Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Lomé: A Nomad's Lowdown
okay, so lomé. right? it’s… something. the kind of place where the humidity hits you like a wet blanket and you instantly question all your life choices. right now, it’s that thick, heavy kind of humid where the air just feels like you’re swimming. like someone cranked the thermostat up to eleven and then added a gallon of soup. it’s a good two-hour flight from Accra and a bumpy but scenic drive from Lagos, and honestly, both feel about the same when you’re feeling this particular brand of sticky.
finding a decent doctor when you’re a digital nomad is always a gamble, but lomé? it’s a whole different level of 'hope for the best.' i’m not even gonna lie, my initial research was a dumpster fire. google searches brought up a lot of very old websites and forums filled with whispers and vaguely alarming anecdotes.
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"Stay away from Dr. Mensah on Medecine Avenue," a woman at a market told me yesterday, adjusting her headwrap. "He’s good, yeah, but he’ll take your money and give you antibiotics for everything. Everything!"
so, what’s the deal? the official word is that healthcare in Lomé is… developing. there are public hospitals, which, according to a friend who’s a nurse in Accra, can be hit-or-miss. private clinics are the way to go, but finding one with doctors who actually speak fluent English? that’s where things get tricky. i’ve spent the last week digging, and here’s what i’ve pieced together - it’s not perfect, but it’s something.
*The Medecine District
This is where a lot of the private clinics are clustered. it's busy, definitely not quiet, and you’ll find a mix of services here. word of mouth is everything. i've heard (and this is pure hearsay, folks) that some of the expats swear by a small clinic just off the main road, but the reviews are… non-existent. i'm currently trying to track down a contact on a local expat Facebook group - fingers crossed. i tried searching Yelp, and it’s basically a ghost town for medical options in Lomé. seriously, it’s depressing.
The University Hospital
This is the biggest hospital in Lomé and theoretically offers a wider range of specialties. However, the consensus (again, from whispers and online forums) is that English proficiency is limited, and the waiting times are… substantial. Plus, the facilities aren't exactly state-of-the-art. but it's a local staple, so, you know.
Drunk Advice from a Local (Disclaimer: May Not Be Accurate)
"Look, just ask around. Everyone knows someone who knows someone. And don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. They love that around here." - This came from a guy at a bar who insisted on buying me a round of local beer. He seemed genuinely concerned, though, so i’m taking it seriously.
Cost of Living in Lomé (Rough Estimates - Subject to Change)Expense Estimated Cost (USD) Notes Rent (1BR) $200 - $400 Depends heavily on location Groceries $100 - $200 Local markets are cheaper Transportation $20 - $50 Taxis/Uber are readily available Healthcare (visit) $20 - $50+ Varies based on clinic and service Internet $15 - $30 Fiber optic is available
(Source: Numbeo.com - just saying)
Honestly, the best advice i’ve gotten so far is to be prepared to navigate a bit of chaos. things aren’t always going to run on schedule, and communication can be… interesting. but hey, that's part of the adventure, right? i'm currently exploring a few options - mainly relying on recommendations from online communities and asking around. i even found a thread on a Reddit forum dedicated to expats in Togo - https://www.reddit.com/r/Togo/ - which has been surprisingly helpful. i'm also keeping an eye on TripAdvisor's medical section, though, like i said, it’s pretty sparse.
so, yeah. that’s the lomé doctor hunt. it’s a process. it’s a bit nerve-wracking. but i’m hoping to find someone reliable soon. if anyone has any specific recommendations, hit me up in the comments - i’m desperate! (and maybe a little paranoid about catching something new.) i keep hearing about malaria, but i'm sticking to bottled water and hand sanitizer for now. and don’t even get me started* on the street food… but that’s a story for another time.
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