Healthcare in El Nido: Medical Services and Facilities Available
El Nido is beautiful but remote. Here’s a guide to healthcare options in El Nido and nearby Puerto Princesa for advanced care.
El Nido is a stunning destination renowned for its natural beauty, but being a remote area, access to healthcare facilities requires careful planning. Below is a comprehensive guide to the available healthcare options within El Nido and nearby areas, including Puerto Princesa for more advanced care.
Public Healthcare in El Nido
- El Nido Municipal Health Office
- Location: Town Proper, near the Municipal Hall.
- Services: Provides basic healthcare services, such as consultations, immunizations, and maternal care.
- Best For: Non-urgent medical needs and public health initiatives.
- El Nido Community Hospital
- Location: Barangay Pasadeña.
- Services: Offers outpatient consultations, a 24/7 emergency room, and basic inpatient care.
- Accessibility: Approximately a 40-minute tricycle ride from El Nido town proper.
- Limitations: Suitable for basic medical needs; more severe cases are referred to Taytay or Puerto Princesa.
Private Clinics in El Nido
- Adventist Hospital Palawan Clinic (Corong-Corong)
- Location: El Nido National Highway, Barangay Corong-Corong.
- Services: Outpatient care, minor diagnostics, and treatment for minor illnesses. Known for professional staff and reasonable fees.
- Accessibility: A short tricycle ride from El Nido town proper.
- Healthway Medical Clinic (Lio Estate)
- Location: Within the eco-tourism Lio Estate, about 15 minutes from El Nido town proper.
- Services: Provides outpatient care, catering to locals and tourists. Part of a reputable network offering high-quality services in a nature-integrated setting.
- Transport: A short tricycle ride from El Nido town proper.
- Dr. Malendes’ Clinic
- Location: Town Proper.
- Services: Outpatient care, focusing on common illnesses and conditions. Offers services tailored to English-speaking tourists and expatriates.
Nearby Hospitals
- Leonides S. Virata Memorial Hospital (Taytay)
- Location: Taytay, about an hour’s drive from El Nido.
- Services: Private hospital offering comprehensive medical services, including minor surgeries and advanced diagnostics.
- Transport: Private vans or arranged transport.
- Hospitals in Puerto Princesa
- For serious medical conditions, Puerto Princesa (5 hours by car) offers advanced healthcare options, including:
- Adventist Hospital Palawan: Equipped with modern facilities for specialized care.
- Transportation options by land: Private vans can be arranged from El Nido.
- For serious medical conditions, Puerto Princesa (5 hours by car) offers advanced healthcare options, including:
Emergency Care in El Nido
- Local Emergency Response: El Nido has a local emergency response team, but response times may vary due to the area’s remoteness.
- Severe Cases: Life-threatening situations often require transport to Taytay or Puerto Princesa. In extreme cases, air evacuation to Manila may be necessary.
Transportation to Healthcare Facilities
- Within El Nido:
- Tricycles are the primary mode of transport, costing PHP 50–100 depending on the distance.
- Lio Estate shuttle services offer direct access to Healthway Medical Clinic.
- To Taytay or Puerto Princesa:
- Private vans or hired vehicles provide the most reliable mode of transport.
- Air travel is available between El Nido and Puerto Princesa for urgent cases.
Key Considerations
- Advanced Medical Needs: For complex procedures or diagnostics, planning travel to Puerto Princesa or Manila is essential.
- Health Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if necessary.
Having a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape in and around El Nido ensures peace of mind while enjoying the region’s natural wonders. Whether for routine medical needs or emergencies, options are available to address a range of healthcare concerns.