Medical information for North Cyprus

Health care in North Cyprus is of moderate standard, with good hospitals and many beds to serve. There are both government and private hospitals and doctor’s surgeries, much of them situated in bigger cities. The Central State Hospital is in Nicosia and there are other smaller hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke. Many of the private-sector doctors seated now in the TRNC speak English as they have been trained in the United Kingdom or the United States. The prices for medications can range from well below UK price to more than triple.

Ambulance call: 112

Since North Cyprus is not an EU member, medical insurance covering the whole Europe is in fact inapplicable here. Although visitors to Northern Cyprus do not require any medical treatments prior to entry, the health insurance should be arranged before traveling, especially when you are planning to spend holidays in the TRNC your insurance is a necessity. Accident and emergency facilities are available at local hospitals.

In North Cyprus pharmacies sell the majority of prescription drugs over the counter but if you need a course of antibiotics for not a serious illness, you can simply prescribe for yourself and buy the medicament from the pharmacy instead of visiting a doctor. Furthermore many of the pharmacists, provided they speak English willingly advise you which drug to take depending on the state of your condition.

Most dentists follow the government scale of fees, but the charges should be requested prior to treatment. Dental treatment in the TRNC is of high standard and comparing to the UK, prices are much lower. Professional eye tests are available in all towns of the TRNC. Although contact lenses are of reasonable price, there is a wide range of designer, quality spectacles which are much cheaper than in the UK.

• Do not drink the water coming from the taps as it may be mixed with harmful particles. Bottled water is widely available.
• Most stomachaches are caused by a mixture of too much sun, alcohol and a change in the diet. Imodium quickly disposes of the problem.
• Jellyfish are not that common as sea urchins. If you are unlucky to tread on it, a sterilized sewing needle, scalpel and olive oil are effective aids for removing spines. Wear a pair of swim goggles and footwear for walking over rocks to avoid them.
• To prevent a nasty reaction to mosquito and sand fly bites try rubbing anti-histamine cream on the affected part.
• A good sun block lotion and a hat should be used to avoid the danger of sunstroke and direct sunlight on the head should be avoided. Take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
• Snake bites are rare but should the worst happen, cover the bite with a cloth. Apply a tourniquet above the bite if it is on a limb but not so tight as to cut the blood supply off. Seek medical attention immediately.