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Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. 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. Some resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
Points to remember
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from infected areas.
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Maldives. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
Malaria is present, though disappearing.
The water provided in the resort areas is generally safe to drink. In other areas water of uncertain origin used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Food in hotels and resorts is usually risk free, although visitors should be cautious elsewhere.
Other risks
Hepatitis A, B and E and poliomyelitis can occur. Tuberculosis and diphtheria vaccines are sometimes advised. Rabies may be present although there have been no reported incidences in animals or humans since 1996. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
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