Fishing Frenzy

Finding a doctorin Zambiaoften is a matter of serious concern for travelers and visitors. One of the important things to remember is that the medical care you receivewhile in Zambia need not be of the same standard and at the same cost which is available in your home country. Private Referrals Ask your friends or colleagues to refer you to a good general practitioner and a specialist if you are looking for one in particular. Going through a common contact like a friend, colleague or even a relative will help you establish a good rapport with the doctor. Besides that you can be sure of a certain level of service and attention as someone you know has already experienced it and recommends it too.

Company Physicians A good place to begin looking for quality medical care is the company or organization that you work with may have an in-house physician. Most company physicians may have their private practice or would be happy to refer you to some of their peers.

Public Places Most t public establishments like large hotels and city centers have in-house physicians who are available during certain hours, the standard business hours in Zambia are 8 am to 5 pm. These places are a good starting point in your search for a doctor in Zambia.

Local Embassy Enquiring with your embassy may throw up a few suggestions from the staff. Though they may not recommend anyone's services in particular the consular staff may know about some good, local doctors and if you are discreet enough may be you will get some valuable tips.

Government Hospitals Zambiahasok government hospitals and you could visit them to explore the facilities or even go in for a simple examination so that you can decide about the quality of staff and medical attention available there.

Online Resources Using the internet makes it very easy to find anything and the same applies to finding a doctor abroad. The following are excellent online resources where you can register to broaden your search:

1. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (http://www.iamat.org): Membership to IAMAT is free but they are a non-profit organization so donations are always welcome. The benefits of membership are access to a directory of English speaking doctors in 125 countries and territories, a membership card which entitles you to treatment at special rates at IAMAT physicians, a pre-departure clinical record to facilitate treatment abroad and free publications relating to prevention of diseases and infections. Whatever source you choose to locate a doctor in Zambia, here are a few prerequisites that you cannot ignore.

Read Up and Research There is no substitute for this and you must read up and research to gather sufficient information about doctors and medical care available in your new country. Online research is simple, quick and within everyone's reach.

Carry Your Prescriptions and Medical History Your doctor in a new country would most certainly require information about your medical history so be sure to carry all your reports, latest prescriptions together with a list of ailments and allergies to facilitate further diagnosis and treatment.

Language Related Issues If you are looking for a doctor who speaks English make sure make this known to anyone you approach for a reference. Language should not be a barrier since English is the official lauguage in Zambia. With these tips and resources your search for a doctor in a new country will be simple and quick.