Fijians Choose India for Cost-Effective and High-Quality Healthcare

18 September,2024

India's medical tourism industry is popular because of its affordability and high-quality treatment. The country welcomes more than 2 million people annually from 78+ countries, some of which are Bangladesh, Africa, Uzbekistan, UAE, the United States of America, and many others. A majority of patients from Fiji also travel to India for treatment purposes.

Due to India's advanced healthcare infrastructure and cost-effective medical services, many Fiji patients travel to India to access top-notch medical facilities. The cultural ties between the two countries are the basis of their strong relationship. Indian festivals, traditions, and cuisine are also endured by Fijians, as around 35% of the population in Fiji is Indian.

In this blog, we will discuss the factors that make patients from Fiji travel to India for medical purposes.

Why do Fijian Patients Choose India for Medical Treatment?

Because of the highly advanced infrastructure of the Indian healthcare system, Fijians tend to lean towards the country. Some of the factors which contribute to their travel for medical treatment are:

• Cost-effectiveness: Treatment prices in India are estimated to be 1/10th of those in the USA and the United Kingdom. For example, a robotic knee replacement in India would cost you around USD 3,600 to USD 6,000, whereas in the USA, the procedures would fall under an estimate of USD 30,000 to USD 60,000.
• High-Standard Healthcare System: Most Indian hospitals hold accreditations such as NABH and JCI, both of which are organizations that offer these accreditations to medical facilities. These are only provided to the hospitals that meet the highest quality of healthcare and safety.
• Language Accessibility: Medical professionals worldwide speak English. However, Indian hospitals also provide translators to assist patients who face challenges communicating comfortably.
• Highly Trained Medical Professionals: Many Indian doctors have received advanced training in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. These nations provide world-class education and expertise, which these professionals bring back and integrate into India's healthcare system.

Why is India a Preferred Medical Tourism Hub for Patients from Fiji?

Apart from the cost-effectiveness, high-standard healthcare system, language accessibility, and highly trained medical professionals, there are still other factors that Fijians consider before coming to India, which are:

• Advanced Technology: Hospitals in India are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, such as robotic surgery, cyberknife radiosurgery, telemedicine and remote monitoring, and gene sequencing.
• Shorter Wait Times: Fiji patients often face long waits for treatments like joint replacements, organ transplants, and complex procedures such as spine surgeries. Indian hospitals, however, respond quickly, providing timely care for these needs.
• Comprehensive Services: India offers various medical services, including cancer treatment, orthopedic care, neurology and neurosurgery, and pediatric care.
• Supportive Healthcare Infrastructure: Most medical facilities in India comprise a dedicated department for international patients, which assists on numerous levels, such as visa assistance, appointment scheduling, language support, travel and accommodation arrangements, financial and insurance assistance, and more.

Which Treatments are the Most Preferred by Fijian Patients in India?

Indian medical facilities do not limit themselves to specific treatments but offer a wide range. Some of the treatments opted for by Fiji patients in India are mentioned below:

• Orthopedic Procedures: The success rates of orthopedic procedures in India are very high. Joint replacements and spine surgeries have a success rate of 90%.
• Cancer Treatments: Hundreds of thousands of cancer treatments are carried out in India every year, creating new possibilities to cure cancer more effectively. Common primary treatment options for cancer in India are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
• Cardiac Interventions: A large number of Fijian patients come to India to undergo cardiac interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, etc.
• Neurological Treatments: Fijian patients choose to come to India for neurological treatments also because of its higher success rate, which often exceeds 90%, for brain tumors.
• Reproductive Health: Fijian couples who find difficulty conceiving naturally tend to travel to India for treatments such as IVF, frozen embryo transfer, hormonal treatments, ovarian stimulation, and many more.

All of these procedures are opted for by Fiji patients, and the reason behind them is the high success rates, use of advanced technology, and cost affordability.

What are the Best Hospitals in India for Fijian Patients?

India is home to numerous NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals, offering Fijian patients a wide range of choices. Some of the top hospitals include:

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon
• MGM Healthcare, Chennai
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
• Medanta - The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon

Indian Medical Visa - Requirements, Procedure, Eligibility Criteria, and Other Information

Every patient traveling to India from Fiji for medical treatment should apply for an Indian Medical Visa.

Requirements

• Passport: Valid for at least six months with blank pages.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed by the patient.
• Passport-size Photographs: Recent and meeting specifications.
• Medical Invitation Letter: From an accredited Indian hospital detailing treatment and costs.
• Medical Records: Reports from your home country outlining the condition and need for treatment in India.
• Proof of Financial Means: Documentation of sufficient funds for medical and living expenses.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel arrangements.
• Visa Fees: Payment varies by nationality and visa type.

Procedure

• Obtain Medical Invitation: Get a letter from a recognized Indian hospital.
• Gather Documentation: Collect passport, photos, medical records, financial proof, and visa fees.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Complete it online or on paper.
• Submit Application: Apply at the Indian embassy/consulate or online if eligible.
• Attend Interview: If required, at the embassy/consulate.
• Visa Processing: It takes a few days to weeks.
• Receive Visa: Collect from the embassy/consulate or electronically.

Eligibility Criteria

• Medical Necessity: Evidence of a condition requiring treatment in India.
• Accredited Facility: Treatment must be at a recognized Indian medical institution.
• Financial Capability: Ability to cover all expenses.
• Travel History: No adverse history or visa violations.

Other Information

• Duration: Typically valid for six months to 1 year, with possible extensions.
• Accompanying Persons: Companions may need proof of relationship and additional documents.
• E-Visa: Available for short-term treatments. Check current eligibility and procedures.

What are the Essential Pre-Travel Health and Safety Precautions for Fijian Patients Travelling to India for Treatment?

For Fijian patients traveling to India for medical treatment, several essential health and safety precautions should be considered to ensure a smooth and safe journey:

• Medical Clearance and Specialist Consultation: Get a medical clearance from your healthcare provider to confirm fitness for travel and treatment, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Coordinate with your specialist in Fiji and India to align your treatment plan. You can also schedule a teleconsultation with the Indian doctor to discuss the procedure and finalize details.
• Vaccinations: Ensure you're vaccinated for common diseases in India, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and cholera. Confirm that you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and review India's entry requirements.
• Weather Preparedness: Dress appropriately for extreme temperatures, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fijian patients are increasingly choosing India for medical treatment due to its combination of high-quality care and affordability. With advanced healthcare infrastructure, cost-effective services, and specialized treatment plans, India stands out as a preferred destination for medical needs.

The country's welcoming environment, supported by strong cultural ties and sophisticated medical facilities, offers Fijians not only excellent healthcare but also a comprehensive support system during their stay.

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