SHOULD you fall ill or have an accident while visiting Johannesburg, you have two options: a private or public hospital. Public hospitals are scattered throughout the city and their services can at times be stretched since they face large demand. There are many private hospitals, particularly in the city's north, and most of them offer 24-hour emergency services. Private medical services in Johannesburg can match those of any major international city.

South African doctors are highly trained, which is why they are in demand throughout the world. Sophisticated modern medical equipment is available. Indeed, one of the minor tourist attractions of Johannesburg is the "nose-job route" - foreigners come to South Africa for discreet and relatively inexpensive enhancement by the city's highly regarded plastic surgeons, and throw in an African holiday on the side.

The public ambulance service is overstretched and understaffed. In an emergency in which other forms of transport won't suffice, a private ambulance service will be quicker to respond.

The following are recommended private hospitals where you will find a host of different specialists as well as emergency rooms and general practitioners.

• Major private hospitals and clinics
• Major public hospitals and clinics