Puerto Rico’s network of public and private health institutions
compares favorably with that of many states of the United States of America. Many Puerto
Rican doctors are graduates of U.S. medical colleges and many others
are graduates of the excellent medical schools that exist on the Island.
Major health plans are accepted at most Puerto Rican hospitals and
other health facilities.
Public health matters are handled by the Department of Health (Departamento de Salud), telephone (787)766-1616.
HEALTH WORRIES
Alert your teenagers (and other sexual gymnasts) to the fact that sexually transmitted diseases are quite prevalent among the young folk on the island, especially around the night crowd at discos, pubs and such. The Island has the third highest rate of AIDS disease in the whole United States. Condoms are readily available.
You are wise to refrain from using tap water for human consumption purposes. Many homemakers are using bottled water or a combination of the various water-filtering systems available locally. See the section on WATER for further information.
Mosquito-transmitted diseases include Dengue, a type of flu which may prove deadly in one of its varieties. Mosquitoes are most prevalent during the rainy seasons. Remove any containers where water may accumulate in your yard to prevent providing a breeding place for mosquitoes. Make sure your home is adequately screened. Use flying-insect sprays to control the mosquito population around your home. Low, dark spots are favorite daytime hiding places for these creatures.
The air in the land areas nearest to Cataño are said to contain many pollutants from refineries and from the electric power plant established in the area. Public concern on the subject has so far brought insufficient action from government authorities. Several concerned groups have alerted to the high incidence of pulmonary diseases and cancer in the areas surrounding the plants suspected of emitting the pollution.
With so many beaches and pools all over the island, it should not be really necessary to use lakes and rivers for swimming. They may be contaminated. Swimming in them will contaminate them even more.
Beware the tropical sun. It is responsible for many of the ills besetting the newcomers. Use sun screens and other protection regularly, especially if you have sensitive skin or have just arrived from a lengthy stay in cold-weather climates. The use of sunglasses is also advisable.
Abortions are legal during the first three months of pregnancy.
Clinics are listed in the Yellow Pages under Planificación familiar.
As in other countries, there are frequent protests from
anti-abortion groups which include occasional demonstrations in
front of abortion clinics.
If you cannot find the information you need, and we will try to help you find it.