HEALTH IN TURKEY

DOCTORS & DENTISTS

English is widely spoken among health-care professionals. Hotels and
embassies can advise on local doctors and dentists. Medical services
can be expensive, though dentistry is usually cheaper than in theWest.

PHARMACIES & MEDICATION

Travelers should ensure they have enough medication to last during
their trip, as well as a copy of the prescription or a letter from your
health-care provider explaining that the medication has been prescribed
for you. All medications should be stored in carry-on baggage,
in their original containers with clear labels.

Pharmacies are generally well stocked and pharmacists are knowledgeable
in advising on the treatment of minor illnesses. Englishspeaking
doctors are easy to find and foreign-run hospitals are available
in larger cities and resorts.

FIRST AID KIT

A first aid kit should include: Band-Aids, adhesive bandages, gauze,
tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, antiseptic cream, antiseptic
wipes, heat spray, diarrhea medication, antihistamine, aspirin,
ibuprofen, digital thermometer, cold remedies, insect repellent containing
DEET (Jungle Formula is the best on the market), sunscreen
and aloe gel for sunburns.

Remember, a medical kit is only useful if it is easily available. It should
be carried in a car or in carry-on luggage on excursions. Basic first aid
kits and specialized sports and family medical kits are available from
pharmacies and outdoor stores in the US. These websites sell a range
of medical kits: Adventure Medical Kits, www.adventuremedicalkits.
com; Chinook Medical Gear, www.chinookmed.com; Harris International
Health Care, www.safetravel.com; Travel Medicine, Inc, www.
travmed.com; Wilderness Medicine Outfitters, www.wildernessmed
icine.com.

VACCINATIONS

The World Health Organization recommends vaccines against Hepatitis
A, Malaria and Typhoid for travel to the Middle East region,
which includes Turkey. A booster may be required for tetanus-diphtheria
and measles. Discuss your travel plans with a health-care provider
to determine which vaccines you will need.

HOSPITALS

Major cities and resorts have private hospitals that maintain international
standards.