Medical Care and Emergencies

There are pharmacies everywhere in the Philippines, so if you have a minor ailment and need to buy medicine over the counter, finding one should not be a problem. The biggest chain is Mercury, which has branches all over the place, but even the smallest village tends to have some sort of store where you can buy the basics.

In Manila and other major tourist centres, hospitals are generally well equipped and staffed by English-speaking doctors. Hotels and resorts sometimes have their own doctor on duty, or can at least point you in the direction of a local clinic. In case of serious illness you will need to be evacuated, either to Manila or your home country, so make sure you have arranged health insurance before you leave home.

Emergency phone numbers
The 24-hour number for emergency services
(police, fire and ambulance) throughout the Philippines is 166, but bear in mind it doesn't always work in the provinces, where ambulances and fire stations are few and far between. Even in Manila the emergency services are not known for their efficiency.