The quality of healthcare in India varies, but if you live in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru, you shouldn't struggle to find highly qualified and experienced English-speaking medical practitioners at private hospitals. Healthcare facilities in rural areas are more limited.
Most people opt for private healthcare in India, seeing that state funding for public healthcare is decidedly low. Private healthcare doesn't come cheap, so it's definitely recommended that you take out private health insurance to cover your medical bills.
Public healthcare in India
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare oversees India's public health policies and government family planning programmes at a national level. Each state is responsible for providing health services to its residents, and as such, standards vary across the country.
Public hospitals in India often employ well-trained English-speaking doctors, but a lack of equipment, funding, and supporting staff seriously strains the government sector. Government-led and public-private partnerships have collectively worked on initiatives to improve the availability and quality of healthcare in India.
Unfortunately, India's public hospitals remain overcrowded, waiting lists for treatment are long, and conditions aren't always hygienic. Public healthcare facilities in rural areas are even more limited.
Access to state hospitals and healthcare is free and subsidised for Indian citizens below the poverty line. If you are working in India, you'll usually opt for private healthcare instead.
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Private healthcare in India
Private hospitals in India are of a much higher standard and preferred by most people. They are also preferred by many Indian locals, some of whom pay for these services out of pocket.
Private hospitals can be used in non-emergencies for most medical needs, including regular check-ups and consultations. While there are many private facilities in cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Mumbai, you should research to find out which local healthcare providers best suit your needs.
Across India, private practitioners offer a range of medical services, including scientifically supported mainstream medicine and traditional and alternative treatments such as Ayurveda and homoeopathy.
Health insurance in India
If you are moving to India, ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage. As an employed expat, your employer may provide international health insurance for you, but some policies will only cover treatment at certain hospitals. Investigate the terms of your policy and ensure you understand what it covers. If there are limitations to the coverage offered, consider paying extra for a more comprehensive policy.
Indian hospitals may not recognise some international insurance providers. In these cases, you will have to pay cash out of pocket. If this does happen, keeping all the necessary paperwork is essential if you want to be reimbursed by your insurer at a later stage.
Pharmacies in India
Pharmacies are common in major Indian cities. They're attached to most private medical facilities or in major shopping precincts. Most types of medication are readily available, and the costs are generally moderate.
Note that when travelling to more rural areas, you'll need to ensure that you have a supply of necessary medication because pharmacies may not be as well stocked in such places.
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Health hazards in India
If you are new to India, you need to be especially careful about water and food hygiene – an upset stomach is a common complaint among newcomers. Tap water in India is generally not safe to drink, so it's best to use boiled or bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Ice cubes in drinks should be avoided. It's also a good idea to be wary of eating meat at street vendors and restaurants – at the very least, ensure your meal is hot and properly cooked.
Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria are present throughout much of the country. Take precautions against mosquito bites by using a repellent and covering up at dusk. It is also advisable to seek medical advice about prophylaxis before moving to India.
India is also subject to natural disasters. Floods and landslides are common during monsoon season, typically June to October, and there are safety hazards linked to earthquakes in the northern mountainous regions, as well as cyclones and tropical storms off the east coast. Stay informed and keep emergency numbers handy.
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Vaccinations for India
A yellow fever certificate and a polio vaccination may be required by some travellers seeking entry into India, but it's a good idea to stay up to date with your regular jabs, too. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and Influenza. It's best to consult your healthcare provider at least four to six weeks before departure to discuss your specific health needs and vaccination history.
Emergency medical services in India
While most private hospitals in India provide ambulance services at an additional fee, calling an ambulance is not always the best way to get to the hospital. Traffic congestion is a major problem in Indian cities, and motorists often ignore ambulance sirens. Some residents report that private transport is often the fastest way to get to the hospital, although ambulances can provide vital support en route to the hospital.
There has been a notable increase in investment in ambulance services, leading to better-equipped vehicles and trained personnel. The use of technology, such as GPS tracking and mobile apps for booking ambulances, has improved response times and service reliability.
In emergencies, using ride-sharing apps or personal vehicles can sometimes be faster than waiting for an ambulance. Training community members to provide basic first aid and transport patients can also be beneficial in areas with limited ambulance access.
To call an ambulance in an emergency, dial 102. The national emergency number is 112.