Medical & Emergency

EMERGENCY
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Connects to police, fire and ambulance across the island. Works even from a phone with no active SIM card.

Dial
As of October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar are legally required to hold travel insurance issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Many travellers are unaware of this - check your cover before you fly.
DUKA LA DAWA

Pharmacies are known locally as Duka la Dawa and are found throughout Stone Town, most tourist areas (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani) and near the airport and ferry terminal.

Typical hours are 8 AM - 8 PM, with a few 24-hour options.

24-hour options in Stone Town: Zan Pharmacy and Aga Khan Pharmacy.

Over-the-counter medication (headaches, allergies, stomach issues) and first-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics) are widely available. A doctor's note is typically needed for antibiotics or stronger medication.

Hospitals & clinics

Al Rahma Hospital

Hospital · private · Zanzibar City · Moderate

Private hospital covering general and maternity care.

Confirm by phone (call to confirm)
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English-speaking staff
Directions
General medicineMaternity

Makunduchi Hospital

Hospital · public · South Zanzibar · Budget

Main government hospital for the south of the island.

Confirm by phone (call to confirm)
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English may be limited
Directions
General medicineMaternity

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital

24h
Hospital · public · Stone Town · Budget

Main government hospital: general and emergency care. Busy but affordable.

24-hour emergency department
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English may be limited
Directions
Emergency careGeneral medicineMaternitySurgery

North Valley Hospital

Hospital · private · Nungwi · Moderate

Convenient for north-island tourists.

Confirm by phone (call to confirm)
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English-speaking staff
Directions
General medicineEmergency care

Paje Medical Centre

Clinic · private · Paje Beach · Moderate

Small clinic serving tourists and locals on the east coast.

Daytime; confirm by phone (call to confirm)
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English-speaking staff
Directions
First aidGeneral consultation

Tasakhtaa Global Hospital

24h
Hospital · private · Stone Town · Premium

Modern private hospital with imaging and dialysis facilities.

Daily; confirm exact hours by phone (call to confirm)
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English-speaking staff
Directions
General medicineCT scansDialysisEmergency care
Pharmacies (Duka la dawa)

Aga Khan Pharmacy

24h
Pharmacy · private · Stone Town · Moderate

One of Stone Town's named 24-hour pharmacies.

Open 24 hours
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English-speaking staff
Directions
Over-the-counter medicationFirst aid supplies

Zan Pharmacy

24h
Pharmacy · private · Stone Town · Moderate

One of Stone Town's named 24-hour pharmacies.

Open 24 hours
Phone: not verified — confirm via your hotel
English-speaking staff
Directions
Over-the-counter medicationFirst aid supplies
Good to know
Zanzibar Medical Group (Stone Town) offers tourist-oriented appointments for common travel ailments and minor injuries.
Your embassy or consulate can help with medication replacement, family contact, and coordinating with insurers in serious cases.
Private hospitals generally offer faster service and English-speaking staff at higher cost; public hospitals are cheaper but busier.

Weather emergencies

The Meteorological Agency issues storm warnings via local radio and online platforms; this office gives severe-weather guidance.

+255 24 223 3073