Palau, a Pacific island nation, offers healthcare through a blend of public and private facilities, prioritizing universal access, resilience, and quality despite its small population and geographic challenges. The nation’s healthcare system is anchored by its main national hospital, a network of community health centers, and several private clinics, all working together to ensure coverage for residents and visitors alike. This guide presents the top 20 hospitals and health centers in Palau, each with a clear overview followed by key details in point-wise format. For the most current and detailed hospital profiles, visit MyHospitalNow’s Palau Hospitals page.

1. Belau National Hospital (BNH), Koror

Belau National Hospital is the central pillar of Palau’s healthcare system, serving as the country’s only full-service public hospital. It provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and emergency care, and acts as the main referral center for the entire nation. BNH is designed to American standards and is currently being upgraded and relocated to improve climate resilience and expand capacity for future generations.

• Beds: Approximately 80
• Specialties: General medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, emergency medicine, radiology, laboratory, dental services, pharmacy
• Facilities: Neonatal and adult ICUs, operating theaters, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, outpatient clinics
• Key Features: 24/7 emergency care, telemedicine partnerships, referral system for off-island treatment (notably to Taiwan and Hawaii)
• Administration: Bureau of Hospital & Clinical Services, Ministry of Health

2. Koror Central Community Health Center (CHC)

Koror Central CHC is the largest community health center in Palau, providing essential primary care, preventive services, and outpatient treatment for the capital region. It is a vital bridge between the community and the National Hospital.

• Services: General outpatient care, maternal and child health, immunizations, chronic disease management, minor procedures
• Staff: General practitioners, nurses, health educators
• Notable: Pilots telehealth services for remote consultations

3. Koror Outpatient Department (OPD)

The Koror OPD extends the reach of BNH by offering outpatient consultations, follow-up care, and minor procedures, helping to decongest the main hospital and provide efficient, patient-friendly services.

• Services: General medicine, follow-up visits, minor surgical procedures, wound care, medication management
• Facilities: Waiting areas, consultation rooms, pharmacy access

4. Ngarchelong Community Health Center

Ngarchelong CHC serves the northern communities of Babeldaob Island, providing vital healthcare in a rural setting. It is a key point for primary care and emergency stabilization before referral to BNH.

• Services: General practice, maternal and child health, immunizations, basic laboratory tests, emergency stabilization
• Accessibility: Serves remote villages with limited access to Koror

5. Eastern Community Health Center

Eastern CHC provides primary and preventive healthcare to the eastern districts of Babeldaob, handling routine consultations and minor emergencies while also focusing on health education.

• Services: Outpatient care, health screenings, maternal and child health, immunizations
• Community Role: Health promotion and disease prevention campaigns

6. Western Community Health Center

Western CHC serves the western part of Babeldaob, focusing on accessible healthcare for rural populations and chronic disease management.

• Services: General medicine, chronic disease follow-up, maternal health, immunizations, minor procedures
• Staff: Nurses, community health workers

7. Central Community Health Center 2 (Airai)

Located in Airai, this CHC is a hub for healthcare services in the central region of Babeldaob, offering a range of outpatient and preventive services to both urban and rural residents.

• Services: General outpatient care, maternal and child health, immunizations, minor emergencies
• Facilities: Consultation rooms, basic diagnostics

8. Kayangel Community Health Center

Kayangel CHC is the northernmost health center in Palau, serving the small island community of Kayangel State. It is critical for providing accessible care to remote populations.

• Services: Primary care, emergency stabilization, health education, immunizations
• Notable: Key provider during natural disasters and emergencies

9. Southern (Peleliu) Community Health Center

Peleliu CHC is the main healthcare provider for the southern island of Peleliu, offering essential services to a remote and dispersed population.

• Services: General medicine, maternal and child health, immunizations, basic emergency care
• Accessibility: Supports evacuation and referral to BNH when needed

10. Angaur Community Health Center

Angaur CHC is the main health facility for Angaur State, providing primary healthcare and preventive services to the island’s residents.

• Services: Outpatient care, maternal health, immunizations, health promotion
• Facilities: Basic diagnostic and stabilization equipment

11. Southwest Islands Community Health Center

Serving the Southwest Islands, this CHC is crucial for providing healthcare to some of Palau’s most isolated communities, ensuring access to essential health services.

• Services: General practice, emergency stabilization, maternal and child health, immunizations
• Notable: Relies on telehealth and boat/air transport for referrals

12. Private Medical Clinics (Koror)

Several private clinics in Koror offer outpatient services, including general medical care, minor surgical procedures, and wellness programs, complementing public healthcare services.

• Services: General practice, minor surgery, wellness checks, vaccinations, health screenings
• Staff: Private physicians, nurses

13. Private Dental Clinics (Koror)

Palau’s private dental clinics provide preventive and restorative dental care, supporting oral health for the population.

• Services: Dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education
• Facilities: Modern dental equipment, x-ray services

14. Private Optical Clinics (Koror)

Optical clinics in Koror offer vision care, including eye exams, prescription glasses, and management of minor eye conditions.

• Services: Vision screening, prescription lenses, eye health counseling
• Notable: Referral system for complex cases to BNH or off-island specialists

15. Private Pharmaceutical Clinic (Koror)

This clinic provides prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and pharmaceutical counseling, ensuring access to essential medicines for the community.

• Services: Dispensing of medications, patient counseling, medication management
• Role: Supports both public and private healthcare providers

16. US Military Civil Action Team (CAT) Clinic, Babeldaob

The US CAT Clinic provides limited medical services and support to the local community, including basic healthcare, preventive medicine, and health education.

• Services: Basic medical care, first aid, health education
• Collaboration: Works with Palau’s Ministry of Health for outreach and disaster response

17. Shriners Children’s Hospital Visiting Clinics

Through a partnership with Shriners Children’s Hospital, visiting pediatric orthopedic surgeons provide specialty care and surgeries for children in Palau.

• Services: Pediatric orthopedic surgery, post-surgical follow-up, telehealth consultations
• Impact: Reduces the need for off-island travel for specialized care

18. Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Hospital Partnership (Taiwan)

This partnership brings visiting specialists from Taiwan to Palau for specialty clinics and training, and facilitates referrals for complex cases requiring advanced care.

• Services: Specialty clinics (cardiology, dentistry, thoracic medicine, etc.), medical training, telehealth support
• Notable: Enhances local capacity through workshops and hands-on training

19. Telehealth Services Network

Palau’s telehealth network connects outlying CHCs with BNH and international partners, bridging gaps in specialty care and enabling remote consultations.

• Services: Virtual consultations, specialist referrals, continuing medical education for local staff
• Technology: Supports disaster response and routine care in remote areas

20. Community-based Health Outreach Programs

Palau’s Ministry of Health and local partners conduct mobile clinics and outreach programs to deliver preventive care, screenings, and health education to underserved communities.

• Services: Mobile clinics, immunization drives, wellness checks, chronic disease management
• Focus: Health promotion, early detection, and reducing disparities in access

What Sets Palau’s Top Hospitals and Health Centers Apart

• Universal healthcare and a centralized referral system anchored by Belau National Hospital
• A robust network of community health centers ensuring access for even the most remote populations
• Integration of telehealth and international partnerships to bring specialty care and training to Palau
• Disaster resilience planning, including hospital upgrades and relocation to address climate risks
• Strong focus on outreach, prevention, and public health education

Conclusion

Palau’s healthcare network—anchored by Belau National Hospital and supported by a robust network of community health centers, private clinics, and international partnerships—demonstrates the nation’s commitment to accessible, resilient, and high-quality care. Whether in the capital of Koror or the remote Southwest Islands, Palau’s hospitals and health centers ensure that every resident has access to essential medical services. For the latest hospital profiles, specialties, and contact information, always refer to MyHospitalNow’s Palau Hospitals page.