Kinshasa FAQs: Doctors, Hospitals &

Other Medical Notes

I've noticed a tendency among folks in Kinshasa to assume that there are no good
doctors/clinics/hospitals in this city. I know I did when I first arrived. A quick Google search of
"doctor sick medicine Kinshasa" does not garner many reassuring hits. Based on this
assumption, people let wounds fester, watch their teeth rot and self-treat with weird
medications for any number of semi-diagnosed ailments.

Many times, of course, cost prevents access to health care in Kinshasa.

Particularly if you are a normal, non-VIP, non-expat Congolese person.

This is an issue that I've spent a lot of time thinking and writing about because it's important.
More important than any of the information that I'm doling out in this post today. If you're
interested in reading more, check out this, this, and this.
 However, for most of the readers of this blog, cost shouldn't be an excuse for letting your mind
and body deteriorate during your DRC stay. Some things people tell me when I ask them why
they haven't been to the doctor yet:
But I don't speak French.
There are no doctors here who know what they're doing.
Somebody told me this horrible story...
I'll have to wait forever.
It's just too complicated.
Yeah, yeah. I hear you. But all of these worries can either be overcome with a little old-
fashioned gumption or put to rest after you finish reading this post. So, brace yourself for what
I'm pretty sure is one of the most comprehensive, annotated lists of fairly reputable medical
contacts in Kinshasa for those of the expat persuasion.

Before I begin:
I have marked the doctors and facilities with which I have personal experience with a *.
I have not been to every doctor on this list.
I am a registered nurse. I am fairly sensible. I am not an expert in all things.
Every doctor on this list has been recommended at some point by someone I think is
smart.
If I made a personal note, it just means I felt like I had something positive to share
about this doctor. Doctors without an anecdote aren't bad.
The details that I include about each listing are accurate to my knowledge. I'm sure I
made some mistakes. PLEASE let me know if you see errors or think there should be edits,
additions or changes.
 Phone numbers and email addresses change in Kinshasa like nobody's business.
Apologies if they don't work.
Any good doctor in Kinshasa will know their limits. It's a good sign if they say that they
can't help you here and suggest you seek care outside of the country. Sometimes, a medical
evacuation is just the way to go..
In general, bring cash when you go to the doctor.
I think this list is in alphabetical order.
No promises. Just all my wishes for good health and healing.
Ready? Go!

____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

HOSPITAL or LARGE-CLINIC FACILITIES: These facilities are generally used for

emergencies or major illness or injury if you don't have access to a health unit
through your job (lucky ducks!). Some of these places also house doctors' offices.

*CPU (Centre Priv dUrgence)

Dr. Rodolphe Medical Director CPU/CMK/CHK 0898950301Reception: 0898950302;
0898950305
Is a Belgian managed, private trauma/emergency center
Staffed by four rotating European-trained emergency medicine physicians
Open 24 hours
For EMERGENCIES only. They will not hesitate to turn you away for non-
emergent issues.
In-house lab and observation beds
Facilitates medical evacuation with Air Ambulance services
Admits members only (check with your employer) they will ask for your
name
Non-members seen on case by case basis (fees up to $1200/visit)
If hospitalization is necessary, private rooms are available
Directions: Avenue du Commerce (downtown turn off of 30 Juin at the globe
statue, ask for directions to "CMK", road is often bad with many potholes)

*CMK (Centre Medical de Kinshasa)

Reception: 0998265005
Address: Avenue du Commerce (downtown)
Four story 80-bed facility upstairs from CPU
CPU admits patients to CMK once stable (after 24 hours)
Private and semi-private air-conditioned rooms
Operating and Delivery rooms

Nounou, Papa Antoine and I look on as the awesome nurse removes

Loulou's IV before discharge at CMK.
 *CMK Centre Medical de Kinshasa ("Beach" location)
Reception : 0998265004
Address: 168, Avenue Wagenia
Four story medical office building on Avenue Wagenia (beach road behind US
Embassy)
Has a walk-in emergency (Salle dUrgence) open 24 hours
Has specialist offices upstairs (pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine,
cardiology, etc.)
Reduced fee for CPU members

Hopital du Cinquantinaire
Dr. RAVI ( Mobile - 0822400062) - for Emergency
8501, Av. Haut Commandement, Gombe
http://www.padiyathmedicitykinshasa.com/
English spoken
"Africas first EMR care center with full fledged medical & Surgical ICU"
(Note: This is a brand new facility as of March 2014.)

*New Deal Medical Clinic (Ngaliema Medical Center)

Reception: 099-990-9283
Address: 4197 Ave de la Montagne/ Kintambo Circle
One mile from The American School of Kinshasa at base of hill going into
Kintambo circle
Two story outpatient and inpatient facility
In-house lab, x-ray and CT scanning
Will turn away emergencies

SOS Medecins du Nuit

Reception: +243 81 888 00 18 or +243 81 888 00 07
Address: 4744, Avenue Province
http://medecinsdenuit.com/
Provides emergency services after hours
Advertises home visits for emergencies, but many areas are out of service
area
Here is a handmade, but extremely helpful map for us in a city with unreliable
street markers (thanks, Colette!):
 _____________________________________

PRIMARY CARE: For non-emergent illness, lab work, malaria tests, Well Child
Checks, immunizations, etc., it is generally easy and convenient to call, write, or visit
one of these local doctors.

*Centre Medical Diamant ("Canadian Clinic")

Reception: 0976000065 or 0817121555
Address: 3642, Suite 101, Future Tower, Boulevard du 30 Juin
www.cliniquediamant.com (map on website)
kinshasa@cliniquediamant.com
Dr. Nsiagi, generalist, often sees patients first unless specialist requested
before arrival
New, European equipment and instruments; full laboratory on-site; pharmacy
on-site
Can use for non-emergent issues, routine checkups, OB/GYN, but also minor
emergencies such as broken bones, abdominal pain, or lacerations
English translation available; request ahead of time
 If you're wondering...yes, it actually looks like this.

Polyclinique de Kinshasa
Dr. Jean B. Juste - 081 884 02 04 Dr. Baum 0815014798
Immeuble Pergola/ Kinshasa-Gombe (Across the Boulevard from Express grocery
store )
French-speaking
General Practitioners
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 -5:00; Saturday: 8:00-1:00; Sunday: 8:30-11:00
Dr. Juste and Dr. Baume receive patients only on appointment; however you
dont need an appointment to see the gynecologist and the 2 other general
practitioners.
 Pulse Africa Sprl Medical Laboratory and Clinic
Dr. M. Mannan Sharieff, M.D. - 0818095363 and 0854106950
Avenue de la Gombe, No. 8, Kinshasa/Gombe

*Dr. Luc Jacquerye

Reception: 0818800781
Address: Clinique Vesale Safricas Compound, Socimat

French-speaking, limited English

Bring cash to pay for visit ($20--$200 depending on type and labs required)
Office hours : Monday Saturday, 7:30-11:30am; Monday Friday, 2-4pm
Walk-in Only

_________________________________________

SPECIALISTS: Specialists can generally be contacted directly without a referral.

Doctor background varies, with some having training in Congo and others in Europe.
Ask around to see who people know and trust.

Cardiology:

-Dr. Kapita - 099 999 25 05

Office at CMK
bilakapita@yahoo.com

Dentistry:

- *Dr. Kerroc'h 0999915050

French/English speaking
European training and equipment for dentistry, oral surgery, and
orthodontics
Not always in town; only spends part of the year in Kinshasa - call or send
SMS to inquire
Ave Col Mondjiba # 150 (this is very close to Saba Market right after
Kintambo if you are headed to the Boulevard; Go past Saba and take a u-turn, circle
back and look for the green gate).

Dermatologist:

-Dr. Mazebo - 099 99 26 272

CMK/"Beach" location

- Dr. Lubaki - 081 70 50 818

CMK/"Beach" location
 ENT: (or "ORL" in French)

- Dr. Pemba 0898931467

Ngaliema next to Grand Hotel

- *Dr. Christian Lungungu - 097 60 00 065 or 081 71 21 555

Call for appointment at Centre Medical Diamant

On-site Tuesday and Thursday evenings (after 6pm, randomly)
(Note: I was impressed with this doctor when we went to see him for a series
of ear infections in Elias that resulted in ruptured ear drums. He was calm and kind
with Eli, clear and willing to answer many parental question, and had
recommendations for treatment with which our doctor in the U.S. was completely
happy. I've heard good reports from adults too.)
See:
 Internal Medicine:

-Dr. Benoit Ngoy 081 277 69 15 / 099 85 84 004

Office at CMK
-Dr. Musongela 081 811 22 36
Office at CMK

Neurology:

- Dr. Bukasa - 099 995 38 02

Office at Ngaliema Hospital next to Grand Hotel
 dugusber@yahoo.fr

Obstetrics & Gynecology:

-*Dr. Bavi - 099-992-1321

Boulevard Clinique Dentaire Caravella/admits to CHK
davidhroire@yahoo.fr
Male, Speaks French, some English
-*Dr. Bila 0999672084 or 0993025355
Female, Speaks English/French
Not available for emergencies
Appointment necessary; office hours at Centre Medical Diamant
Currently on leave, will be back

Ophthalmology:

- *Dr. Magloire Nzolantima - +243 (0) 993 715 460 or +243 (0) 998 171 110
http://www.laelvision.com/
Vision exams, emergency appointments, surgery
Office is at LAL VISION - near GG Mart

Orthopedics:

-*Dr. Ntumba - 081-503-6010

 Centre Clinor on Avenue Tombalbaye (Corner with Kasa-Vubu, cf. CCT)
Admits to CHK
Also has hours at Centre Medical Diamant
mpengent@yahoo.fr

Pediatrics:

-Dr. Nyakabasa - 081-502-9456

bonanyakabasa@yahoo.fr
at Ngaliema Clinic

-*Dr. Aketi 0898913257

At CMK, "Beach" location (Tues., Thurs., Sat.); Call for appointment
(Note: Everyone I've talked to loves this amazing doctor, including us. She
not only gave Loulou expert care when she was hospitalized with pneumonia, but
remembered all the names of the stuffed animals and dolls that occupied her hospital
bed. Now, that's a doctor.)

Psychomotrocist/Play Therapy: - +243823474223

- Paula Huber
Phone +243823474223
Email: paula.huber@yahoo.com.ar
 May work with children

Radiology:

-Dr. Dongo - 081-814-2999

Office at CMK and New Deal Medical Center for scanner
rogerdongo@yahoo.fr

-*Centre Imagerie de la Gombe (CIGO) 099 889 2048

X-rays and Imagery (including mammogram)
Across from Centre Medical Diamant
If you can get your doctor to call ahead, it helps with the wait, which can be
long

Speech Therapy:

- Paula Espinosa - +243 819 995 328

Email: paulaandreaem@gmail.com
Speaks English/Spanish

Sports Medicine:

I've never heard of anyone using them, but there appear to be facilities next to Grace
Market in Kintambo. Anyone have experience with this service?

Surgery:

- Dr. Kasongo - 089 891 04 05

Office at CMK downtown
rndjate@hotmail.com
____________________________________________

PHARMACIES: I love pharmacies. They are my favorite stop for souvenirs all over
the world. In general, pharmacies in Kinshasa aren't thrilling, but they get the job
done for basic needs. FYI: You buy mosquito repellent at the pharmacy, not the
grocery store (except Shop Rite sometimes has spray in stock). Ask for medications
made in Europe and check the expiration dates. There are approximately 5 million
pharmacies within the Kinshasa city limits. This is the (very) short list.

*Pharmacie du 30 Juin - 0815035969 or 0999933690

Off of the Boulevard 30 Juin at Avenue Batatela; Near to the Grand Hotel;
0815035969 or 0999933690
Well-stocked with European-made pharmaceuticals
Usually has rapid malaria test kits for home use in stock
*Grand Hotel Pharmacy -
Located inside of the Grand Hotel
Well-stocked, can be pricey
*Pharmacie St. Catherine- 0818 500 087
 Next to Shop Rite
Mon - Sat: 8:30 am - 9:30 pm
Avenue de l'O.U.A., 11268 Concession GB/Quartier Socimat, 00000 Kinshasa
https://www.facebook.com/PharmacieSainteCatherine
Usually has rapid malaria test kits for home use in stock

_________________________________________

MENTAL HEALTH: I cannot stress enough how important it is to take care of your
mental health, wherever in the world you live. We are lucky to have choices for
excellent counseling services in Kinshasa after years without options. It's amazing
how helpful it can be to talk to someone - especially when you are dealing with
homesickness, culture shock, stress...the list goes on. Life in Kinshasa can bring out
the best - and worst - in people. I always say that the world would be a much better
place if everyone just went to counseling. End of lecture.

Counseling/Psychotherapy:

- *Elizabeth Pycroft, MBACP - 0819506094

Works with children and adults aged 14 and up
Speaks English; Training and licensed in Great Britain
Anxiety, depression, loss, bereavement, divorce, stress, self harm, alcohol
issues, relationship issues, culture shock, homesickness, cross cultural issues,
sexuality, anger, trauma, change and relocation
 Knows and understands Kinshasa well
Email: epcounselling@yahoo.com
(Note: Liz and I have worked together on Child Protection initiatives with
schools in Kinshasa. She's a true gem and a professional whose calm, spot-on
guidance I frequently recommend.)

- Claudia Niemtzoff, MA, LPC - +243851141180

Works with adults and families
Speaks English/Spanish; Training and practice in the U.S.
Parenting problems, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress management,
cross-cultural stress, marital problems, post-partum depression
Email: Claudia@niemtzoff.com
(Note: There are many new moms who find themselves in Kinshasa with a
small baby after giving birth abroad. This can be a confusing, isolating and
overwhelming experience. Just because you live in Kinshasa doesn't mean you can't
access help. Give Claudia a call!)
________________________________________________

Okay. Whew. See? It's not so bad.

Go get healthy, already!

2
You might also like:

Guest Post: Having a Baby in Kinshasa

Kinshasa Guru: Mel Schellenberg

Kinshasa FAQs: The Airport

Linkwithin

Posted by Jill
Labels: counselors in Kinshasa, doctors in Kinshasa, health care in Congo, hospital Kinshasa, mental health in
Kinshasa, pediatricians,pharmacies in Kinshasa, sick in Kinshasa

4 comments: