The healthcare system in Palau is a testament to its commitment to the well-being of its citizens despite the logistical challenges of an island nation. The system is led by the Ministry of Health and a single national hospital that provides both primary and tertiary care. This is supplemented by a network of public health centers that ensure even the most remote communities have access to basic medical services. This “all in one content” tutorial is designed to provide a deep dive into the nation’s leading medical facilities and the crucial role they play. For more information, you can always visit our comprehensive healthcare resource, Myhospitalnow.
1. Belau National Hospital, Koror
Belau National Hospital is the country’s single largest and most important medical facility. Located in the capital city of Koror, it serves as the central hub for all healthcare services, providing comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary care. It is a multi-specialty institution with emergency services, surgical wards, and specialized departments.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, and Emergency Care.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 30 doctors and 80 beds.
2. Belau National Hospital Emergency Department, Koror
As the primary emergency care center for the entire country, this department at the Belau National Hospital is equipped to handle trauma, medical emergencies, and critical care cases. It is staffed 24/7 to provide immediate life-saving interventions.
- Specialization of Treatment: Emergency Medicine, Trauma Care, and Critical Care.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: Staffed by a dedicated team of emergency physicians, nurses, and support staff.
3. Belau National Hospital Surgical Ward, Koror
The surgical ward provides a range of surgical procedures, from general surgery to specialized operations. It is the only surgical facility of its kind in the nation and is essential for treating a wide array of conditions that require operative intervention.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Specialized Surgical Procedures.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: A team of general and specialist surgeons and dedicated surgical beds.
4. Belau National Hospital Pediatrics Department, Koror
This department provides specialized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. It is a key facility for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and the management of childhood illnesses, ensuring the health of Palau’s youngest population.
- Specialization of Treatment: Pediatrics, Child Health, and Vaccinations.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: A team of pediatricians and a dedicated ward for children.
5. Belau National Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Koror
This department focuses on women’s health, providing pre-natal, delivery, and post-natal care. It is also a key center for gynecological consultations and procedures, serving as the main facility for maternal health in the country.
- Specialization of Treatment: Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal Health.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: A team of obstetricians and gynecologists, with a dedicated maternity ward.
6. Belau National Hospital Outpatient Clinic, Koror
The outpatient clinic serves as the primary point of contact for non-emergency medical consultations. It provides services ranging from general check-ups to specialized consultations, helping to manage patient flow and provide a convenient option for routine care.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Consultations, Follow-up Care, and Minor Procedures.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: Staffed by general physicians and nurses, with no inpatient beds.
7. Belau National Hospital Dental Clinic, Koror
This clinic within the national hospital provides a full range of dental services, from routine check-ups and cleanings to fillings and extractions. It is the country’s main facility for both preventive and restorative dental care.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Dentistry, Oral Hygiene, and Restorative Care.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: A team of dentists and dental hygienists, with no inpatient beds.
8. Belau National Hospital Public Health Department, Koror
The Public Health Department is responsible for managing and implementing health programs on a national level. It focuses on disease prevention, health education, and community outreach to improve the overall health of the population.
- Specialization of Treatment: Public Health, Disease Surveillance, and Health Education.
- Address: P.O. Box 6027, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2558
- Doctors and Beds: Staffed by public health specialists and nurses, with no inpatient beds.
9. Koror State Health Center, Koror
Located in the most populous state, this health center works closely with the Belau National Hospital to provide basic health services to the local community. It serves as a first point of contact for many residents.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Minor First Aid.
- Address: Koror, Palau (Exact address varies by location)
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A small team of nurses and a physician, with no inpatient beds.
10. Peleliu State Health Center, Peleliu
Serving the historical island of Peleliu, this health center is a vital part of the local community. It provides essential primary care, health screenings, and emergency stabilization before patients are transported to the national hospital.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Community Health Services.
- Address: Peleliu, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Usually managed by the state government.
- Doctors and Beds: A nurse and a visiting physician, with no inpatient beds.
11. Angaur State Health Center, Angaur
This health center provides medical services to the small, remote island of Angaur. It is crucial for providing essential medical services and addressing the immediate healthcare needs of its residents.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Health Screenings.
- Address: Angaur, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A resident nurse and no inpatient beds.
12. Kayangel State Health Center, Kayangel
Located on the northernmost atoll of Palau, the Kayangel health center is a lifeline for its small population. It provides basic medical care and is the first responder for any medical emergencies in the state.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Emergency Stabilization.
- Address: Kayangel, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A resident nurse and no inpatient beds.
13. Ngarchelong State Health Center, Ngarchelong
This health center provides primary care services to the community of Ngarchelong in the northern part of the main island. It focuses on general health, preventive care, and community outreach.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Health Promotion.
- Address: Ngarchelong, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A small team of nurses, with no inpatient beds.
14. Ngiwal State Health Center, Ngiwal
This health center is a critical facility for the residents of Ngiwal. It provides basic medical attention and connects patients with the national hospital for more specialized treatment when necessary.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and General Consultations.
- Address: Ngiwal, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A resident nurse, with no inpatient beds.
15. Melekeok State Health Center, Melekeok
Serving the state of Melekeok, which is home to Palau’s capital building, this health center is a key provider of primary care and public health services.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Public Health Services.
- Address: Melekeok, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A resident nurse and no inpatient beds.
16. Ngaraard State Health Center, Ngaraard
This facility provides essential healthcare services to the community of Ngaraard. Its role is to handle minor medical issues and coordinate patient transport for more serious conditions.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Emergency Response.
- Address: Ngaraard, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A small team of nurses, with no inpatient beds.
17. Ngardmau State Health Center, Ngardmau
This health center is a vital part of the Ngardmau community’s healthcare infrastructure. It provides general medical consultations and acts as an important point of contact for public health programs.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Health Screenings.
- Address: Ngardmau, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A resident nurse, with no inpatient beds.
18. Ngeremlengui State Health Center, Ngeremlengui
This health center provides medical services to the rural community of Ngeremlengui. Its focus is on providing accessible and timely medical care to its residents.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and General Check-ups.
- Address: Ngeremlengui, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A resident nurse, with no inpatient beds.
19. Aimeliik State Health Center, Aimeliik
Serving the state of Aimeliik, this health center is a key provider of primary care services. It is an important facility for managing chronic conditions and providing routine health services.
- Specialization of Treatment: Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management.
- Address: Aimeliik, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Contact details are usually handled through the Ministry of Health.
- Doctors and Beds: A small team of nurses, with no inpatient beds.
20. Palau Ministry of Health, Koror
The Ministry of Health, while not a hospital, is the central governing body for the entire healthcare system. Its headquarters in Koror are responsible for setting health policies, managing national programs, and overseeing the operations of all healthcare facilities, including Belau National Hospital and the state health centers.
- Specialization of Treatment: Healthcare Administration, Public Health Policy, and National Health Programs.
- Address: P.O. Box 100, Koror, Palau 96940
- Contact Details: Phone: +680 488 2617
- Doctors and Beds: A team of administrators and public health experts, with no inpatient beds.
Conclusion
Understanding the healthcare options in Palau is essential, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. As this guide shows, Palau’s healthcare system is effectively managed through a central national hospital and a network of state-level health centers. This structure ensures that a wide array of medical needs, from routine check-ups to emergency care, are met across the nation. This commitment to healthcare is vital for the well-being of its people and demonstrates a robust system tailored to its unique geographical needs.