Anesthetics in Casablanca

Anesthetics are a medication that causes temporary loss of sensation or awareness. They are used during tests and surgical operations to prevent patients from feeling pain and discomfort, keeping them comfortable and enabling a wide range of medical procedures to be performed. 

There are several types of anesthetic, including:

• A general anesthetic puts you in a sleep-like state, preventing you from feeling any pain. You will be unaware of your surgery, do not move, or feel anything while it is carried out. It is mainly used for major surgeries, such as heart surgeries and knee and hip replacement. 
• Local anesthetics will numb a small area of your body, but you will not lose consciousness, meaning you will be fully awake during the procedure. They are commonly used in minor surgery, such as stitching a deep cut, wisdom tooth removal, or a skin biopsy. However, they can also be used to treat painful conditions or relieve pain after surgery. In some cases, they may be used for major surgery that requires you to be awake, such as awake craniotomy.
• Regional anesthetic works the same way local anesthetic does by numbing a specific area of your body while you stay awake. However, it numbs a larger part of the body. It is usually used for orthopedic surgery on an arm, leg, hand, or foot.
• The epidural anesthetic is a type of regional anesthetic. It is usually used to numb the lower half of the body, such as during childbirth. It can also be used to help control pain after major surgery to the chest or belly.
• A spinal anesthetic is another type of regional anesthetic. It is used to give total numbness to the lower parts of the body, such as in the lower back or the base of the spine. It is commonly used during arthroplasty, joint replacement, vascular surgery on the legs, and hemorrhoidectomy.
• Sedation is a medication that relaxes you mentally and physically and often makes you feel sleepy. It is used to keep you calm during minor, unpleasant, or painful procedures and is often used with a regional or local anesthetic to help you feel calm. 

Anesthetics are given by an anesthetist (doctors who have received specialist training in anesthesia) in a number of ways, including as a gas you breathe in, as an injection into a vein, or as an ointment, spray, or drops.

How Long Should I Stay in Casablanca?

With local anesthetics, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. If your surgery involves a general anesthetic, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. In general, plan to stay in Casablanca for at least 2 to 14 days. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time depends on your specific situation, the type of surgery you have, and the type of anesthetic used. The effects of local anesthetic usually wear off in a few hours. General anesthetics may affect your memory, reflexes, and concentration for a day or two. It is generally recommended that you take time off work for at least a week or two, but, again, it depends on the type of surgery you undergo.

What Aftercare is Required?

Specific instruction will be given by your doctor, which may include food and activity restrictions. It is important to follow all of these instructions closely. Although the instruction will be tailored to your specific condition, you may be advised to avoid driving, drinking alcohol, or signing any legal documents for a few days.

What's the Success Rate?

Undergoing surgery and receiving anesthesia is safer today than ever before. Thanks to continuing advancement in equipment, medication, and training, serious problems are becoming rarer. However, this does not mean that there are zero risks. Although very rare, all types of medical procedures carry a potential risk, such as nerve damage and an allergic reaction to the anesthetic medication.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to anesthetics. Without anesthetics, surgeries can be very painful and dangerous. Also, some surgeries would not be possible to be carried out without anesthetics. 

Anesthetics in and around Casablanca

About Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is located in the central-western part of the country. Many local and international companies set up their headquarters in this city, making it the primary industrial zone of the country. Casablanca might be the least popular tourist destination in the country, but take a closer look, it does have a lot of hidden gems. Tourists will find many astonishing things to see here. From beaches, markets, culture, to Art Deco architecture, this city is definitely worth a visit.

In line with Morocco’s emerging medical tourism, Casablanca welcomes an increasing number of medical tourists each year. The city is considered to be the most developed market for medical tourists, which in turn as made it one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in Africa. The medical system is divided into two sectors, public and private. The city is known for its modern medical facilities equipped with high-tech equipment. People from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States choose the city for cosmetic surgery and dental procedures, while people from other African countries with inferior medical centers come to have better healthcare. For medical tourists from Western countries, medical treatment in Casablanca is a lot more affordable. 

Popular Areas in Casablanca 

Casablanca is the main gateway to Morocco and despite only having a few tourist attractions; visitors will find some gems after a little exploration.

• Hassan II Mosque was completed in 1993 and built on a platform overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Covering around two hectares in size and can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers, it is the second-largest mosque in the world. The dramatic location combined with the beautiful architecture offers a unique experience of praying. 
• The Medina or the old city district is a perfect place to wander around. The maze-like alleyways hide many things waiting to be discovered. Tourists can experience the local’s daily life, have some tasty food in one of the cafes, find traditional treasures in one of its shops, or just stroll around and admire its beauty. 
• Cathedral du Sacre Coeur may have been left to waste away in the past decades, but tourists can still see its beautiful structure and architecture. The guardian will sometime let tourists inside to get a sense of the building’s interior. The architecture is a perfect mix of European and Moroccan style. 
• Central Market is the place for tourists who want to shop and it is a bustling market where locals buy and sell groceries, but tourists usually come for Morocco’s famous slippers or solely for an opportunity to get amazing photos. Do a little haggling and take home some beautiful local souvenirs.
• Corniche or beachfront district is located in the same region as the Hassan II Mosque. The shoreline is filled with luxury restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs. There is also a public beach packed with surfers and swimmers. During sunny days, especially on weekends, people come to picnic on the beaches, have a refreshing dip in the sea, or splash around in swimming pools. 

Weather and Climate in Casablanca

The weather in this charming city can be quiet hot as it has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Thanks to the cool Canary current off the Atlantic coast, there are always cool breezes even during the hottest days. The summer generally starts in June and ends in August. June is the driest month in Casablanca and August is the hottest month with an average temperature of around 26 °C. The temperature will decrease in October and the average rainfall will increase in December. Winter starts in December and visitors can expect January to be the coldest month with the temperature ranging from 7 °C to 17 °C. February experiences a lot of rain, making it the wettest month of the year.

Getting Around in Casablanca

Casablanca is home to the country’s primary international airport: Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. It is the busiest airport in Morocco, located in Nouaceur Province and the airport operates both domestic and international flights which connect the city to many major cities in the Middle East, America, and Europe. Several budget airlines such as Air Arabia Maroc, Transavia Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines operate flights to and from this airport.

There are plenty of options to get around Casablanca and tourists can try the tram to get a good look at the city. The tram operates from 06.00 AM to 10.30 PM. The line connects some of the main neighborhoods and consists of 48 stops. The most inexpensive way to get around the city is by bus and it costs around 5 MAD. It is best to begin your journey at the designated stops along each bus route instead of stopping a bus in transit.

Taxis are widely available and there are two kinds of taxis: The Red taxi (Petit Taxi) or the White Taxi. The red taxi is a shared taxi, typically by four passengers. The White taxis act like buses with a set route and a fixed price, but the ride is much faster than the bus and you should always pay the driver at the start of your trip. 

Tourist Visas in Casablanca

Citizens of 66 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the European Union, and Japan can enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Mali, Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo do not need a visa to enter but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization. It is best to always check the current regulations to the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency. The exchange rate from 1 USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to access money is by the ATMs which can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in high-end restaurants and hotels. Tipping can be mandatory sometimes.
3. Local Language: The official language is Arabic and Berber. French is widely spoken and understood. While English is not widely spoken, there are many people who can speak English, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population are Muslims. Nevertheless, Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates Islam religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.