Doctors and Hospitals Facilities for Expats
- In general, doctors in India are very competent, speak fluent English, and many have also trained abroad. Though hospitals may appear to be less institutionalized than in the west, the recommended facilities in the following section all feature the latest equipment and lab facilities. The benefit of privatized health care is that there is generally very little wait required – you can have an appointment the same day you call to inquire, and results are returned within hours, or at the most days, depending on the test.All this at a very nominal cost. Consultations generally cost between Rs 200 – 800 for top specialists in world-class facilities. So it’s no surprise that India is well-positioned as a medical tourism destination, attracting many foreigners for specific treatments, both medical and cosmetic.Though costs are quite low, compared to the west, it’s still a good idea to get local health coverage if you’re planning to stay in Bangalore for more than six months. The benefit being that you know which institution to go to which covers your treatments without any money changing hands, and theyll have your record on file (always handy in case of emergency).Approximately 80% of India’s health care is operated by private institutions, many large chains that are spread across Bangalore, India, and even Asia. Government and public hospitals in Bangalore are not recommended for foreigners, as the levels of hygiene is generally not up to international standards. If you have the funds, you should opt for reputable private hospitals and clinics.Doctors generally operate out of several hospitals and clinics, as well as make house visits upon request and urgency. If there’s a specific doctor or specialist you would like a consultation with, be sure to check their schedule, as they generally allot four-hour windows per institute, a few days a week.Many large companies, and most hotels and service apartments in Bangalore have doctors and specialists on call. Check also with your health insurance provider, as they may provide a list of hospitals they support where you will be covered. By law, hospitals are required to attend to any emergencies that come to them.
Almost all hospitals in Bangalore have 24-hour ambulance facility, and have sufficient arrangements to handle emergencies.
