In its latest travel warning, Canada states about the services and medical facilities in Haiti that "Medical services throughout the country are extremely limited and easily overwhelmed. Emergency response is not guaranteed as there are not enough ambulances to provide adequate service. Life-threatening emergencies may require costly evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense to an adequate facility outside the country. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Physicians and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment for care.

Medications sold in Haiti may be of inferior quality to those available in Canada, and pharmacies may carry expired medications," recalling that "the decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres."

IH/ iciHaiti