Dealing With Pink Eye in Rio De Janeiro

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Rio De Janeiro

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as pink eye or related symptoms.

With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at $20, so tourists in Rio De Janeiro needing treatment for pink eye can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about pink eye treatment online.

Hospitals in Rio De Janeiro

For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like pink eye adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.

Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in Rio de Janeiro

Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar
Address: Praça da República, 111 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Access: Emergency care available 24/7. Accepts walk-in patients without prior appointment. It is one of the main emergency references in the city.

Hospital Municipal Salgado Filho
Address: Rua Arquias Cordeiro, 370 – Méier, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Access: Open 24-hour emergency service. Provides care for urgent and emergency cases on a walk-in basis with risk classification to prioritize patients.

Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge
Address: Avenida Ayrton Senna, 2.000 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Access: Emergency room open 24/7. Walk-in patients are accepted and receive immediate care for urgent and emergency cases.

Walk-in clinics

Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.

Pharmacies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In Rio de Janeiro, pharmacies—known locally as “farmácias” or “drogarias”—are widespread and easy to recognize. They typically display signs with the words “Farmácia” or “Drogaria,” often accompanied by red or green crosses. Many operate extended hours, and some are open 24/7, particularly in busy neighborhoods and near hospitals. These establishments offer a range of health products, from prescription medications to cosmetics and basic first-aid supplies.

Can pharmacists sell antibiotics over the counter in Rio de Janeiro?

No, pharmacists in Rio de Janeiro are not permitted to sell antibiotics without a prescription. As mandated by Brazilian federal law, all antibiotics require a valid medical prescription, and pharmacies must retain a physical or digital copy for regulatory oversight. This measure is in place to prevent misuse and help control antibiotic resistance across the country.

Emergency Number for Rio de Janeiro

The emergency number for the city of Rio de Janeiro is 192. This number connects you to the Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU), which provides urgent pre-hospital care and emergency medical assistance across the city. When calling, be sure to clearly explain the situation, provide your exact location, and any other important details to ensure a swift and effective response.

Please remember, emergency numbers like 192 are intended for life-threatening situations only. For urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns, telehealth services such as Doctorsa are a better option for receiving professional medical guidance and support.