Health Services and Getting Sick in Palestine: It happens, maybe it was spending twelve hours in a plane with sneezing strangers, maybe you’re just too tired. Either way you’re bent over the toilet vomiting, running a fever, and coughing a lung out. You’re sick and you’re in a foreign city. How do you deal with an illness in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine?

First, it is worth mentioning that the hospitals, whether municipal or private are where to go when one needs to see a general practitioner. Local doctors offices tend to have specialists, which cater to specific diagnoses rather than general illnesses or injuries.

Bring Your Medications If You Take Any!

The first tip is to prepare before you leave home. If you take any regular medications, for allergies or chronic illnesses of any sort, it would probably be a good idea to bring enough for the duration of your time abroad. Stocking up on some familiar medicines for stomach issues or colds may also be a good idea since you’re already familiar with how to use them.

Contracting traveler’s diarrhea  or stomach issues is almost a rite of passage with any prolonged trip overseas. To prepare for the possibility of more serious infections to the digestive tract consider visiting your doctor and asking for an antibiotic for emergencies. Also use this opportunity to make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations.

Pharmacies In Hebron, West Bank, Palestine

Should you feel sick even with these precautions don’t fret. Your first stop, as it would be at home, would be to the pharmacy. There are many pharmacies in Hebron, Palestine, they are easy to find and the pharmacists are happy to help you.

Connor from the USA, 24, recalls: “I caught a cold in Cairo before I came to Hebron, Palestine. By the time I arrived I felt like dying. Another volunteer walked me to the pharmacy and the pharmacist greeted me in English. He asked me my symptoms and understood my explanation perfectly. The pills he gave me were much cheaper than those in the United States and they worked better. Within a few days I felt brand new!”

Numerous Doctors And Other Medical Professionals

Should your illness persist you’ll find that like any other city Hebron, Palestine has numerous doctors and other medical professionals. All volunteers are required to come with health insurance, so while you may have to make an upfront payment, you should be able to get this partially or fully reimbursed through your insurance company. Particularly if you are coming from the US, you will find it much cheaper here than at home.

The staff at the Engage in Palestine or your host family can refer you to the right doctor for you. In addition, Hebron, Palestine is home to one of the biggest Palestinian hospitals in the West Bank:

List of hospitals and Medical Clinic in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine:

If you’re out of town for the weekend and come down with a sudden illness not to worry. Israel has a universal healthcare system and facilities that rival the best on earth. Staff members are always a phone call away to be reached in such emergencies. In the case of emergencies within Hebron, the city is equipped with emergency services such as ambulances, firefighters, and police officers who will rush to your aid.

Numerous Plants That Can Help With Your Sickness

If you choose a more natural route to cure your ailment, the agricultural economy of Palestine produces numerous plants that can help with your sickness. Tea is a staple in Palestine, along with the rest of the Middle East, sprinkle some honey into your cup and your throat will be soothed and the minerals in the honey will strengthen your immune system. Note that in Palestine “tea” only refers to drinks made from tea leaves. There are also many hot drinks in Palestine made from steeping herbs such as sage, rosemary and mint in hot water, which are delicious and excellent for your immune system. 

Additionally, many spices are available in shops throughout the old city which Palestinians have used as home-remedies for centuries. Finally, oranges and other citrus fruits packed with Vitamin C are inexpensive and widely available in the markets.

Final Remarks

Illness happens all around the world and there is a good chance at some on your trip you may feel down. When traveling, you can become sick from something you ate, from a sudden change in weather or seasons or from catching a cold from someone else. While getting sick during your time in Palestine can be frustrating, it needn’t be a cause for too much stress. Luckily Hebron, Palestine is equipped with numerous options to better your health and leave you feeling better than when you arrived.

When some of our previous volunteers, interns and students have fallen ill, they have been able to find everything they need in Hebron to become better. Additionally, if you get sick during your time with us, Engage in Palestine’s staff, your fellow international participants and your host family or roommates will be there to help you out however you need. While we hope you can avoid any illnesses or injuries during your time with us, in case it happens, just let us know and we will help you however we can.

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