island conditions & medical care

I am planning a trip to Club Med in Punta Cana in early January, and I am wondering how the island is doing since last year's major hurricane. Has there been a lot of beach erosion? Is the country's infrastructure working? Also, I am travelling with young children & need to know about the availability of pediatricians close to Club Med. Any info?

One cannot even tell there was a hurricane along the beach areas. Punta Cana was barely affected. There was no beach erosion. The country's infrastructure was back to normal within days with the exception of electric and telephone service which took several months in some areas. It is no better than before the storm.

Club Med is not opened yet, with a scheduled reopening in December 1999. All the big all-inclusives have full-time medical staff. You should contact the resort for any specifics.

See http://www.clubmed.com/ID-ODWmPtFDAckAAD@HVrE/Villages/ or click on the link below, and select Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. See http://home.netcom.com/~drdude/Dominican%20Republic/Maps/Punta%20Cana%20Area%20-%20small.jpg for a map of the area.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM

As far as medical caer goes, bring your own meds, and a first aid kit. Don't expect much! Be prepared. Regards

Club Med has a pediatrician who lives in the hotel. He was one of the contributors to our health page. Club Med is one of the best hotels anywhere to visit with children. It is a favorite of my own children. I would not be concerned with health issues. On the plus side, you will be traveling to a brand new Club Med. The hotel had planned a complete remodeling and finally has gotten around to it. For info on travel related recommendations, see our health page. There are several tips regarding children. Most important, watch the sun.