal infections, diarrhea and hepatitis. Malaria and Dengue Fever may be spread through insects, so insect repellant might be in order. If you can’t bring it on the plane with you, you can purchase it in resort gift shops or in pharmacies in Male. Also, be careful when spending time in the water; it’s possible to pick up cuts, bites & stings.

Personal Safety

If you are going to dine in a resort, consider it very safe. The well known resorts have very high standards with regards to the quality of food served, food handling techniques, sanitation practices, and most employ highly skilled professional chefs to prepare meals for guests. The only time you may be at slightly higher risk is when eating in individual places such as cafes in Male, even though these places are generally fine too.

Drinking Water

Each resort has its own water desalination plant, so there’s no need to worry over drinking the water while you are there. If you are going to be away from the resort, make sure you only drink bottle water.  Bottled water is readily available in all islands.