Why Ghana Patients Seek Treatment in India?

11 October,2024

The medical tourism industry in India is growing rapidly. According to the Medical Tourism Association, it has already reached the 10th rank. Patients from all over the world have trusted India with its medical facilities. The number of people visiting India annually for medical tourism is quite shocking. By the end of this year, India will welcome around 2 million patients for medical treatment. Some of the factors why people opt for medical treatment in India are low-cost medical treatment, the use of the latest medical technologies, hospitals with international quality standards, and highly trained doctors.

India's primary sources of international patients include nations such as Ghana, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Kenya, and various other African and Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in individuals from developed regions like the US, Canada, and the UK seeking cost-effective medical care.

A recent study conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Ghana revealed that over 70% of Ghanaian patients who opted for medical treatment abroad chose India as their preferred destination. This blog will provide a clear-cut picture of why Ghanaian patients come to India for medical treatment and why it is a good choice.

Why Do Ghana Patients Choose India For Medical Treatment?

India has seen major advancements in the healthcare industry, which has also affected the medical tourism sector. To benefit from it, people from foreign countries come to India to fill their medical needs. One such country is Ghana, which takes advantage of these advanced facilities. Some of the factors that make Ghana patients consider India as their reliable destination for treatment are:

• Cost-Effective Treatment Options: The prices of surgeries in India are relatively lower than in any other country. For example, the cost of robotic hip replacement in India is around USD 3,600 - USD 6,000; the same procedure would cost around USD 40,000 - USD 70,000 in the USA. Patients can save up to 90% when opting for surgery in India.
• High-Standard Medical Facilities: India has some of the most advanced facilities, which can be compared to international standards. The best hospitals in India are accredited by NABH and JCI. This accreditation is given to hospitals that meet high standards of patient safety and quality care.
• Diverse Medical Specialties Available: Indian doctors specialize in various fields, such as orthopedics, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, urology, and oncology.
• Shorter Wait Times for Procedures: One of the most common challenges people face in their home countries, unlike in India, is long waiting times for medical procedures. With a large number of hospitals and doctors available in India, the waiting times are comparatively shorter.
• Travel and Sightseeing Possibilities: As a tourism hub, India offers a rich blend of culture, history, and festivals. During their stay, international patients often visit popular historical landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Qutub Minar.

What Amenities and Facilities Do Indian Hospitals Offer?

Hospitals in India have become highly advanced and boast a variety of services that ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay for a patient. Some of the basic amenities and facilities provided are:

• Rooms: Patients are offered a wide range of rooms, including deluxe rooms, VIP suites, single and twin-sharing rooms, general wards, and many more.
• Services: Most Indian hospitals offer many services to patients, such as 24/7 pharmacies, cafeterias, blood banks, and ambulance and emergency services.
• Medical Coordinators: Some hospitals provide dedicated patient coordinators. They assist patients with appointments, paperwork, admissions, and more.
• Other Amenities: Other basic amenities that an Indian hospital offers are TVs in rooms, Wi-Fi, and a phone for calling.

What are the Success Rates for Various Procedures in India?

The success rates of medical procedures in India are exceptionally high because of the highly advanced use of techniques. Some of the most popular surgeries and their success rates are mentioned below:

• Knee Replacement: 90 - 99%
• Heart Surgery: 90 - 97%
• Spine Surgery: 85 - 95%
• Kidney Transplant: 90 - 95%
• IVF: 35 - 50%

The success rate for your specific procedure will depend on several aspects, such as overall health, the type of procedure, and the technique used.

What Support Services are Available for Ghanaian Patients?

Hospitals in India offer a wide range of services to international patients and have a dedicated department for them. Some of the services provided to Ghanaian patients are:

• Translator and Coordinator: The patients are assigned a dedicated medical coordinator and translator to guide them through their journey.
• Visa-related Assistance: Many Indian hospitals help patients with their medical visa documentation.
• Assistance with Consultations: Ghanaian patients are assisted with consultations and ensured they receive all information related to their treatment.
• Other Assistance: The international patients department offers other major services, such as airport transfers, accommodation arrangements, and information about local transportation and sightseeing.

How Does India Handle Pre-Treatment Consultations and Second Opinions for Ghanaian Patients?

• A large number of medical facilities in India offer pre-treatment consultations (online) to patients from foreign countries like Ghana. This process simplifies the journey to India by helping patients understand their treatment options and procedures in advance.
• These pre-treatment consultations help patients build trust as they receive expert opinions on their treatment options, including personalized treatment plans, estimated costs, and recovery timelines.
• Indian healthcare providers are also transparent about providing second opinions to patients so they can make confident treatment decisions. This approach eliminates uncertainty and helps Ghanaian patients make informed choices about traveling to India for treatment.

What Innovative Technologies are Used in Indian Hospitals?

The main reason behind the immense growth of medical tourism in India is that the country is continuously evolving its medical industry by adopting innovative technologies. The use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, EHR, machine learning, automation, and robotics in the Indian healthcare industry is driving it to reach new heights and compete with international-level healthcare facilities. Below are some of the innovative technologies that the country is implementing in its healthcare facilities:

• Telemedicine: The use of technology to provide remote or online consultations and expert opinions to patients without them needing to travel.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is being implemented in various aspects of healthcare, such as diagnostic imaging, patient monitoring, and personalized treatment plans. It can learn quickly and help medical professionals analyze medical data efficiently.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Indian medical facilities are also appraising the use of EHRs to manage patient data more effectively. This helps enhance the continuity of care for international patients.
• Robotic Surgery: Robotics have also been introduced in the Indian healthcare system as they have a higher success rate and can perform procedures minimally invasively with reduced recovery time. Some of the famous surgical robots used in India are the da Vinci Surgical System, MAKO Surgical Robot, CyberKnife, and many more.
• 3D Printing: 3D printing is mainly used in orthopedic departments, where it helps create custom prosthetics, implants, and anatomical models for surgical planning.

Which Procedures are Opted by Ghanaian Patients in India?

India is a country that offers medical treatments for every specialty. However, some of the most popular procedures opted for by Ghana patients are:

• Cardiac Surgeries: Procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve surgeries, and angioplasty with stent placement are done to treat heart conditions like blocked arteries and valve defects, ensuring improved heart function.
• Orthopedic Surgeries: Joint replacements (hip, knee) and spinal surgeries to treat bone-related conditions or injuries, restoring mobility and reducing pain.
• Kidney Transplant: KTP or a kidney transplant is performed for end-stage kidney disease, offering life-saving solutions and better long-term outcomes.
• Liver Transplant: LTP or liver transplant is done to treat chronic liver diseases or liver failure.
• Cancer Treatments: Interventions like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and minimally invasive cancer surgery are used to treat various types of cancers, including prostate, brain, lung, leukemia, breast, cervical, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
• Neurosurgeries: Procedures like brain tumor removal and minimally invasive spine surgery are often chosen by Ghana patients for addressing life-threatening neurological conditions.

Best Hospitals in India for Ghanian Patients

India is home to numerous NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals from which Ghanaian patients can choose. Remarkably, some of the top hospitals in India include:

• Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
• MIOT International, Chennai
• Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI)
• Manipal Hospital, Gurgaon
• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

What is the Visa Process for Ghanaian Patients Traveling to India for Treatment?

Patients from Ghana who want to seek medical treatment in India need an Indian Medical Visa. The process typically involves:

• Submitting a Valid Passport: The patient should have a passport with at least six months of validity.
• Submitting Medical Records: Detailed medical reports outlining the condition and treatment required should be submitted.
• Letter from the Indian Hospital: A formal invitation or letter (VIL) from the Indian hospital is required where the treatment required will be stated. This letter should confirm the patient's appointment and planned treatment.
• Proof of Financial Ability: The patient needs to provide evidence of their ability to cover their medical and travel expenses, which would typically include bank statements.

Once all required documents are submitted and the application is complete, the medical visa is usually processed within a few days. This visa allows the patient to travel with a caretaker (friend or family member) to enter India for treatment.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, patients from Ghana choose India for medical treatment due to a combination of cost-effectiveness, high-quality healthcare standards, advanced medical facilities, and a wide range of specialties. The ability to receive treatments at a lower cost than other countries, such as the USA, makes India an attractive destination. Additionally, the availability of state-of-the-art technologies, short wait times, and support services tailored for international patients enhance the overall experience.

Moreover, India's unique approach to using innovative technologies such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and robotic surgery sets it apart as a leader in the medical tourism industry. As more patients from Ghana and other countries recognize the benefits of seeking medical care in India, the growth of this sector is only expected to increase, ultimately improving healthcare access and outcomes for patients worldwide.