Top Pulmonologists: Best 10 Specialists for International Patients with Lung Conditions

By Author : Suryani Dutta
  calender 30 October,2025
Top Pulmonologists: Best 10 Specialists for International Patients with Lung Conditions

A lung condition can cast a shadow over your life, affecting every breath, limiting activity, and often bringing emotional and physical challenges. For many patients, finding the right specialist can feel daunting, especially when seeking care far from home.

But imagine a destination where world-class medical science, renowned expertise, and compassionate care come together to deliver top-tier treatment that’s also remarkably accessible and affordable.

That destination is India — a rapidly emerging global leader in healthcare and a trusted name in medical tourism. Over the last decade, India has earned international recognition for its exceptional pulmonary and respiratory care, attracting patients from around the world who seek quality treatment without compromise.

In this comprehensive guide, we present the top pulmonologists in India — specialists who combine advanced medical knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and years of experience in treating complex lung diseases. You’ll discover why these experts are regarded as the best lung specialists in India for international patients, the innovative treatments they offer, and how India continues to redefine what’s possible in pulmonary healthcare.

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Why India Has Become a Global Leader in Pulmonary Care for International Patients?

India's healthcare sector has undergone an incredible transformation, positioning itself as a premier global hub for specialized medical treatments, including highly advanced pulmonary medicine. Here are the compelling reasons why patients from across the world are increasingly choosing India for their lung health needs:

  • World-Renowned Medical Expertise: Indian pulmonologists are not just highly qualified; many have received extensive training and fellowships from leading medical institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, and Europe. This global exposure, combined with years of rigorous practice in high-volume settings, equips them with a deep understanding of diverse lung pathologies. These top pulmonologists in India are adept at diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of complex respiratory diseases, and stay abreast of the latest international guidelines and therapeutic advancements.
  • State-of-the-Art Healthcare Infrastructure: India's leading hospitals are equipped with an impressive array of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. This includes sophisticated pulmonary function testing (PFT) labs, high-resolution CT scans, oncology PET scans, interventional bronchoscopy suites with advanced navigation systems, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) capabilities. This commitment to technological excellence ensures precise diagnosis, minimally invasive procedures, and highly effective treatment outcomes.
  • Exceptional Quality at Accessible Costs: A primary draw for international patients is the remarkable affordability. The cost of lung treatment in India for international patients is significantly lower—often 50-70% less—than comparable procedures in Western countries, without any compromise on the quality of medical care. This economic advantage extends across all aspects of treatment, from initial consultations and advanced diagnostics to complex surgeries like lung transplants and post-operative rehabilitation, making premium care genuinely accessible.
  • Seamless Communication with English-Speaking Professionals: Effective communication is paramount in healthcare. Most medical professionals in India's top hospitals, including your potential pulmonologist in India for international patients, are highly proficient in English. This linguistic fluency eliminates communication barriers, fostering clear understanding, trust, and a much more comfortable experience for patients navigating their treatment journey away from home.
  • A Comprehensive Spectrum of Pulmonary Services: India's advanced medical centers offer an exhaustive range of services to address virtually every lung condition. From the routine management of chronic conditions like asthma and COPD to highly specialized interventions such as lung transplant in India for international patients, and cutting-edge sleep disorder treatments, a complete continuum of care is available. Multidisciplinary teams often collaborate to ensure holistic patient management.

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Spotlight on Excellence: India's Top 10 Pulmonologists for International Patients

This list highlights specialists recognized for their outstanding clinical skills, significant contributions to pulmonary medicine, and profound dedication to patient well-being, especially for those traveling from abroad.

1) Dr. Sandeep Nayar

Expertise: A pioneer in interventional pulmonology, Dr. Nayar is particularly skilled in complex airway management (e.g., stenting, laser treatment), early diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, and managing pleural diseases. His patient-centric philosophy ensures tailored, effective treatment plans.

Hospital Affiliation: BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi

2) Dr. Ashok K. Rajput

Expertise: A leading authority in critical care pulmonology and sleep medicine. Dr. Rajput is highly sought after for advanced sleep apnea treatment in India for international patients, including CPAP/BiPAP management and surgical evaluations. He also expertly handles acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe respiratory failure.

3) Dr. R. Narasimhan

Expertise: As a visionary leader in lung transplantation, Dr. Narasimhan directs one of India's most successful lung transplant programs. His profound experience in both deceased and living donor transplants, combined with comprehensive pre- and post-transplant care, offers critical hope for international patients with end-stage lung diseases.

Hospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai

4) Dr. Rajesh Chawla

Expertise: A distinguished figure in respiratory and critical care, Dr. Chawla specializes in complex cases of asthma, severe COPD, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. His diagnostic acumen is highly valued, making him a frequent choice as a crucial second-opinion pulmonologist in India for challenging and undiagnosed conditions.

Hospital Affiliation: Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

5) Dr. Puneet Khanna

Expertise: Dr. Khanna excels in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventional pulmonology procedures. His mastery includes flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, medical thoracoscopy for pleural effusions, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for precise mediastinal staging, and cryobiopsy for interstitial lung diseases. He is an outstanding pulmonologist in India for international patients needing sophisticated interventions.

Hospital Affiliation: Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, New Delhi

6) Dr. Vikas Maurya

Expertise: Dr. Maurya is widely respected for his diligent management of chronic lung diseases, including Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and complex pulmonary infections. His thorough diagnostic approach, including advanced bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis and genetic testing where indicated, ensures precise and personalized treatment strategies.

Hospital Affiliation: Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, and also has his own clinic, Lung Wellness Clinic, in Karol Bagh, New Delhi

7) Dr. J.C. Suri

Expertise: A doyen of pulmonary medicine, Dr. Suri brings decades of unparalleled experience in treating the entire spectrum of respiratory ailments. He is particularly known for his comprehensive approach to chronic respiratory diseases and his mentorship in the field.

8) Dr. Manoj Goel

Expertise: Dr. Goel is at the forefront of the use of advanced diagnostic tools and innovative therapeutic interventions. His high proficiency in performing bronchoscopy in India for international patients, including specialized techniques for foreign body removal and tumor debulking, ensures accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Hospital Affiliation: Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram

9) Dr. K.S. Satish

Expertise: Dr. Satish is an acknowledged specialist in allergic lung diseases, difficult-to-treat asthma, and complex COPD cases. He champions a holistic and preventive approach, integrating pulmonary rehabilitation and patient education to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.

10) Dr. Neetu Jain

Expertise: Dr. Jain is highly recommended for her profound knowledge in managing severe respiratory infections and challenging interstitial lung diseases, as well as for providing meticulous critical care to patients with severe respiratory compromise. Her compassionate and detailed approach is deeply valued by international patients.

Hospital Affiliation: PSRI Multispeciality Hospital, New Delhi

Comprehensive Pulmonary Services for International Patients

These distinguished specialists, working within the best hospitals for pulmonary care in India for foreigners, offer an extensive array of services tailored to meet diverse patient needs:

  • Advanced Diagnosis & Management:
    • Asthma & COPD: State-of-the-art diagnostics, personalized treatment plans including biological therapies, and long-term management strategies.
    • Infectious Diseases: Comprehensive treatment for pneumonia, all forms of tuberculosis (including MDR/XDR-TB), and fungal lung infections.
    • Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs): Expert diagnosis through advanced imaging (HRCT), lung biopsies (including transbronchial cryobiopsy), and management of conditions like IPF, sarcoidosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
    • Lung Cancer: Early detection, precise staging using PET-CT and EBUS, and multidisciplinary treatment plans involving medical oncology, radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery.
  • Interventional Pulmonology Procedures:
    • Bronchoscopy: Both flexible and rigid, for diagnostic biopsies, foreign body removal, stent placement, and endobronchial tumor debulking.
    • Thoracoscopy (Medical & Surgical VATS): For diagnosing and treating pleural effusions, pneumothorax, and pleural biopsies.
    • Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): A crucial tool for minimally invasive staging of lung cancer and diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
    • Cryobiopsy & Cryo-recanalization: Advanced techniques for tissue diagnosis and airway obstruction removal.
  • Specialized Sleep Medicine Services:
    • Comprehensive sleep studies (polysomnography) to diagnose sleep apnea (obstructive and central), narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders.
    • Personalized sleep apnea treatment in India for international patients, including CPAP/BiPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgical options where appropriate.
  • Critical Care Pulmonology:
    • State-of-the-art intensive care units (ICUs) managed by critical care pulmonologists for acute respiratory failure, ARDS, severe pneumonia, and other life-threatening lung conditions, utilizing advanced ventilator support and monitoring.
  • Lung Transplant Programs:
    • For patients with end-stage lung diseases such as severe COPD, IPF, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension, offering comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation, surgical excellence, and meticulous post-transplant care. This is a highly specialized service for international patients.
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation:
    • Tailored, multidisciplinary programs involving exercise training, breathing techniques, nutritional counseling, and patient education to significantly improve lung function, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life for individuals with chronic lung conditions.
  • Allergy & Occupational Lung Disease Management:
    • Advanced allergy testing and specific immunotherapy, along with expert diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions linked to workplace exposures.

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Average Cost of Lung Treatment in India for International Patients

India offers the perfect balance between affordability and quality. Below is an approximate breakdown:

Treatment Type

Average Cost (USD)

Approx. Cost (INR)

Pulmonologist Consultation

USD 40 – USD 100

INR 3,300 – INR 8,300

Bronchoscopy

USD 700 – USD 1,200

INR 58,000 – INR 1,00,000

Sleep Apnea Treatment (CPAP setup & care)

USD 1,000 – USD 2,000

INR 83,000 – INR 1,66,000

Lung Biopsy

USD 1,200 – USD 2,500

INR 1,00,000 – INR 2,07,000

Lung Cancer Surgery

USD 4,000 – USD 8,000

INR 3,30,000 – INR 6,65,000

Lung Transplant

USD 35,000 – USD 50,000

INR 29,00,000 – INR 41,50,000

The above costs are approximate, and the final cost of lung treatment in India for international patients depends on several factors, such as the hospital’s location, the doctor’s experience, the type of procedure, and post-operative care needs. Despite these variables, India remains far more cost-effective — often 60–70% cheaper than equivalent treatments in the US, UK, or Europe.

How MediJourney Simplifies Your Path to World-Class Lung Care in India?

We understand that traveling abroad for medical treatment involves multiple steps — from identifying the right specialist to arranging logistics. That’s where MediJourney comes in.

  1. Personalized Doctor Matching: We help you connect with the best lung specialists in India for international patients, matching your condition with the most suitable expert. Whether it’s an English-speaking pulmonologist in India or a doctor with deep expertise in your diagnosis, we ensure you’re in safe hands.
  2. Effortless Appointment Scheduling: From booking your pulmonologist consultation online in India for international patients to coordinating hospital visits, we handle everything seamlessly — minimizing travel hassles.
  3. Comprehensive Travel & Accommodation Assistance: Our global patient services include visa assistance, airport transfers, and stays near the best hospitals for pulmonary care in India for foreigners — ensuring your comfort throughout your treatment.
  4. Transparent and Affordable Costs: We provide clear, upfront estimates for the affordable lung treatment in India for international patients, eliminating financial surprises and ensuring peace of mind.
  5. Second Opinions and Expert Reviews: For patients seeking confirmation, we connect you with a second opinion pulmonologist in India, ensuring your diagnosis and treatment plan are fully verified.
  6. On-Ground Support & Post-Treatment Care: Our team assists with all local needs — from transportation to language help. Even after treatment, we help arrange follow-up and continued care to support long-term well-being.

Therefore, opting for MediJourney means choosing a partner who places your health, comfort, and peace of mind above all else. We leverage our expansive network of the top 10 pulmonologists in India and leading accredited hospitals to guarantee you receive not only world-class medical excellence but also deeply empathetic, culturally sensitive, and personalized care.

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Take the Next Step with MediJourney

Breathing easy again starts with the right decision. Whether you’re considering a bronchoscopy in India for international patients, planning a lung transplant, or simply seeking a consultation with a top pulmonologist, India's top specialists offer everything you need — advanced technology to compassionate care at unmatched value.

MediJourney ensures you’re guided every step of the way — from your first inquiry to your complete recovery.

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Contact us at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which hospital in India is best for lung treatment for international patients?

Answer: Some of the best hospitals for pulmonary care in India for foreigners include Apollo Hospitals (Chennai), Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurgaon), Indraprastha Apollo (New Delhi), and BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital (Delhi). These hospitals are known for advanced technology, experienced pulmonologists, and seamless patient services for international visitors.

Q2. How long should international patients plan to stay in India for lung treatment?

Answer: The duration depends on the diagnosis and treatment type. For minor procedures like bronchoscopy, 5–7 days are sufficient, while surgeries such as lung cancer treatment or lung transplant in India for international patients may require a 3–6 week stay, including recovery and follow-up consultations.

Q3. What documents are needed for international patients seeking lung treatment in India?

Answer: You’ll need a valid passport, medical visa, recent medical reports, diagnostic scans, and referral letters (if any). MediJourney assists with visa documentation and hospital coordination, ensuring a smooth medical travel process from your home country to India.

Q4. Are lung transplants and other major surgeries safe for international patients in India?

Answer: Yes. India’s top pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons follow strict global protocols and operate in internationally accredited hospitals (NABH/JCI certified). Post-operative care is closely monitored, ensuring a high success rate and safe recovery for international patients undergoing lung transplant in India.

Q5. How can international patients get a second opinion from Indian pulmonologists?

Answer: Through MediJourney, patients can easily obtain a second opinion from pulmonologists in India by sharing medical reports digitally. This helps confirm diagnosis, compare treatment options, and plan the most effective and affordable care before traveling.

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Author

B.Sc in Media Science, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, 2019-2022

Suryani Dutta is a passionate content writer with a background in media studies, equipping her with a deep understanding of storytelling, audience engagement, and digital trends.

Reviewer

Dr. Akshay Budhraja has more than 11 years of experience as a pulmonary physician. Treating critically ill patients and a wide range of respiratory conditions, such as COPD, pneumonia, respiratory failure, ILD, and pulmonary hypertension....

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