Surgery in India


Preventive/Comprehensive Health Checks in India


Preventive Health Checks are available in a variety of options at hospitals in India. The cost ranges from US $ 100 - 400, depending on the category of the hospital, its location and the tests that are offered.

Highlights of a typical health check at a JCI-USA approved hospital in Mumbai, India

Cost

Approximately USD 210

Available on

All days, other than Sundays and public holidays.

Duration

6-7 hours, commencing 7.30 am.

Tests for

Heart, Kidney, Liver, Digestive System, Eyes, Teeth, Blood,Urine, Stool, Prostate( for men), Gynaecology ( for women)

Consultations with

Physician, Cardiologist, Dentist, Ophthalmologist

Total stay in India

2 days to have tests, receive reports and complete all consultations.


Frequently asked questions about health checks in India



Why do I need a health check? I feel good anyway.

A health check is a good idea for anyone who is 35 or older, even if they are in normal health. In today's age, lifestyle factors play a major role in causing health issues. Cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure are just a few common problems which could begin very early in life, without one being aware at all. It is important that problems, if any, be detected well in advance so that preventive or corrective steps can be initiated. These steps need not necessarily be medical, they could be just lifestyle or dietary changes.

Where in India do you offer health checks?

We offer comprehensive health checks at 30 different hospitals across India. No matter which airport you arrive in, we will have a top class medical facility for you to have your health check in. A few of the major cities in India where you can have your comprehensive health check: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Goa, Mangalore....

What is the quality of health checks in India? How reliable are the reports?

Investigations which are a part of health check primarily comprise pathology (analysis of blood, urine and stool) and imaging (x ray, ultrasound, 2-D Echo, CT and MRI), lung function test, cardiac stress test, etc. For all of these, leading hospitals in India use top of the line imported equipment manufactured by world leaders in the respective technologies. These equipments are maintained in India to global standards by highly qualified biomedical engineers. Your investigations will be supervised and managed by Indian doctors and highly qualified nurses and technicians. The reports will be interpreted and reviewed by doctors of sound qualifications and experience. This combination of good equipment, top class protocols and extremely experienced medical professionals results in health checks which are of extremely high quality and reliability. You can count on the accuracy and precision of these reports.

How many days do I need to set aside for the health check in India?

Two days, excluding the date of your arrival in India.

Does the health check cover my entire body?

Standard health checks assess the functioning of the heart, the lungs, the liver, the digestive system, the excretory system, the eyes; a dental check and the overall physical examination is also included. Cancer specific checks (PSA for men, mammography and gynaecological examination for women) are also included in some plans. There are also some health checks which offer advanced cardiac investigations including CT 64 cardiac angiogram, 2-D Echo etc. Whole body MRI is also available as an option. Thus, the high end health check plans cover all vital organs of the body. A range of health check packages being available, you can pick the one that is best for you.

What are the various tests that are included in the comprehensive health check in India?

For details of a mid-range health check plan costing approximately $ 210, please click here. If you wish to have details about less intensive or more comprehensive health check plans, please write to us and we will be happy to provide you with options.

How much will it cost me to have a preventive health check in India?

The cost of health checks will depend upon the individual hospital as well as the city in which the hospital is located. Generally speaking, the cost of health checks in smaller cities is about 30 to 40% cheaper than the checks in the larger metropolitan cities. The cost ranges from US dollars 100 to 400, depending on the scope of the test. The more expensive packages would include whole body MRI screening, CT 64 cardiac angiogram, 2-D Echo Doppler for cardiac investigations, etc

Can I add on any other specific investigations, which are not part of your standard health check?

Yes, if you have any specific test in mind, you can certainly ask for that to be included at an additional cost. You should make this request before the commencement of the health check so that appropriate samples, where required, can be drawn at the right time.

From beginning to end, how does the health check process work?

  • Choose the health check plan that you wish to have
  • Notify us about the date on which you would like to have the health check ( other than Sundays and other public holidays)
  • Notify us about your arrival (you need to arrive one day ahead of your health check) and let us know if you need assistance with your airport pick up, hotel arrangements, etc
  • Commence your pre-health check fast starting 7:30 p.m. on the day prior to your health check. Detailed instructions will be mailed to you well in advance
  • Report to the hospital at 7:30 a.m. on the day of your health check, along with urine and stool samples.
  • Make the payment at the hospital for the health check
  • You will be guided through the health check process till conclusion at about 2:30 p.m.
  • The evening is free, yours to enjoy...
  • You will be asked to report the next day to collect your health check reports and complete any pending consultations, as well as to have a wrap up meeting with a physician should there be any findings during the health check that need discussion

What next, if the tests indicate the need for further investigations or medical treatment?

If the investigations reveal the need for further tests or consultations, you will be advised about these, so that you can have these scheduled immediately or later depending on your convenience.

Do I need to apply for a Visa for my health check in India?

Yes, visas are required by nationals of most countries in order to visit India. You can apply for either a Tourist Visa or a Medical Visa.

If you're combining your health check along with a sightseeing/shopping trip to India, you may consider applying for a tourist Visa.

If you are coming primarily for medical reasons, you may consider applying for a medical Visa. Do remember that if you were to apply for a Medical Visa, you will need to dedicate several hours to completing a procedure for the registration of your Visa in India. The total cost of this exercise, including your passport to the government office concerned, will be approximately US dollars 20-25.

If you decide to apply for a Medical Visa, we can support your application by sending you an invitation letter which will expedite the process.

What does the quoted amount include?

The amount quoted to you for the comprehensive health check in India is the total cost that you will have to pay to the hospital for all the tests and investigations listed under that particular Health Check Plan. Any further consultations with doctors or any other tests that you need to have done will be charged for additionally.

The quoted amount also excludes the following:
Visa and air ticket expenses
Airport pick up and drop
Hotel and living expenses
Visa registration expenses in India (upto $ 25)

Do I need to pay any fees or charges to you for your services?

No, you do not need to pay us any additional amount towards our services. We receive an administration fee from the hospital from within the amount paid by you. You will, of course, be paying directly for the taxi, hotel etc (not through us).

List of tests and consultations included in a mid-range health check package costing about usd 210 in a jci-usa approved hospital in mumbai

DIABETIC EVALUATION

Hemogram with ESR
Blood grouping & Rh typing
Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
Post parandial blood sugar (PPBS)

CARDIAC RISK EVALUATION

ECG
Computerized Stress Test
2 D Echo

KIDNEY PROFILE

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Serum Creatinine
Uric Acid
Serum Calcium
Serum Phosphorus

LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

Serum Bilirubin
SGPT
SGOT
GGT

CONSULTATIONS

Physician
Cardiologist
Gynecologist (for women)
Ophthalmic
Dental Check

LIPID PROFILE

Serum Cholestrol
Serum Tryglycerides
Serum HDL Cholesterol
Serum LDL Cholesterol
Serum VLDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
Apolipoprotein A1
Apolipoprotein B
Apo A1/Apo B Ratio

GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS

Hbsag (marker for Hepatitis B)
Serum Electrolytes
Urine Routine
Stool Routine
Chest X ray (pa view)
Spirometry (lung function study)
Ultrasound Abdomen
TSH (Thyroid test)
Stool for occult blood (for men and women 50 yrs and above)
Audiometry (for men and women 50 yrs and above)
PSA (for men)
Pap Smear (for women)
Breast and Pelvic examination (for women)
Mammography (for women above 40 yrs.)








Quality Certification
of Hospitals

×

Organ Transplants In India

Liver transplants in India

A liver transplant procedure is a very complex surgery that is very professionally done at select hospitals in India with a success rate of 95% for the patient and 100 % safety for the donor. These success rates are on par with the best liver transplant centres internationally. India's leading liver transplant surgeon performs between 16-18 liver transplants every month, perhaps the highest number of liver transplant surgeries led by any single surgeon anywhere in the world.

Donor for liver transplant in India

The waiting list for liver donations from cadavers (dead persons) is long in India and is therefore not a practical option for foreign patients. It is extremely safe for a living person to donate a portion of his liver to the patient. Within just two weeks, the donor's liver grows back to its original size with full functionality. Liver donation does not place any lifestyle or dietary restrictions on the donor after the recuperation period of one month. To donate a portion of the liver for a patient, the donor must:

Investigations and Preparation for Liver Transplant in India

This process takes approximately 7 days. The liver transplant surgeon in India would first confirm the diagnosis of liver failure and the need for liver transplant. Secondly, the patient's general fitness for the surgery (in terms of the functioning of heart, kidneys, lungs, etc) is assessed. Clinical tests are also conducted to verify that the patient is not suffering from any infection which will affect the success of the transplant. Finally, the patient and the family are provided with detailed advice about the transplant procedure, the follow-up process and care for the patient during recuperation period.

Liver transplant surgery in India

The liver transplant is a very major operation and takes between 6 to 8 hours. A team of medical professionals, including a minimum of three surgeons and two anaesthetists, are required for this surgery. During the operation, the patient's diseased liver is removed after first disconnecting major blood vessels and the bile tube. After the healthy liver section is put in place, all the blood vessels and the bile tube are reconnected.

Recovery after Liver Transplant Surgery in India

The patient is transferred to the ICU where he will be put on a respirator for at least two days. The patient will be put on immuno-suppression drugs to prevent the new liver from being rejected by the body. ICU stay will be approximately 3 to 10 days, depending on the speed of recovery of the patient. The patient is then moved to a special transplant recovery unit where he will be monitored for two to four weeks. After recuperation at home for a month, the patient is gradually able to return to his normal routine.

Special infrastructure for liver transplant Surgery in India

Kidney Transplants in India

Kidney Transplants in India

Kidney transplants are widely performed at leading hospitals in India. It is estimated that approximately 3500 kidney transplants are performed every year in India, primarily using kidneys from living donors. Kidney transplants are done very safely in India with success rates on par with international benchmarks. The success rate of kidney transplants is linked to the general health of the patient, the compatibility of the donated kidney with the patient, the quality of the donated kidney, and finally the surgery itself and post-surgery management of organ acceptance.

Donors for Kidney Transplants in India

Kidney donations primarily fall in three different categories:

Cadaver donations (from deceased persons)

These form a very small percentage of kidney donations in India. With a very long wait list, this category of conditions is not practical for foreign patients

Donations by living, related donors

This category of donations (from a parent, child or brother/sister) is the most accepted form of donations for a kidney transplant in India. Donations outside of this immediate family circle are classified as unrelated donors for legal purposes

Donations by living, unrelated donors:

While donations by the husband or wife of the patient is freely allowed, donations by other unrelated donors requires obtaining of special permissions, which are granted at the sole discretion of the government, which has to be fully satisfied that there is no commercial angle whatsoever to the donation of the kidney.

Finding a Suitable Kidney for Transplant

Commercial donation of kidneys in India, whether to an Indian National or to a foreigner, is strictly prohibited in India. Hence, the only option for a foreign patient requiring a kidney transplant is to bring along a kidney donor from his own country. Ideally speaking, the kidney donor should be a close relative (parent, child, brother/sister, or wife). Beyond the legalities, a suitable kidney would be one where in:

Investigations and Preparation for Kidney Transplant in India

Both the patient and the kidney donor will undergo a series of tests at the hospital in India to reconfirm compatibility. Even in those cases where there is HLA and blood group matching, the doctors will perform a cross match test. If the cross match test is positive, then the patient's immune system will attack the donated kidney, even if there is blood group matching and HLA compatibility. The kidney transplant team in India will consider all the results before proceeding with the procedure. Once it is decided to go ahead with the kidney transplant, the legal paperwork is also completed. Medical investigations will take approximately 1 week. If the donor is a close family member of the patient, legal formalities are minimal. If the donor is an unrelated person, the procedure for obtaining permission from the government will take a minimum of three weeks, with the final decision resting with the government.

Kidney Transplant Surgery in India

The kidney transplant procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. The diseased kidney is usually left in place, while the new kidney is placed either in the left or right groin. The major artery and vein are connected to the new kidney. Catheters are placed to drain both the bladder and the new kidney and may remain in place for approximately a week. Production of urine commences almost immediately for about two thirds of kidney transplant patients. For about one third of kidney transplant patients, the new kidney may commence production of urine only after several weeks. In the days following the surgery, blood tests are done to assess the performance of the kidneys. Ultrasound tests are also done to verify that blood flow is adequate to the kidney and that urine is draining properly into the bladder. The nephrologist will also keep track of signs of rejection of the new kidney by the patient's body.

Recovery after Kidney Transplant Surgery in India

Following kidney transplant surgery in India, the patient would normally need to stay in hospital for about a week to 10 days after the procedure. The kidney donor is normally discharged from the hospital four to five days after the surgery. As the patient's immune systems are suppressed to reduce the chances of rejection of the new kidney, the patient is also susceptible to infections on account of lowered body defences. For this reason, the patient is kept in a carefully controlled environment which minimises exposure to infections.

After discharge from hospital, for the next couple of weeks, the patient will need to visit the hospital regularly for blood checks to monitor the performance of the kidney. The level of immune suppression drugs will also be monitored.

Three months after the kidney transplant surgery, all going well, the patient will only be required to report on a monthly basis for monitoring. The patient will also be put on medication, if required, for control of cholesterol and BP as these two conditions can affect the functioning of the new kidney.

Bone Marrow Transplants in India

Bone Marrow Transplants in India

A Bone Marrow Transplant is a non surgical procedure in which damaged or diseased bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow stem cells. This complex procedure is performed at many of India's leading hospitals. The success rate for bone marrow transplants in India is on par with international benchmarks.

A bone marrow transplant is usually offered as a solution for certain kinds of cancers as well as some diseases which affect the production of blood cells. Hospitals which perform bone marrow transplants in India have the requisite infrastructure as well as highly experienced haematologists and haemaeto-oncologists to perform the procedure successfully.

Bone marrow transplants can be one of the following three types

Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant, in which the patient's own stem cells are removed before chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These cells are administered back to the patient after completion of chemo/radiotherapy.

Allogenic bone marrow transplant in which stem cells are provided by a donor, most often a brother or sister, since the genetic makeup would be similar in this situation.

Umbilical cord blood transplant in which stem cells are removed from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby and stored till they are needed for transplant. This method is still in the initial stages of application and review.

Investigations and Preparation for Bone Marrow Transplant in India

Hospitals in India which perform bone marrow transplant follow a very rigorous procedure in investigating and preparing patients for the procedure. In the case of allogenic transplants, several special tests including HLA testing is done to verify whether there is a good match between the donor and patient. The overall health of the patient is also an important factor while considering the possibility of a bone marrow transplant in India.

The therapy that the patient needs (chemotherapy/radiotherapy) is completed before the bone marrow transplant procedure.

The Procedure

Bone marrow transplant procedure in India comprises two major activities: the harvesting of the stem cells and the transplantation of the stem cells.

The procedure for harvesting stem cells is the same for both autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplants in India. Under general anaesthesia, bone marrow is extracted from major bone structure is such as the hip and the spine. There are no surgical incisions, just skin punctures to insert the needles. The harvested stem cells may need to be processed to make them fit for transplantation.

In the second phase, the actual transplantation procedure is performed. All hospitals that perform bone marrow transplant procedure in India have a special and segregated bone marrow transplant unit which is highly sterile. This is because bone marrow transplant patients are susceptible to infections on account of lower levels of immunity.

Prior to the procedure, catheters are inserted to allow administration of drugs, nutrition etc. Patients would receive medications such as antibiotics and antivirus to prevent as well as to treat infections of any kind. Patients scheduled for allogenic transplant will also receive special medications to prevent rejection of the donor cells by the patients immune system.

Healthy stem cells are introduced into the body through the bloodstream, and no surgery is normally necessary. The stem cells upon reaching the bone marrow, engraft there and after a couple of weeks commence production of normal blood cells.

Recovery after Bone Marrow Transplant in India

The period of two to four weeks following bone marrow transplant in India is a critical period for the patient, when he is most susceptible to infections. Access to the patient is rigorously controlled to limit exposure to infections. The grafted stem cells may begin producing blood cells two to four weeks after the transplant.

Following discharge from the hospital, patients from foreign countries will still need to stay close to the hospital for a period of three to four months. During this time there would be regular checkups at the hospital to monitor engraftment of the stem cells, look out for signs of graft rejection, etc. Foreign patients may return to their home country at the end of this period. It would take at least six months, sometimes up to a year, for patients to return back to normal work cycles.

Pancreas Transplant Surgery in India

Pancreas is that organ of the body which produces insulin. The first pancreas transplantation surgery was conducted in 1966.

This procedure involves the implantation of a healthy pancreas into the body of the patient, who is usually suffering from Diabetes Type I. The pancreas donor can be a deceased person or a living donor. Several tests are performed to verify compatibility between donor tissue and the patient's body. The patient’s original pancreas is left in place, while the donated pancreas is grafted into the patient's body. Most transplants of pancreas happen simultaneously with kidney transplantation, ideally with the kidney and the pancreas coming from the same donor. However, it is also possible to have a pancreas transplant done independent of a kidney transplant surgery.

Following the transplant, the patient would be on immunosuppressant medication for life, since there can be graft rejection problems at any stage during the life of the patient. The success rate of Pancreas transplant surgery in India is estimated to be in line with the international benchmarks, where over 95% of transplant patients are alive one year after surgery, with approximately 85% of pancreas functioning successfully one year after surgery. Long-term studies are ongoing

Cornea Transplant Surgery (Keratoplasty) in India

The cornea, located in the front of the eye, is a transparent tissue that allows light to enter the eye. If the cornea becomes cloudy or irregular in shape, the result can be significantly diminished vision or even blindness. The treatment for diseased corneas is corneal transplantation, using cornea donated by deceased human beings. Cornea transplant is a very routine and successful procedure in India. The success rate of cornea transplant in India is well over 95%. To some degree, the extent of vision restoration is limited to the functionality of the other parts of the eye. During the cornea transplant procedure in India, the eye surgeon removes a circular portion from the centre of the patient's cornea and substitutes it with a similar section from the donor cornea, which is then fixed using sutures. This procedure is known as Penetrating Keratoplasty.

In Lamellar Keratoplasty, instead of replacing the entire cornea, only some layers of the cornea are replaced, using the healthy layers of the patient's own cornea intact. This eye treatment procedure, widely performed in India, is an advancement over the Penetrating Keratoplasty procedure

Endothelial Keratoplasty is a surgical procedure which can be performed with just one or even no sutures at all. In this procedure, the patient's endothelium is replaced with a transplanted disc of posterior stroma/Descemets/endothelium (DSEK) or Descemets/endothelium (DMEK).

This new technique is particularly useful for the treatment of the endothelium, which is the inner layer of the cornea. Owing to the conservative nature of the treatment, functional vision is often restored within a few weeks. This is in contrast to full thickness cornea transplants where restoration of vision can take up to one year.

This new technique is particularly useful for the treament of the endothelium, which is the inner layer of the cornea. Owing to the conservative nature of the treatment, functional vision is often restored within a few weeks. This is in contrast to full thickness cornea transplants where restoration of vision can take up to one year.

Waiting period for corneas at leading Indian hospitals which have eye banks varies from no waiting time at some to a week or two at other.

Enquire Now !