The medical system in the Netherlands is quite different from that in the Windward Islands. Here, your doctor plays a central role in your medical treatment. The doctor decides if it is necessary for you to see a specialist, whether or not it is necessary for you to go to the hospital for certain injuries, and the doctor distributes all prescriptions no matter how minor. This is why it is very important to be registered at a doctor as soon as possible. The Reception (Opvang) Committee will assist you in this process.

In the Netherlands it is useful and almost compulsory, to have your doctor situated close to where you live. In case of emergency or illness the doctor should be able to come to your home within reasonable time (max. 10-15 minutes). However, because doctors are only allowed to have a certain amount of patients, many doctors are at capacity, and you may be have to settle for a doctor further away. It can be tempting not to bother with the hassle of finding a doctor — don't succumb to this temptation, because you may need one to provide you with a note to justify taking sick leave from school and/or work.

It is also important to be registered at a dentists’ office. However, the dentist does not have to be situated close to where you live. In some cities you may also have to be registered at a pharmacy. The following website, www.uwdokter.nl, may help in the search for a doctor, and www.uwziekenhuis.nl for a hospital in the area.