Medical evacuation / country guides
Medical evacuation from Guinea-Bissau to Morocco: how do you prepare the transfer from Bissau?
From Guinea-Bissau, a medical evacuation to Morocco departs from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Patients from Bafatá, Gabú or the Bijagós archipelago must first reach the capital, sometimes by boat. Medical reports are written in Portuguese, the official language: a summary in French makes the review of the file in Morocco easier. Care is also needed not to confuse Guinea-Bissau with Guinea or Equatorial Guinea in the documents.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on
In brief
- Patients from inland and from the Bijagós islands have a first journey to Bissau to organise.
- A file in Portuguese benefits from a summary or translation in French.
- Guinea-Bissau is on UTC+0, usually one hour behind Morocco.
Reaching Bissau
Bissau Airport handles international connections. From Bafatá or Gabú, in the east, the journey is by road; from the Bijagós islands, by boat. For a seriously ill patient, these steps can be difficult: the safest means is decided with the doctors and the transport operator, who may consider suitable medical transport.
A file in Portuguese, a country with a name close to two others
Portuguese is the official language and the language of reports; Creole is widely spoken in daily life. A summary letter in French and translations of the essential reports speed up the review of the file; imaging files can be read without translation. On all documents, it helps to write “Guinea-Bissau” in full, to avoid confusion with the Republic of Guinea and Equatorial Guinea.
During the stay and time zone
A patient who does not speak French needs a companion or interpreter able to bridge the gap with the team, particularly for consent to care. Guinea-Bissau is on UTC+0; Morocco is on UTC+1 for most of the year and UTC+0 during Ramadan.
Malaria: to be mentioned
Malaria is common in Guinea-Bissau. A recent fever or antimalarial treatment must be included in the file, and a fever in a patient who needs to travel calls for medical advice before departure.
Funding and entry into Morocco
The family, an insurer, an employer or a body may fund the care pathway, with prior approval obtained before departure. Entry requirements for Morocco depend on nationality and change over time: they are checked with the competent Moroccan diplomatic mission or on the official websites of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Preparing the return
The discharge report, written in French, benefits from translation into Portuguese for the doctor who will take over follow-up. The return inland or to the islands is also prepared, with prescriptions using international non-proprietary names and a follow-up schedule.
Questions to ask before departure
- How will the patient reach Bissau?
- Who will translate the summary letter and the essential reports?
- Is the country clearly stated on all documents?
- Who will bridge the language gap during the stay?
- Have the entry requirements for Morocco been checked?
What Polycrabat Sevamed can coordinate
Polycrabat Sevamed can receive the file sent from Guinea-Bissau, indicate which documents to translate first, have it reviewed by the healthcare professionals concerned, prepare estimates, organise the transfer with specialist operators when medical transport is needed, and then the welcome and admission in Rabat. Medical decisions lie with the doctors.
Frequently asked questions
Can a medical file in Portuguese be sent?
Yes; a summary in French and translations of the essential reports are recommended.
How is a transfer from the Bijagós islands organised?
The first journey to Bissau is by boat; for a seriously ill patient, the medical team and the transport operator decide on the safest solution.
Can you send your medical file from Bissau?
Yes, by email or WhatsApp, before any travel.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
Further reading
Pages of the website related to this guide
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The Polycrabat Sevamed coordination team directs your request to the doctors concerned. It does not make any diagnosis.
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