Culebra • Peace of Mind
Emergency & Medical Services
Essential healthcare on the island — from the CDT to Farmacia Cristina — with local guidance from Coral.
Introduction
Healthcare on the island
Although we hope you won't need medical assistance during your visit, it's reassuring to know that Culebra offers essential healthcare services for both residents and visitors. Whether you need urgent medical attention, prescription medications, or over-the-counter health products, these facilities are here to help. Knowing where to find medical services before you need them can provide peace of mind and help you enjoy your stay with confidence.
Quick Navigation
Jump to what you need
Emergency
Emergency Contacts
911, Police, and Fire Department numbers.
Healthcare
Dr. Luis M. Collazo CDT
Culebra's primary healthcare facility.
Pharmacy
Farmacia Cristina
The island's main community pharmacy.
From Coral
Coral's Insider Perspective
A local's honest advice before you arrive.
Insider Tip
Before You Need Medical Care
A quick tip that could save you time later.
Emergency Contacts
🚨 Emergency Services (911)
For any life-threatening emergency, always call 911 first. Operators will dispatch Police, Fire Department, or Emergency Medical Services, depending on the situation.
Why Call
- Medical emergencies
- Police assistance
- Fires
- Rescue operations
Coral's Insider Tip
If you don't speak Spanish, don't worry. The 911 system can assist callers in English. If you're unsure who to call, simply dial 911. They'll connect you with the appropriate emergency service.
Puerto Rico Police – Culebra District
The Culebra Police Department provides law enforcement services throughout the island and is available 24 hours a day.
Why Call
- Theft or lost property
- Traffic accidents
- Public safety concerns
- Non-medical emergencies
Culebra Fire Department
The Fire Department responds to fires, rescues, hazardous situations, and other emergencies throughout Culebra.
Why Call
🔥 Fires · 🔥 Gas leaks · 🔥 Rescue assistance · 🔥 Hazardous situations
Coral's Emergency Tip
Although Culebra is one of the safest destinations in Puerto Rico, it's always a good idea to save these numbers in your phone before your trip. In a medical emergency, accident, or any situation where you're unsure who to contact, simply call 911. Help is available 24 hours a day.
Coral's Insider Perspective
Although Culebra offers many essential services, visitors should remember that this is a small island. If you require specific medications, specialty products, or personal items, it is always a good idea to bring them with you before arriving.
Dr. Luis M. Collazo CDT
Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento
Located in downtown Culebra on Calle William Font, the Dr. Luis M. Collazo CDT is the island's primary healthcare facility. It provides emergency and urgent medical care, primary care services, laboratory services, X-rays, and other essential medical services for both residents and visitors. It is the first place to go for non-life-threatening illnesses, injuries, or medical concerns while visiting Culebra.
Why Visit
- Primary medical facility on the island
- Emergency and urgent care services
- General medical evaluation and treatment
- Laboratory services
- Pharmacy services available nearby
- Emergency stabilization and air transfer when necessary
Services
The Dr. Luis M. Collazo CDT provides urgent and emergency medical care, physician consultations, basic diagnostic services, laboratory testing, and stabilization of patients requiring transfer to larger hospitals in mainland Puerto Rico. It serves as Culebra's principal public healthcare facility.
Hours: Emergency services are available 24 hours a day. Some outpatient and specialty services operate during regular business hours. It is recommended to call ahead for non-emergency services.
Coral's Insider Tip
As a lifelong Culebrense and resident, I feel especially proud that Culebra's medical center bears the name of my beloved uncle, Dr. Luis M. Collazo. For more than 30 years, he dedicated his life to caring for the people of Culebra with extraordinary compassion and unwavering commitment. He became affectionately known as "the doctor of the poor" because, to him, no one was ever turned away for lack of money. His calling was never about financial reward—it was about serving others with kindness, dignity, and a genuine vocation for medicine.
His legacy of compassion continues to inspire our community, and every time I see his name on the CDT, I'm reminded of the countless lives he touched through his generosity, humility, and dedication. It is a source of great pride for my family and for Culebra that his memory lives on through the healthcare facility that continues to serve both residents and visitors today.
Farmacia Cristina
Located on Calle William Font, next to the Dr. Luis M. Collazo CDT in downtown Culebra, Farmacia Cristina is the island's primary community pharmacy. Whether you need to fill a prescription or purchase over-the-counter medications and basic health essentials, it's the most convenient pharmacy for both residents and visitors.
Why Visit
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Cold, allergy, and pain relief products
- Friendly, personalized service
- Convenient location next to the CDT
- Credit cards accepted
Specialties
Farmacia Cristina provides prescription filling, medication counseling, over-the-counter medications, health and wellness products, and personalized pharmaceutical care. It serves as the island's main retail pharmacy and works closely with the local medical community to meet the healthcare needs of both residents and visitors.
Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Coral's Insider Tip
If you take prescription medications, I recommend bringing enough medication to last your entire stay. Although Farmacia Cristina is an excellent pharmacy with caring and knowledgeable staff, its hours are more limited than pharmacies on the main island. If you need medication or other pharmacy items, it's always best to stop by earlier in the day rather than waiting until the last minute.
Before You Need Medical Care
Even though no one plans to need medical care while on vacation, knowing where to find Culebra's medical services before an emergency happens can save valuable time and reduce unnecessary stress. I recommend taking a moment to familiarize yourself with the locations of the Dr. Luis M. Collazo CDT and Farmacia Cristina shortly after arriving on the island. Hopefully, you'll never need them—but it's always comforting to know they're here if you do.