The medical staff, employees and their families held a reforestation day with over 90 participants who planted trees approximately 300 trees on the berges of the Duey River with the collaboration of environment and agriculture authorities, who were grateful for their work.

With this accomplishment, it is expected to drive future generations of trees and roots to settle in this area as a needed benefit to the ecological balance helping protect the fertile soils and preventing erosion from rains.

Centro Medico Punta Cana seeks not just to plant trees, but also strives to launch an information campaign on environmental awareness within the community with hope that it can serve to create consciences in the care of our natural surrounding and therefore, inspiring other people to help in extending a healthier life, with cleaner air to breath and cleaner quality water providing a better world.

We all love the sun, a shiny day and why not, a little tan. The sun’s rays make us feel good, the exposure increases the vitamin D levels and can improve our mood, help us with depression, and dozens of other benefits. However we must be careful with the amount of exposure to prevent damage to our skin and skin cancer specially while on vacation to the Caribbean.

First thing to know is your skin type, your tolerance to exposure may vary depending on the color of your skin, diet and water consumption levels. Visit a dermatologist to get all the proper information and learn how to take care of your skin.

Here we give you some advice on how to protect your skin especially for those vacationing in our destination in the Dominican Republic:

Always apply sun protection every day before sun exposure.
If you are swimming or doing excessive sweating activities reapply right after finishing.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunscreen lotions and creams that are SPF 15 or higher. For extended outdoor activity, use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), at least SPF 30 or higher water resistant sunscreen.

Use hats, UV protection glasses, light colored clothes to protect you better from the sun.
Avoid long periods of sun from 10:00am to 4:00pm because these are the hours where the sun is more intense.

Drink water.
To keep your skin and body hydrated against the sun rays and the heat.
Prefer the shades, it is better to stand in the shade than in direct exposure of the sunlight but remember that even in shade you are not 100% protected. Shade protects you from direct sun rays but not from the reflected of the ground. Grass reflects 3% of the UV rays, sand between 5-25%, snow from 30-80% and water from 5 to 90%.

Don´t stay longer in the sun because you have sunscreen.
Its function is not to extend your time in sun exposure, but to protect your skin while you are under the UV and infrared rays of the sun.

If you have sunburns, to relieve and soothe your skin, soak in a bathtub with cold water for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Protect your eyes.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation about 5% to 10% of skin cancer occurs in the eyelids and even more in the lower lid, because it receives more sun exposure. Our eyes can be seriously damaged by the sun if we don´t protect them well. For that reason, when we choose sunglasses we need to check they cover the eyes, eyelids and surrounding areas. Styles with closed and comfortable fit are the best, it is also recommended the glasses be polarized to avoid glare while driving or in the water. Glare can cause fatigue, headache and even migraine.

While visiting the Dominican Republic, enjoy sun bathing and tanning with the right protection for you.

Our President participated in an important panel presenting the topic “Challenges in Accessing Quality Hospital Care in the Caribbean Region”, along with traveler assistance experts María Cáceres of Seven Corners Assist, and Shai Gold of International Triage LLC.

The panel widely noted the quality of medical services reached in our region in recent years, with very similar standards to hospitals located in the United States and Canada. The Dominican Republic, between the larger islands, offers an excellent capacity for fast and coordinated responses of private health emergency systems, located throughout the different tourist destinations.

Most of the panelists and participants highlighted the great satisfaction expressed by their clients, when affected by an illness or accident of various complexity, while vacationing in hotels and / or on cruise ships visiting the region.
It was taken into a greater interest, evidenced by the decrease in overall costs, compared to similar hospitals located on the east coast of the United States, which for many of the insurance underwriters mean a great difference in sustainability and market return.

The Caribbean region currently receives over 35 million tourists a year and is projected a growth trend of 5-8% annually. Its social and economic impact which is vital for the countries of the region and undoubtedly represent a very interesting market niche for the health insurance business. Under these conditions, companies covering risks are very keen to ensure effective and efficient medical service at a competitive cost.

How exciting it is to plan the perfect vacation with your family or friends. To schedule the agenda for the days you will be abroad, dining spots, hotel, flights and clothes to wear if the weather is different from where you live.

There are many details that come to mind while we all anticipate to enjoy our vacations but, very often, we underestimate the importance of having travel insurance. As you read this, you may be thinking, what would I need that for? But there are several situations that can require insurance for your own safety and promptness for the solution to your casualty.

Let’s say that you are driving a rented car in a foreign country. You are not certain of traffic regulations or cultural behaviors, and all of a sudden, you are involved in a car accident. If you have travel insurance –depending on your policy- it can cover the payment of fine or traffic tickets.

In case you have a legal situation abroad, some travel insurance policies cover legal costs.
The travel insurance is a short term insurance, used in travel related emergencies and expenses. That way you will be well informed in case emergency arises.

Read some of the benefits that you can find in travel insurance.

Emergency assistance:
24 hours access to medical care or referrals are covered by the travel insurance in case you or any of the family members become seriously ill or injured. Some policies also include dental emergency treatments.

Your travel insurance will cover the expenses of your transportation to the nearest hospital even if it is in another city or country, when locally there is no capable health care center to treat you.

Financial reimbursement:
If you or any family member in the policy sustains a very serious illness or injury and you pay for the treatment, your insurance has financial recovery service for medical expenses.

Ambulance:
Travel insurance sometimes includes the cost of transportation to the medical provider.

Personal belongings and luggage:
Lost or damaged luggage are paid in some policies (read the terms and conditions).

To plan a vacation or even a business trip covered with travel insurance is a great advantage. You can enjoy a relaxed trip and if misfortune events happen you will be covered.

Some of the travel insurance we have had great experience working with are Assitcard, Mapfre, Axa, Savitar, Europassistance among many others.

Find out which travel insurance is more convenient for you and enjoy your travel without worries.

Most of the time, we are so excited about our vacation time that we never think or imagine we could get sick. Read this quick list of the things you should do to reduce the possibilities of any illness. Some things you can never prevent from happening, but just in case; be prepared.

1. Make a list of the important medical information that needs to be known if you are hospitalized.

Include in the list: blood type, allergies to food or medications, special conditions (if you have any), current medical treatment or current illnesses like diabetes, contact information including name, address and phone number of your doctor and a relative that can be contacted in case of emergency.
This information will be very helpful to the doctors in case of an emergency.

2. Take medications with you.

If you use any specific medications such as insulin, migraine pills or any other, take them with you. Even though you may find them in the Dominican Republic, they can be stronger or weaker. If you use contact lenses take at least a prescription. Other medications that could be useful are inhalers, insect repellent, allergy medication, analgesic and antibiotics, medications for diarrhea and anti-acid tablets.

3. Choose the right foods and drinks.

Since you are not used to the cuisine in foreign countries, it’s better if you are careful with what you eat. Very spicy food or new spices to your palate can cause an upset stomach . Also, avoid drinking tap water, eating raw foods such as vegetables, fish and undercooked meats to prevent any illnesses. Avoid street vendors.

4. Use sun protection always.

Even if it is a little cloudy the sun can be very harmful for your skin and really end your vacations in the hospital. So, don´t be gentle with your sun blocker. Accessories to cover from the sun like hats and sunglasses are always helpful.

5. Basic safety.

CPR and first aid are recommended, not only for you but for the people traveling with you.

6. Personal safety.

Be smart, when we are on vacations we tend to relax, but always visit places with a companion and avoid dark and secluded places.

7. Do some research beforehand.

Locate places that you may need while on vacation. There are highly accredited and reputable medical centers in the Dominican Republic with English speaking doctors and staff know where these are located and keep their number handy specially if they provide 24hour Emergency assistance. Also, it is helpful to know, how far from you are from your embassy, if needed. You can also register in their smart traveler website.

8. Important documents and personal belongings.

You are coming to a tropical island where usually you will be in a bathing suit, shorts and flip flops. If you can, leave your jewelry at home. Important documents such as your passport need to be kept safely. Ask in the hotel if they have a safe deposit box.

9. Motion sickness.

If your trip includes a cruise and you are afraid of motion sickness, request a room near the center of the ship, always take fresh air and when feeling dizzy look at the horizon to keep sense of balance.

10. Travel health insurance.

This is perhaps one of the most important tips when planning your trip. Your health insurance are not always accepted at local medical centers. You might need a different type of coverage for your international travel. A travel health insurance can cover accidents, acute illnesses, emergency prescription, hospitalizing and sometimes even emergency medical evacuations.

Finally, have fun and treasure as many memories as possible. The Dominican Republic ” Has it All”. It is a beautiful island with very warm people, eager to help you have a great vacation.

Our House Call Doctor Service is available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year.
Our Call Center is willing to give you an immediate response and dispatch the medical assistance needed by a qualified doctor.
However, there are cases that cannot wait, and is totally normal and understandable. If you feel that the situation you are having at home is urgent don’t doubt and call an ambulance.
We understand how important is your health and the well-being of your loved ones, now you are just one phone call away.

Depending on the illness or injury, you may need medications, sutures or referral to a specialist or hospital. In case any of the mentioned above is needed the doctor that will be visiting you is prepared to either set your admission to the hospital or refer to another specialist for further assistance or required treatment.

Give us a call and let us provide you the best medical care at your doorsteps.

FAQs

team of physicians was  honored to assist the President as he undertook a series of preventive medical testing. His examinations included stress testing, laboratory
exams, echo cardiogram, electrocardiogram, sonography of his abdominal, neck and pelvic region, as well as an endoscopy. Among the doctors who assisted the President was Dr. Gustavo Rojas, his personal cardiologist.

When he left the medical center, the President was accompanied by Dr. Rojas, who confirmed it was a routine checkup. His doctor´s visit was carried out very discreetly, with little escort at our affiliated Grupo Recue Hospital in Santo Domingo.

Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, find out what travel medical expenses your health insurance will cover, if your health insurance policy provides coverage
outside your country, it´s a good idea to carry your insurance policy identity card with you all the time.

Many health insurance companies won`t pay for your return back home should it be required for medical reasons. Check with your personal Health Insurance. Medical
evacuation can easily cost more than $10,000 depending on your location and medical condition. That’s why purchasing comprehensive emergency travel medical insurance is very important. If you’re a senior citizen, travel medical insurance is even more crucial. In most countries such as the U.S., the Social Security Medical Program does not provide you with coverage for hospital or medical cost outside the country.

In case of accident or emergency illness, remember to ask for detailed report and to keep all receipts of tests, prescriptions, etc. These will be absolutely necessary when you make a claim. Usually, you need to file the claim within 90 days of the accident or incident.

Travel Health insurance covers medical emergencies and accidents. These are unforeseen circumstances, and coverage does not extend to medical care for a pre-
existing illness or condition.

Keep the telephone number of your insurer and your policy number handy in case of emergency. Your insurer will guide you through the process of making a claim, and
may provide advice to help you through any potential crisis.

GRUPO RESCUE accepts most International Comprehensive Emergency Travel Medical Insurances. We are strategically located near all key tourist destinations within the
Dominican Republic, and ready to assist your medical insurer through our 24/7 International and Local Rescue Call Center Hotlines and Online Patient Referral
Assistance Services.

Enjoy your stay while visiting the Dominican Republic and rest assured that we will be there should you need us.

The Emergency and Disaster Residency Program is the youngest in the country, with only 14 months after its initiation; they have established most of the patient care protocols which have been accepted by medical insurance companies in the country . These protocols created in CMB will be presented by SODOEM as well as other institutions as guidelines to be followed by other Emergency Units in the country and turn them into standards practices required by all National Insurances.

The exceptional performance of this program has encouraged SODOEM to select Centro Medical Bournigal as the host of the next meeting of coordinators and head teaching experts of Emergency Unit programs, which will meet to agree on a proposal of ONE SINGLE EMERGENCY RESIDENCY PROGRAM in the Dominican Republic.

In addition to the excellent performance on behalf of one of Grupo Rescue’s clinics, Centro Medico Bournigal will expose their expertise to other nations in the International Medical Emergency Congress with participants from Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Puerto Rico, next month in the City of Santiago de los Caballeros, with the emblem “Star of Life.” The topics that will be presented by the CMB medical team include: “MANAGEMENT OF SHOCK AND RESUSCITATION WITH FLUIDS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM” by Dr. Almonte and “ABDOMINAL TRAUMA; UPDATE AND MANAGEMENT” by Dr. Ana Maria Castillo, second-year resident (R2).