Medical Facilities in India

India had the foresight to join the medical tourism front when travelling overseas for health care was still largely unheard of. As a result, the country has a strong base of medical infrastructure ranging from large public hospitals to private specialized clinics.

The greatest concentration of medical facilities is found in Chennai, though other major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai have ample medical infrastructure of their own. The favorable exchange rates between India and the West mean that patients can afford first-rate treatments that would only be available to the wealthy at home.

Most people assume that discounted prices are the sole driving force for those seeking treatment in India. While this is certainly a leading contributor, India is equally valued for its quick turnover and short, or nonexistent, waiting lists.

With so many high-quality clinics and world-class hospitals in the country, India is able to provide first-rate medical care in a fraction of the time it would take to receive the same treatment in the US, Canada or Europe.

The rapid success of medical tourism in India has prompted massive development projects in major cities. The result is ultra-modern hospitals and clinics employing state-of-the-art facilities, such as surgical theatres with world-class Laminar Air Flow Systems.

Hip resurfacing is one of the leading procedures sought in India. Specialists here are trained in the Birmingham technique, a specialized procedure that has received unparalleled international praise. Birmingham hip resurfacing is largely unavailable in the US.

Leading hospitals in major cities like Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai offer specialized packages for guests willing to splurge on extra amenities. Lavish recovery suites are offered as a part of premium medical packages. These are especially attractive to those seeking high-end treatments that involve lengthy recuperation times. Some of the more highly-acclaimed institutes are the BM Birla Heart Research Centre, the Apollo Hospital and the cancer treatment ward at Tata Memorial Hospital.

While large-scale hospitals are best-suited to handle serious medical cases, smaller clinics often team up with travel agencies to provide complete medical tourism packages. Clinics typically specialize in a particular field or a specific elective operation such as dental work, cosmetic surgery and minor orthopedic operations. Many of these operations require shorter recovery times, giving tourists the opportunity to follow up with a tour of India’s world-famous tourist attractions.