Health care system

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon's health care system is almost entirely public and free for residents. It includes one hospital, one health care centre and clinics. A new hospital is currently under construction in Saint-Pierre to improve services and increase the number of available beds.

The hospital currently offers the following services:

• Anesthesia/resuscitation unit
• Medical station for external consultations
• Mother-child protection service
• Operating room
• Two dialysis units
• Dental office
• Pharmacy
• Home for dependent seniors
• Long-term care services
• Home care nursing
• Medical analyses laboratory
• Radiology service
• Ambulance service

Among others, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon's health care services include the following:

• Pharmacist
• Nurse
• Chiropodist
• Psychologist
• Dental surgeon
• General practitioner
• Kinesiologist (related to physiotherapy)

The health care centre has the following services:

• Kinesiologist
• Speech therapist
• Denturist
• Dietician
• Orthodontist

Groups of French specialists visit Saint-Pierre and Miquelon approximately forty times a year. The main fields covered are:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology
• Pediatry
• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology
• Child psychiatry
• Allergology
• Cardiology
• Ophtalmology

Lastly, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon has several health and social services associations working in the following fields:

• Alcohol, drug and tobacco addictions
• Troubled youth
• Seniors home care
• Assistance for people with disabilities
• Assistance for youth with learning difficulties

In 1994, France and Canada signed an agreement supporting the development of regional cooperation to foster collaboration between the two countries in various fields. The medical, hospital and sanitation fields were part of that agreement. When Saint-Pierre and Miquelon citizens need care outside the archipelago, over 80% are treated in Canada (mainly in St. John's, Newfoundland).