15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Sudan
Last updated on May 03, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Sudan is generally lower than in the United States. Emergency services are limited and often unreliable. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the local police station or a private ambulance service. However, due to the limited availability of ambulances, response times can be long.
How are healthcare services Sudan?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sudan, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Sudan are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is available to all citizens. However, the quality of public healthcare is generally considered to be low due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Sudan typically use the private healthcare system, which is more expensive but offers better quality care," said one expat living in Sudan.
What are medical services in Sudan like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sudan, they replied:
"Sudan has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more specialized care. The quality of medical services in Sudan varies depending on the region and the type of facility. In general, the public health system is underfunded and lacks the resources to provide adequate care. However, the private sector is growing and is providing better quality services," wrote an expat living in Sudan.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sudan?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Sudan can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many medical facilities in Sudan are not up to international standards, and the cost of medical care can be high. Furthermore, the cost of medications can be prohibitively expensive for many people," remarked one expat in Sudan.
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What are emergency services like in Sudan?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Sudan wrote:
"Emergency services in Sudan are limited and vary in quality depending on the region. In general, the availability of emergency services is limited and response times can be slow. To call for an ambulance, one can contact the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, which is the main provider of emergency medical services in the country. Additionally, one can contact the local police or fire department, which may be able to provide assistance," wrote an expat living in Sudan.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Additionally, the city of Omdurman, located just west of Khartoum, is also home to a number of medical specialists. In the northern part of the country, the city of El Obeid is known for its excellent selection of medical specialists. In the east, the city of Kassala is home to a number of medical specialists, as well as a number of hospitals and clinics. Finally, the city of Port Sudan, located on the Red Sea, is also home to a number of medical specialists," remarked one expat living in Sudan.
Are common prescription medications available in Sudan?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Sudan. Most medications are available in pharmacies, although some may require a prescription from a doctor. The availability of certain medications may depend on the region, as some medications may be more difficult to find in rural areas. Additionally, some medications may be more expensive in Sudan than in other countries," commented one expat living in Sudan.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Sudan?
"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Sudan varies greatly depending on the region. In general, medical facilities in Sudan are limited and often lack basic medical supplies and equipment. Medical care is often provided by poorly trained staff and is often inadequate. In rural areas, access to medical care is even more limited, with many people having to travel long distances to access basic medical services. Despite these challenges, there are some areas of Sudan that have access to better medical care and facilities," wrote an expat living in Sudan.
As a foreigner living in Sudan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Sudan have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens and permanent residents, and foreigners may be able to access it for a fee. The public healthcare system is mainly focused on primary care, with some secondary and tertiary care available in larger cities. The public healthcare system is supplemented by a number of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care," remarked one expat in Sudan.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Sudan if they have access to public healthcare in Sudan. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Sudan. The country has seen a shortage of medical supplies, including masks, gloves, and other protective equipment, as well as a lack of testing kits. This has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care to those in need. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a strain on the already limited resources of the healthcare system, leading to overcrowding in hospitals and clinics. This has resulted in long wait times for patients seeking medical attention, as well as a lack of access to specialized care. The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as providing additional funding for healthcare facilities and increasing the number of medical personnel, but the challenges remain," remarked one expat living in Sudan.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Sudan?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Sudan about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Sudan before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Sudan. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Sudan. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the registration of a baby in Sudan. Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Sudan, as medical costs can be high," remarked one in Sudan.
Are healthcare services good in Sudan?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Sudan. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Sudan are generally limited and of poor quality. The country has a shortage of medical personnel and a lack of access to modern medical equipment and medicines. The majority of healthcare services are provided by the public sector, which is often underfunded and understaffed. Private healthcare services are available, but they are often expensive and out of reach for many people. The government has made efforts to improve healthcare services, but much more needs to be done to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare," said one expat in Sudan.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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