FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Dokotera, Madagascar's medical directory.
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What is Dokotera? +
Dokotera.pro is the medical directory for Madagascar. Patients can find a doctor near them for free (general practitioner, dentist, ophthalmologist, pediatrician, physiotherapist...) and request an appointment online. "Dokotera" means "doctor" in Malagasy.
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Is Dokotera free for patients? +
Yes, 100% free. Patients can browse practices, check specialties, read reviews and request an appointment at no cost.
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How do I book an appointment with a doctor in Madagascar? +
On Dokotera.pro, choose your specialty and your city (for example "dentist in Antananarivo"), select a practice, then click "Book appointment". You need to create a free patient account to confirm your request — the practice then replies directly.
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Why do I need an account to book? +
The patient account lets the practice identify you, keep your medical history confidential, and avoid no-shows. Creation is fast (name, email, password) and you can also sign in with Google.
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Which cities does Dokotera cover? +
Dokotera progressively covers all of Madagascar: Antananarivo (Tana), Toamasina (Tamatave), Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga (Majunga), Toliara (Tulear/Toliary), Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez), Tolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin/Faradofay), Nosy Be, Ambositra, Morondava, Sambava. New practices are added every month.
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How can I tell if a doctor is right for me? +
Each practice page lists the specialties offered, the titular doctors and their consultation days. Patients can leave a review (rating + comment) after their appointment, which helps the next ones. To check a doctor's license to practice, consult the National Order of Physicians of Madagascar.
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Can my practice be listed on Dokotera? +
Yes. Madagascar practices can request listing through the "For practices" page. Once registered, they manage their page, schedule, and receive online appointment requests directly.
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Can I consult in Malagasy, French or English? +
Most listed practices speak Malagasy and French. Many doctors also speak English, particularly in Antananarivo. Mention your preferred language when booking if it is not French.
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What does "dokotera" mean? +
"Dokotera" means "doctor" in Malagasy. You will also hear "dokotera nify" (dentist), "dokotera maso" (eye doctor), "dokotera zaza" (pediatrician), "dokotera fo" (cardiologist), "dokotera saina" (psychiatrist).
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How do I find a good doctor in Antananarivo? +
Antananarivo has many doctors across all neighborhoods: Analakely, Ivandry, Ankorondrano, Isoraka, Ambohijatovo, Tsaralalana, Andravoahangy. Dokotera.pro lists practices by neighborhood with patient reviews. You can filter by specialty (general practitioner, dentist, eye doctor, pediatrician, gynecologist).
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What about medical emergencies in Madagascar? +
For a life-threatening emergency in Madagascar, dial 17 (Police) or 18 (Fire). Dokotera.pro is not an emergency service: we direct you to practices that work by appointment. For non-life-threatening dental emergencies, some practices accept walk-ins — this is indicated on their page.
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Is medical care expensive in Madagascar? +
Consultation prices vary by city and specialty. In Antananarivo, a general practitioner consultation typically costs between 25,000 and 80,000 MGA (around 5 to 20 USD). Specialists charge more (50,000 to 200,000 MGA). Many practices accept cash, mobile money (Orange Money, MVola, Airtel Money) and sometimes private insurance.