Health

First aid

In case of accidents or emergencies, any hospital will provide first aid. Look for the entrance marked EHBO or Spoedeisende hulp (first aid by accidents).

 

Hospitals

Groningen has two hospitals:

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)

Hanzeplein 1

P.O. Box 30001

9700 RB Groningen

Tel.: (050) 361 6161

Fax: (050) 361 4351

 

Martini Hospital

 Van Swietenlaan 4

 P.O. BOX 30033

 9728 NT Groningen

Telephone for both locations:(050) 524 5245.

There is also a general Emergency Phone Number: 112

You can call this number in case of medical emergency, accidents, fire and burglary. Do not call it unless the situation is urgent! For less critical situations, you can reach the police at:

0900 8844.

 

Pharmacies and chemists

Medicine can be obtained from a pharmacy (apotheek) or chemist / drugstore (drogist). Well known drugstores are: Kruidvat, Trekpleister, Etos and DA. There is a big difference in the Netherlands between the two options mentioned above. Doctors’ prescriptions for medicine can only be handed in at the pharmacy. Each area of the city has at least one pharmacy.

The opening hours of pharmacies are: Monday-Friday 8.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. At night, during the weekend and on public holidays most pharmacies are closed, but there will be a notice on the door or window stating the address of the pharmacy on duty. The chemist / drugstore sells lighter drugs, without prescription, for common complaints such as headaches, toothaches, and diarrhoea. They also sell toiletries. The opening hours of pharmacies, chemists and shops are the same, usually 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.

 

Drugs, alcohol, etc.

To many foreigners the Netherlands has the reputation of being a tolerant country where much is allowed and little is forbidden. This is largely true. Nevertheless, we would like to issue a warning about a few facts of life.

The use and possession of soft drugs (hash and marijuana) is always illegal, but the possession or using of small amounts is ‘allowed’ in private surroundings. In the Netherlands this is called the ‘gedoogbeleid’, which means as much as: It is illegal, but you don’t get prosecuted for it. Dealing of soft-drugs is absolutely prohibited. Users are allowed to posses soft-drugs until a maximum of 5g. Sending drugs to an address in your country of origin means considerable risks for both the sender and the recipient. The use of and dealing is punishable by law.

Groningen is renowned for its conviviality and this is proved by the number of cafés. Some cafe’s have happy hours, stated hours in which selected beverages are cheaper. Experience has shown that mainly students take advantage of the price reduction and tend to consume rather a lot in that one hour. Take into account that excessive alcoholic consumption within a short time is very bad for your health. It is important to know that you have to be 18 years or older to buy stronger alcoholic drinks and liquor. From the age of 16 you are allowed to buy light alcoholic drinks, like beer and wine.

In the Netherlands you are not allowed to drink alcohol on the streets or in public transport.