Advice
As for any trip overseas you must plan well
ahead and be aware of the political climate in which
you will be operating. Valid visas and passports are
obvious needs, but also do your homework when it comes
to international customs and travel, including answering
several questions:
- What is the current state of diplomatic relations
between Canada and the country I am planning to visit?
- Are there any customs restrictions on bringing
humanitarian medicines or medical products into this
particular country?
- Does this country have a Consulate or Embassy within
Canada where I can find answers ahead of time?
- Have I remembered to contact my airline ahead of
time to ask about taking extra baggage? (Many airlines
will actually allow extra weight for humanitarian
causes)
Many times individuals will feel compelled to take
additional medications and supplies from their own
home. While this is very generous, it could also land
you in a lot of trouble! For example, some common headache/migraine
medicines contain codeine, which is a narcotic and
a controlled substance.
It is extremely important that you know what you are
carrying and have a list to prove it. That's why it
is usually easiest to have an expert, like HPIC, organize
your packages.
In most cases being prepared ahead of time can avoid
any potentially unpleasant situations. Remember, it's
always better to be honest about what you are carrying
- otherwise you could quickly find yourself in a great
deal of trouble trying to sneak something through illegally.
And finally, one of the most important things is to
be sensitive to the cultural differences that exist
between Canada and other countries. Be flexible and
patient, remembering that things may not always work
exactly the way they would at home. It's a wonderful
thing to bring health to someone in great need, so
think of yourself as a servant and you'll be assured
of a life-changing experience.
Dr. Robert Stephens
M.D.
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