Most local Indians rely on government-run hospitals where the standards of healthcare and levels of sanitation are far below western standards. Expats, whose lifestyles are very different from the locals, can afford private hospitals with qualified doctors and state-of-the-art facilities at prices much lower than in Europe or America. In fact, affordable, quality care has led to a growing medical tourism industry, and people travel from all over the world to be treated in India. In the years to come, medical tourism is expected to bring in more money to improve the healthcare infrastructure throughout the country.
In spite of medical tourism, healthcare in India simply is not at the same level as it is in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia, for example. There are no overseeing committees to regulate medical practices and sanitation. While many doctors at private hospitals are qualified to treat patients, India is still working on proper accreditation institutions to ensure consistent quality healthcare.
Doctors in Mumbai work at one or two hospitals in addition to running their own practices. Many will make house calls and are available on weekends and in the evening.
Mumbai doctors don’t keep health records for their patients. It is considered your responsibility to record the dates when you are ill, when you visit a doctor, have a vaccine, when you take medicine, and what kinds of medication you have taken. Bring your folder of records with you when you visit your doctor.