LOOKING AT HEALTH CARE
The people of Barbados are generally healthy. The infant mortality rate is 16 per 1,000 births. Most babies are born in hospitals or private nursing homes. Life expectancy at birth is 72 years for males and 77 years for females. More than 90% of households have clean running water, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

There are two health care systems in Barbados: a public system that is free and available to all, and a private system. There is one large public general hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in the capital city of Bridgetown, and five hospitals that provide geriatric care are located in different parts of the island. Services are free at these hospitals.

Treatment may be slow at the general hospital at times because of the volume of patients requiring care. There may be a shortage of medical supplies from time to time. As a result, many people go to health clinics, known as polyclinics, for treatment. These clinics specialize in out-patient services and minor illnesses or injuries. The clinics allow the general hospital to focus on treating more serious illnesses.

A health plan covers drugs and health care for Bajans over the age of 65. Younger patients must pay for prescription drugs and other medical supplies. Some people have private medical insurance, which covers the costs of health care and medication.

   Did you know?
Visitors have been coming to the island since the 18th century to recuperate from illnesses in its healthy environment. Two well-known health resorts are in Bathsheba and Cattlewash, on the east side of the island.
Although most Bajans use the public health care system, there is a flourishing private health care system in Barbados. Private health centres offer services to those who can afford to pay. Treatment in these centres may be better than that available at the general hospitals. Some Bajans also seek medical advice abroad, in countries such as Canada, England and the United States.

The major causes of death in Barbados are diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Cases of influenza, mumps, typhoid and dengue fever occur, but they are not widespread. AIDS and HIV infection are growing problems.
Traditional medicine is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment. Home remedies use the roots, flowers, seeds or leaves of plants, or extracts made from them. For example, a tea made from the leaves of the circee bush is used to treat fevers. Teas made from leaves of plants such as black sage, avocado and lime are also used to reduce fevers. The pulp of the aloe vera plant is put on cuts or bruises to speed healing. It is also made into a medicine for internal healing.