Vanuatu’s healthcare system is shaped by its geography—over 80 islands, a dispersed population, and limited resources. The country’s hospitals are vital lifelines, providing essential and emergency care, maternal and child health, surgery, and specialized services. While the network is small, each hospital and clinic plays a critical role in the health and resilience of Vanuatu’s people. This guide to the best Hospitals in Vanuatu presents detailed profiles of the nation’s top 20 hospitals and key health facilities, their specialties, facilities, and the unique challenges and achievements that define healthcare in Vanuatu today.
1. Vila Central Hospital (VCH), Port Vila
Big Introduction:
Vila Central Hospital is Vanuatu’s main referral and teaching hospital, located in the capital, Port Vila. Established decades ago and continually upgraded, VCH is the cornerstone of the country’s healthcare system, serving as the primary hub for complex cases, surgery, and specialist care. It provides services to the entire population of Efate and receives referrals from all other provinces. VCH is also the main site for visiting international specialists and medical education, and it is renowned for its commitment to both curative and preventive care.
Beds: Approx. 230
Doctors: 30+ (including specialists, surgeons, and medical officers)
Specializations:
- Emergency medicine
- General surgery
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Internal medicine
- Orthopedics
- Infectious diseases
- Maternity and neonatal care
- Eye care (Vanuatu National Eye Centre)
- Dental care
- Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT)
- Laboratory services
2. Northern Provincial Hospital (NPH), Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Big Introduction:
NPH is the main referral hospital for northern Vanuatu and the country’s second-largest hospital. Located in Luganville, Santo, it serves as a regional hub for emergency care, surgery, and maternal health, and is a critical link for the northern islands. NPH is equipped for both inpatient and outpatient care and is known for its strong community outreach and disaster response.
Beds: Approx. 120
Doctors: 15+
Specializations:
- Emergency medicine
- General surgery
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Internal medicine
- Maternity care
- Laboratory and imaging
3. Lenakel Hospital, Tanna
Big Introduction:
Lenakel Hospital is the primary hospital for Tanna and the southern islands, providing essential and emergency care to a large rural population. It is a vital center for maternal health, surgery, and infectious disease management, and plays a key role in disaster response and community health education.
Beds: Approx. 60
Doctors: 8+
Specializations:
- Emergency medicine
- General surgery
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious disease
- Outpatient clinics
4. Norsup Hospital, Malekula
Big Introduction:
Serving Malekula and the surrounding islands, Norsup Hospital is a key provincial hospital providing general and emergency care, maternal and child health, and surgery. It is a referral center for the region and is known for its dedicated staff and community outreach.
Beds: Approx. 55
Doctors: 6+
Specializations:
- General medicine
- Emergency care
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
5. Lolowai Hospital, Ambae
Big Introduction:
Lolowai Hospital is the main hospital for Ambae and the Penama province, providing inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, and maternal health services. Despite challenges from volcanic activity and evacuations, Lolowai remains a vital healthcare provider for the region.
Beds: Approx. 40
Doctors: 5+
Specializations:
- General medicine
- Emergency care
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
6. Vanuatu National Eye Centre, Port Vila
Big Introduction:
Located within Vila Central Hospital, the Vanuatu National Eye Centre is the country’s leading facility for eye care and surgery. Upgraded in 2019, it now provides high-volume cataract surgery, diabetic eye disease management, and outreach services, meeting WHO targets for avoidable blindness.
Beds: 10 (day surgery and observation)
Doctors: 2 ophthalmologists, visiting specialists
Specializations:
- Cataract and eye surgery
- Diabetic eye disease
- General ophthalmology
- Outreach clinics
7. Vila Bay Health Centre & Private Hospital, Port Vila
Big Introduction:
Vila Bay Health Centre is the leading private hospital in Vanuatu, offering general practice, minor surgery, radiology, and laboratory services. It serves expatriates, tourists, and locals seeking private care, and is known for its modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
Beds: 15
Doctors: 5+
Specializations:
- General practice
- Minor surgery
- Radiology
- Laboratory
- Dental care
8. Pro Medical Vanuatu, Port Vila
Big Introduction:
Pro Medical Vanuatu is the country’s only professional paramedic and ambulance service, providing 24/7 emergency response, pre-hospital care, and medical evacuation coordination. It is a vital link in Vanuatu’s emergency medical system.
Beds: ambulance/prehospital service
Doctors: Paramedics and advanced life support staff
Specializations:
- Pre-hospital emergency care
- Medical evacuation
- Disaster response
9. Port Vila Medical Centre, Port Vila
Big Introduction:
A leading private clinic, Port Vila Medical Centre provides general practice, family medicine, and minor emergency care. It is a first point of contact for many expatriates and visitors, and is known for its personalized service.
Beds: outpatient clinic
Doctors: 3+
Specializations:
- General practice
- Family medicine
- Minor emergency care
10. Northern Care Youth Clinic, Luganville
Big Introduction:
This youth-focused clinic in Santo provides sexual and reproductive health services, counseling, and health education, serving as a model for adolescent-friendly care in the Pacific.
Beds: outpatient clinic
Doctors: Nurses and counselors
Specializations:
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Counseling
- Adolescent medicine
11. Dental Center, Port Vila
Big Introduction:
The Dental Center is the main public dental clinic in Port Vila, providing extractions, fillings, preventive care, and oral health education for all age groups.
Beds: N/A (dental chairs)
Doctors: 3+ dentists
Specializations:
- General dentistry
- Oral surgery
- Preventive care
12. Health Center Nduindui, Ambae
Big Introduction:
A key rural health center on Ambae, Nduindui provides primary care, maternal health, and immunizations, serving as a referral point for nearby villages.
Beds: 6
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal and child health
- Immunizations
13. Health Center, Tanna (Lenakel District)
Big Introduction:
This health center supports Lenakel Hospital, providing primary care, maternal health, and outpatient services to surrounding communities.
Beds: 8
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Outpatient services
14. Health Center, Malekula (Norsup District)
Big Introduction:
A vital rural health facility, this center supports Norsup Hospital and provides primary care, maternity, and immunization services to remote villages.
Beds: 8
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Immunizations
15. Health Center, Espiritu Santo (Luganville District)
Big Introduction:
Supporting NPH, this health center offers primary care, immunizations, and maternal health services, and is a critical link in the regional referral network.
Beds: 8
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Immunizations
16. Health Center, Epi Island
Big Introduction:
This health center provides primary care, maternal and child health, and immunizations to one of Vanuatu’s more isolated islands, ensuring basic healthcare access for all residents.
Beds: 6
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal and child health
- Immunizations
17. Health Center, Pentecost Island
Big Introduction:
Serving the communities of Pentecost, this center offers primary care, maternity, and emergency stabilization, and coordinates with Lolowai Hospital for referrals.
Beds: 6
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Emergency stabilization
18. Health Center, Ambrym Island
Big Introduction:
Ambrym’s main health center provides essential care, maternal health, and immunizations, and is a key resource for volcanic disaster response.
Beds: 6
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Immunizations
19. Health Center, Erromango Island
Big Introduction:
This center is the primary healthcare provider for Erromango, offering outpatient care, maternity services, and immunizations to the island’s population.
Beds: 4
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Immunizations
20. Health Center, Aneityum Island
Big Introduction:
Aneityum’s health center ensures that even Vanuatu’s southernmost island has access to primary care, maternal health, and immunizations, supporting community health and resilience.
Beds: 4
Doctors: Nurse-led
Specializations:
- Primary care
- Maternal health
- Immunizations
Why Choose the Best Hospitals in Vanuatu?
- Comprehensive Coverage: From major hospitals to rural health centers, Vanuatu’s network ensures healthcare access across all inhabited islands.
- Essential Specialties: Emergency care, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, and eye care are available in key locations.
- Community-Centered Care: Nurses and doctors are trusted members of their communities, providing culturally sensitive and preventive care.
- International Partnerships: Visiting specialists and NGOs help expand access to advanced treatments and training.
- Resilience: Hospitals and clinics play a crucial role in disaster response and public health emergencies.
Patient Experience and Quality of Care
Vanuatu’s hospitals and clinics are recognized for their dedication to patient dignity, efficient emergency response, and a growing focus on maternal, child, and preventive health. While advanced care may require overseas referral, local staff are deeply committed, compassionate, and resourceful.
Conclusion
Choosing one of the best Hospitals in Vanuatu ensures access to skilled professionals, essential services, and a network of care that reaches every island. Each facility in this guide exemplifies the resilience, innovation, and patient focus that define Vanuatu’s healthcare system.