Belize's Healthcare Heroes: Uncovering The Number Of Doctors In The Country

Belize has a relatively well-established healthcare system, with both private and public options available. The country has a mix of government-operated hospitals and clinics in major towns and villages, as well as private medical practices. While the standard of medical care may not be on par with that of more developed countries, Belize is home to dedicated and caring doctors who offer personal attention to their patients. The country has around 8 public hospitals and about 60 public clinics, but these are largely underfunded, undersupplied, and understaffed. As a result, wait times can be long, and many residents opt for private healthcare services, which offer more personalized care and shorter wait times.

Belize's public and private healthcare systems

Belize's healthcare system is provided through both public and private healthcare systems. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in Belize. The MoH offers affordable care to a majority of Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions.

The public health sector offers care to a larger portion of the population than the private sector. However, private health services are offered at a relatively low cost with a shared emphasis on quality of care and quality improvement. The private sector has become an increasingly important player in service delivery, providing services to approximately 15% of the population. Private healthcare plays an important role, as it provides some additional tertiary care and imaging services not available in the public system. Persons in need of these services can purchase them out of pocket or the MoH can purchase these services on their behalf. Private institutions also accept medical insurance plans.

Belize has a relatively well-established medical care delivery system at both the private and public sector levels. The government operates hospitals or polyclinics in every major city and town and in other major population centers and villages. The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals, including the Karl Heusner public hospital, are located in Belize City. There are two excellent private hospitals in Belize City: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Most expatriates tend to favor these private hospitals for their superior and more comprehensive medical care.

While public healthcare in Belize is available to all of the population at no direct cost to the individual, a large portion of funding has been allocated to Belize City. Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional hospitals (located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts) that provide public healthcare. Among the seven district capital hospitals, there are three regional hospitals: the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, and the Western Regional Hospital in the nation's capital of Belmopan. Together, these regional hospitals provide more services to the public than the capital hospitals of Corozal and Toledo District.

Belize has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics, with a total of 700 public hospital beds, that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Most of these health clinics suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources to handle the patient volume, and a lack of equipment and medicine. As a result, there is reduced access to quality care. An additional challenge is the tendency for individuals residing in rural areas to utilize non-Western medicine for their health needs rather than seeking publicly available health services. This creates problems in fully assessing the standard of healthcare in Belize and thus delays medical statistics requested by the United Nations and other interested parties.

The Ministry of Health (MoH)

Belize's healthcare system is provided through both public and private sectors. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is the largest provider of public health services in Belize. The MoH offers affordable care to most Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions. The MoH's dedication to accessible and quality care is evident in its initiatives and accomplishments over the years.

In the 1980s, the need for improved primary healthcare strategies was recognised, and in 1996, the MoH launched the "Quest for Equity" National Health Plan. This plan included an analysis of the major health conditions and determinants of health impacting Belize. The findings led to the government-initiated Health Sector Reform Project (HSRP) in 2000, which aimed to increase access to care, improve quality, and ensure efficient and equitable delivery of healthcare across both sectors.

One of the major achievements of the HSRP was the establishment of four health regions (Northern, Central, Western, and Southern) to provide health services to distinct geographical areas. All four regions offer primary and secondary care, while the Central Health Region, serving the largest population, also provides tertiary care services. The MoH has also shown a commitment to mental health by launching a strategic mental health plan in 2009 to integrate mental health services into primary care and improve prevention, management, and psychosocial rehabilitation.

The MoH has continued to prioritise accessible and quality healthcare through initiatives like the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, which aims to provide affordable and accessible care, and the Belize Health Information System (BHIS), which collects and disseminates population-based and record-based health data to improve health outcomes.

While the MoH strives to provide quality care, challenges remain. Public healthcare facilities, including eight public hospitals and approximately 60 public clinics, face issues with underfunding, insufficient supplies, and understaffing. This results in long wait times and reduced access to care, particularly in rural areas. However, the MoH's efforts to reform and improve the healthcare system demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the best possible health services for the people of Belize.

Belize's health conditions and prevalent diseases

Belize's health conditions are overseen by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which aims to provide quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services to promote equal health and well-being for all. The country has a dual public-private healthcare system, with the public sector serving the majority of the population. Belize was declared malaria-free in 2023 by the WHO, but other prevalent diseases include dengue fever, cholera, HIV/AIDS, and gastroenteritis.

The country has made significant improvements in certain areas of healthcare, such as the eradication of vaccine-preventable deaths. For instance, there have been no reported cases of measles since 1991 or poliomyelitis since 1987. Additionally, the child mortality rate decreased from 11% in 1967 to 1.23% in 2019. However, Belize still faces challenges in addressing health issues related to its socio-economic context, such as inequalities affecting children and nutritional deficiencies.

Belize also struggles with a high prevalence of communicable diseases, including respiratory illnesses and intestinal problems. Non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular issues, also contribute to a high mortality rate. Furthermore, there is an increase in health concerns related to human behaviour and lifestyle, including injuries, road accidents, substance abuse, adolescent pregnancies, abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and suicide.

The country has a network of public health clinics and hospitals, but they often suffer from inadequate staffing, financial constraints, and a lack of equipment and medicine. The distribution of resources and access to healthcare are limited, particularly in rural areas. Despite these challenges, the Belizean government, with assistance from international organizations, continues to work towards improving the healthcare system and addressing prevalent health issues.

The Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT)

BERT works in collaboration and coordination with all local healthcare facilities to ensure the best possible patient care. They are dedicated to serving the emergency medical needs of the Belizean people through active volunteerism, education, and by providing the material necessities to ensure swift, professional, life-saving measures in medical emergency situations.

BERT is unique in that it offers a pre-hospital system that is not commonly found in other countries. This system allows for the emergency response and transportation of individuals who are injured, sick, or otherwise unable to get to a hospital. As a result, BERT is recognised as a valuable asset to the country's emergency response capabilities and is considered instrumental in moving Belize forward in becoming a leader in emergency medicine.

BERT can be contacted directly by calling 223-3292 or 0078, and their address is 1675 Sunrise Avenue, Coral Grove Area, P.O. Box 1370, Belize City.

The cost of healthcare in Belize

Belize has a relatively well-established medical care delivery system at both the private and public sector level. However, it is important to note that the medical care in Belize does not meet the standards of North America or the European Union. With a population of just over 400,000, the country lacks the economic resources to provide advanced medical care.

The cost of medical care in Belize is significantly lower than in North America – roughly about half the price. A basic visit to a medical practitioner will cost around $70, including medication. An ultrasound will cost approximately $75, while an MRI averages $900.

The majority of the country's hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the nation's premier public healthcare provider. This hospital has faced challenges due to funding issues, resulting in equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management difficulties. Despite these challenges, the rates are very affordable, with a private room costing under $250 per day, compared to $500 per day at a local private hospital.

In addition to public hospitals, there are three main private hospitals in Belize: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. These private hospitals offer superior and more comprehensive medical care, and most expatriates prefer them. The cost of common medical surgeries and services in Belize is relatively low, with a hernia surgery costing under $2,500, and a cataract surgery costing up to $2,500 per eye.

While the country has dedicated and caring doctors, there is a need for more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians, and better equipment. Many expats leave Belize for more complicated medical treatments, as the facilities in Belize lack the quality of care found in the US and neighbouring countries.

Belize is also working towards improving its healthcare system through initiatives such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) program and the Belize Health Information System (BHIS). The NHI program aims to provide affordable and accessible quality care, while the BHIS focuses on strengthening health information systems.

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