Healthcare in India

The quality of healthcare in India varies, but if you live in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon and Bengaluru, you shouldn't struggle to find highly-qualified and experienced English-speaking medical practitioners at private hospitals. Healthcare facilities in rural areas are more limited.

Most people try to use private healthcare in India, seeing that state funding for public healthcare is shockingly low. Private healthcare doesn't come cheap, so it's definitely recommended that you take out private health insurance to cover your medical bills.

Public healthcare in India

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare oversees India's public health policies and government family planning programmes at a national level. Each state is responsible for providing health services to its residents, and as such, standards vary across the country.

Public hospitals in India often employ well-trained English-speaking doctors, but a lack of equipment, funding, and staff seriously strains the government sector. Government-led and public-private partnerships have collectively worked on initiatives to improve the availability and quality of healthcare in urban and rural areas in India.

Unfortunately, India’s public hospitals remain overcrowded, waiting lists for treatment are long, and conditions aren't always hygienic. Public healthcare facilities in rural areas are even more limited.

Access to state hospitals and healthcare is free and subsidised for Indian citizens below the poverty line. If you are working in India, you will usually opt for private healthcare.

Useful links

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• WHO India
• India Health Portal

Private healthcare in India

Private hospitals in India are of much better standards and preferred by most people. They are also preferred by Indian locals, some of whom pay for these services out of pocket.

Private hospitals can be used in non-emergencies for most medical needs, including regular check-ups and consultations. While there are many private facilities in cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon and Mumbai, you should research to find out which of your local healthcare providers best suits your needs.

Across India, private practitioners offer various medical services, including scientifically supported mainstream medicine and traditional and alternative treatments, including Ayurveda and homoeopathy.

Health insurance in India

If you are moving to India, ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage. As an employed expat, your employer may provide international health insurance for you, but some policies will only cover treatment at certain hospitals. You should investigate the terms of your policy and ensure you understand what it covers. If there are limitations to the coverage offered, consider paying extra for a more comprehensive policy.

Indian hospitals may not recognise some international insurance providers. In these cases, you will have to pay cash out of pocket. If this does happen, keeping all the necessary paperwork is essential if you want to be reimbursed by your insurer.

Pharmacies in India

Pharmacies are common in major Indian cities. They're attached to most private medical facilities or in major shopping precincts. Most types of medication will be readily available, and the costs are generally low.

Note that when travelling to more rural areas, you must ensure you have a supply of necessary medication because pharmacies may not be as well stocked in such places.

Useful links

• Netmeds
• PharmEasy
• Apollo Pharmacy

Health hazards in India

If you are new to India, you need to be especially careful regarding water and food hygiene – having an upset stomach is a common complaint of newcomers. Tap water in India is not usually safe, so it's best to use boiled or bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Ice cubes should be avoided. It's also a good idea to be wary of eating meat at street vendors and restaurants – at the very least, ensure your meal is hot and properly cooked.

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria are present throughout much of the country. You should take precautions against mosquito bites by using a repellent and covering up at dusk. It is also advisable to seek medical advice about prophylaxis before moving to India.

India is also subject to natural disasters. Floods and landslides are common during monsoon season, typically June to October, and there are safety hazards linked to earthquakes in the northern mountainous regions, as well as cyclones and tropical storms off the east coast. It's important to stay updated on the latest news in India and call for help in emergencies.

Useful links

• CDC in India

Vaccinations for India

If you plan to move to India, ensure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and Influenza. It's best to consult your healthcare provider at least four to six weeks before departure to discuss your specific health needs and vaccination history.

Ongoing vaccination campaigns against diseases like Covid-19 remain essential. The Indian government has also been promoting vaccines for diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya, which are prevalent in certain regions, although these vaccines are still in varying stages of availability and recommendation.

Emergency services in India

While most private hospitals in India provide ambulance services at an additional fee, calling an ambulance is not always the best way to get to the hospital. Traffic congestion is a major problem in Indian cities, and motorists often ignore ambulance sirens. Some residents report that private transport is frequently the fastest way to get to the hospital, although ambulances can provide vital support en route to the hospital.

There has been a notable increase in investment in ambulance services, leading to better-equipped vehicles and trained personnel. The use of technology, such as GPS tracking and mobile apps for booking ambulances, has improved response times and service reliability.

In emergencies, using ride-sharing apps or personal vehicles can sometimes be faster than waiting for an ambulance. Training community members to provide basic first aid and transport patients can also be beneficial in areas with limited ambulance access.

To call an ambulance in an emergency, dial 102. The national emergency number is 112.