Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance of Medical Facilities in Havelock Island
- Best Time to Visit Havelock Island
- Top Things To Do and Health Considerations
- Nearby Attractions and Where to Seek Care
- How to Reach Havelock Island and Emergency Evacuation Pathways
- Accommodation Options Close to Facilities
- Estimated Costs: Healthcare, Transport, Stay, Food
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Medical Facilities Overview: Clinics, PHC, Pharmacies
- Traveler Health Tips and Packing List
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the Andamans’ poster child—emerald forests, powdery beaches, and world-class diving. While it’s a dream escape, it is still a small island with limited medical infrastructure. This guide explains what healthcare is available on Havelock, how to plan for emergencies, and smart health tips so your beach holiday stays carefree.
History and Importance of Medical Facilities in Havelock Island
Havelock’s healthcare grew in step with its rising popularity as a tourist hub. A government Primary Health Center (PHC) serves residents and travelers, supported by a handful of private clinics and pharmacies clustered around the main villages. For serious cases, patients are stabilized on the island and transported to Port Blair’s tertiary facilities. The island’s dive industry has also standardized first-aid readiness—oxygen kits, trained staff, and emergency protocols—adding an extra safety layer for ocean activities.
Best Time to Visit Havelock Island
October to May is generally the best window: calmer seas, predictable ferries, and quicker evacuation options if needed.
- Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rain and rough seas can disrupt ferries, delay evacuations, and limit activity operations.
- Peak season (Dec–Feb): Book accommodation and ferries early; clinics and pharmacies can be busier.
- Diving/Water sports: Aim for November–April for clearer water and steadier conditions.
Top Things To Do and Health Considerations
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Lifeguards are often present; heed flag warnings and currents.
- Elephant Beach: Popular for snorkeling. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and watch for coral cuts; rinse with clean water if scratched.
- Scuba diving: Choose reputable shops with oxygen kits and trained divemasters. Follow no-fly and no-dive-after-fly intervals.
- Kayaking/bioluminescence: Use life jackets. Night paddles require guides and good lighting.
- Forest trails: Closed shoes, insect repellent, and hydration are essential.
Nearby Attractions and Where to Seek Care
- On Havelock: Radhanagar, Kalapathar, Elephant Beach.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Short ferry away; limited facilities similar to Havelock.
- Port Blair: Largest medical hub in the Andamans, including government and private hospitals. Serious cases from Havelock are typically referred here.
Note: For advanced diagnostics, specialist consultations, or recompression therapy (for dive-related incidents), expect transfer to Port Blair.
How to Reach Havelock Island and Emergency Evacuation Pathways
Regular Travel
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock: Government and private ferries (approx. 1.5–2.5 hours). Morning departures are common; schedules vary by season and weather.
Emergency Evacuation
- Stabilization: Initial care at the PHC or a private clinic; dive shops provide oxygen for marine incidents.
- Transfer to Port Blair: By scheduled or special boat depending on weather/availability; night transfers may be limited.
- Medical helicopter/rapid transfer: May be arranged by authorities subject to weather and availability; not guaranteed.
- Insurance: Carry travel insurance that covers evacuation from islands and adventure activities if diving.
Accommodation Options Close to Facilities
Most healthcare touchpoints, markets, and pharmacies are around the Govind Nagar area and along the main road connecting Beach No. 1–5.
- Stay near Govind Nagar Market: Quick access to clinics, ATMs, and pharmacies.
- Beach No. 5 & 3 belts: Popular resort areas with easy road access to medical services.
- Remote beach stays: Beautiful but farther from care; plan transport and keep a first-aid kit handy.
Estimated Costs: Healthcare, Transport, Stay, Food
Prices are indicative and can vary by season and provider.
- Doctor consultation (island): INR 200–800 (public vs. private)
- Basic medicines: INR 50–300 per item
- Ferry (Port Blair–Havelock, one way): INR 450–1,500+ per person (class dependent)
- Speedboat/charter (emergency/private): Can be expensive; costs vary widely by operator and conditions
- Accommodation: INR 2,000–10,000+ per night (budget to upscale)
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person at local eateries; more at resorts
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood, Indian staples, and traveler-friendly cafes. If you have allergies, inform kitchens clearly.
- Shopping: Small markets for beachwear, souvenirs, and essentials; pharmacies stock common OTC meds.
- Culture: Relaxed island life; respect eco-rules, avoid single-use plastics, and protect coral reefs.
Health tip: Stick to bottled or purified water. Carry oral rehydration salts (ORS) for heat and tummy upsets.
Medical Facilities Overview: Clinics, PHC, Pharmacies
Government Primary Health Center (PHC)
- Provides basic outpatient care, first aid, and stabilization for emergencies.
- Limited diagnostics and bed capacity; serious cases are referred to Port Blair.
- Typical daytime service; emergency attention possible but resources are limited after hours.
Private Clinics
- General practitioners and small clinics operate around the main market areas.
- Good for minor illnesses, prescriptions, and simple dressings.
- Payment often in cash; confirm card acceptance in advance.
Pharmacies (Chemists)
- Located near Govind Nagar and along the main road.
- Stock common medicines (painkillers, antihistamines, antibiotics on prescription, ORS, bandages).
- Bring your personal prescription meds in original packaging; island stock can be limited.
Dive and Water Activity Safety
- Reputable dive shops carry oxygen kits and have first-response protocols.
- Suspected decompression illness is stabilized on Havelock and transferred to Port Blair for advanced care/recompression if needed.
Advanced and Tertiary Care (Port Blair)
- For imaging, specialists, surgery, pediatrics, or recompression therapy, referral is typically to Port Blair’s major hospitals.
Emergency Numbers and Contacts
- India’s single emergency number: 112
- Ambulance services: 102/108 (availability may vary; ask your hotel/host to call local services)
- Local support: Your accommodation, dive center, or tour operator can coordinate the fastest on-ground help.
Traveler Health Tips and Packing List
Smart Health Practices
- Stay hydrated; heat and humidity are high.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen; reapply after swimming.
- Use insect repellent and wear light long sleeves at dusk.
- Respect no-swim flags and currents; avoid isolated night swims.
- If diving/snorkeling, disclose medical history to your operator.
Packing List (Health-Focused)
- Personal prescription meds (sufficient quantity + copies of prescriptions)
- Mini first-aid kit: antiseptic, band-aids, gauze, pain reliever, antihistamine, motion-sickness tablets, ORS
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), aloe gel for sunburns
- Insect repellent (DEET/picaridin) and after-bite cream
- Reusable water bottle and electrolytes
Insurance and Documents
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation from islands
- Diving insurance if participating in scuba activities
- Photo ID, policy details, and emergency contact numbers saved offline
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Choose stays near Govind Nagar or main beach roads for quick access to care.
- Carry pediatric medicines and sun-protective clothing for kids.
- Opt for lifeguarded beaches and shallow water activities.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Remote resorts are romantic but farther from clinics; keep your host’s 24/7 contact handy.
- Watch sun exposure; plan indoor breaks midday.
Friends/Backpackers
- Rent scooters responsibly; wear helmets and avoid night rides on unlit roads.
- If trying new foods, start mild to avoid stomach upsets on activity days.
Senior Travelers
- Confirm ground-floor rooms or lifts; some properties are spread out.
- Keep a daily med organizer; set phone reminders.
- Discuss activity suitability (e.g., long boat rides) with your doctor before travel.
FAQs
Q: Are there hospitals on Havelock Island?
A: Havelock has a government Primary Health Center and small private clinics for basic care. For advanced treatment or emergencies, patients are typically transferred to hospitals in Port Blair.
Q: Can I buy common medicines on the island?
A: Yes, pharmacies stock routine OTC medicines and basic supplies. Bring your essential prescription meds in adequate quantities, as specific brands or dosages may be unavailable.
Q: What should I do in a diving or snorkeling emergency?
A: Inform your dive/snorkel operator immediately. They will administer first aid and oxygen if needed and coordinate transfer to medical care. Suspected decompression illness is referred to Port Blair for advanced management.
Q: Is travel insurance necessary for Havelock?
A: Strongly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical evacuation from islands and adventure sports if you plan to dive.
Q: What emergency number should I call?
A: Dial 112 (India’s single emergency number). You can also seek immediate help from your hotel, dive center, or tour operator to contact local ambulance services.
Conclusion
Havelock Island offers spectacular beaches and underwater experiences, supported by basic on-island medical care and established evacuation pathways to Port Blair for advanced treatment. By timing your trip well, staying near main service areas, carrying essential medicines, and choosing reputable operators, you can enjoy the island’s best with confidence and peace of mind.
