Why South Sudan Chooses India for Medical Treatment?

16 July,2024

Over the years, India has emerged as a powerhouse in the medical tourism industry. Patients from over 80 countries regularly travel to India to seek medical treatment. One such country that has benefitted from India’s medical tourism is South Sudan.

India became one of the first countries to recognize South Sudan as an independent state in 2011. Ever since then, India and South Sudan have shared cordial diplomatic relations. Over the years, India has also helped South Sudan by providing financial aid, medical supplies, military personnel, and food aid. Therefore, it is no surprise that India is one of the most favored destinations for South Sudanese patients seeking treatment for their illnesses.

In 2022 alone, 500+ visas were issued to South Sudanese citizens who wanted to travel to India for medical treatment, and this number has since continued to grow. This blog explores in detail the reason for India’s popularity as a medical tourism destination among the people of South Sudan.

Why Do South Sudanese Patients Prefer India For Medical Treatment?

The preference of South Sudanese patients for medical treatment in India can be attributed to a well-developed healthcare industry and several other supporting factors. Some of the parameters that attract patients from South Sudan to India are:

• High-quality Medical Facilities: Indian hospitals provide patients with best-in-class healthcare that is comparable to international standards. In a country like South Sudan, access to quality healthcare is limited. Therefore, it is feasible for South Sudanese patients to travel to India to avail themselves of the finest medical services.
• Affordable Treatments: One significant factor patients consider when choosing treatment options is the cost of treatment. In India, excellent medical facilities are available at highly reasonable prices. While the standard of healthcare in India is comparable to that in developed countries, the prices are a fraction of those in other countries. For example, IVF treatment in India costs about USD 1,200 to USD 4,200, whereas in the United States of America, the cost can go up to USD 15,000. Thus, South Sudanese patients prefer to come to India for low-cost treatments.
• Qualified Medical Personnel: Indian doctors, nurses, and paramedics are expertly trained in their respective fields. Many of them also obtain higher qualifications from renowned international institutions. Their experience and training allow them to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently. South Sudanese patients coming to India are reassured that they will receive treatment from the best healthcare professionals.
• State-of-the-art Infrastructure: Multispeciality hospitals in India offer various specialized treatment options under one roof. Patients can find it all in the same place, from basic diagnostic procedures like X-rays to advanced treatments like robotic surgeries. These facilities make getting treatment even more convenient for South Sudanese patients coming to India.
• Accreditation: Indian healthcare organizations must adhere to strict guidelines dictated by international and national accreditation bodies, the Joint Commission International (JCI), and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). 55 Indian hospitals have achieved international accreditation of the JCI, and over 1,300 hospitals have NABH accreditation. South Sudanese patients traveling to India can consider this information while choosing a hospital for their treatment.

Other Factors Compelling South Sudan Patients To Come To India

Along with healthcare-related reasons, many other aspects make India a favorable medical tourism destination among South Sudanese patients.

• Advanced Technology: The Indian healthcare system is constantly evolving as modern technology integrates into treatment procedures. The introduction of innovations such as minimally invasive surgeries, 3D printing, and robotic surgeries has uplifted the standard of treatment in India. South Sudanese patients can avail of these new-age treatment options easily and at a reasonable cost in India.
• Convenient Travel: Flying from South Sudan to India is quite feasible, as several major airlines frequently run flights between the two countries. South Sudan’s capital city, Juba, is well-connected to major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
• Complete Medical Tourism Services: Medical tourism companies in India offer an all-inclusive package for South Sudanese patients. The services include travel planning, visa assistance, hospital selection, accommodation, consultation, documentation, language support, and cultural aid.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Hospitality: South Sudanese nationals coming to India are treated with respect by Indian healthcare professionals and citizens. Hospitals and medical tourism facilitators ensure they feel safe and comfortable in a foreign land. Moreover, English is widely spoken in India and South Sudan, thus bridging the communication gap.
• Government Initiatives: The Government of India has introduced a ‘Heal in India’ initiative to promote medical tourism. Under this initiative, South Sudanese patients can avail themselves of medical treatments like cardiac or orthopedic procedures, wellness facilities like spas and retreats, and traditional medicine such as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
• Doctor Availability: South Sudan has just 0.43 doctors per 10,000 patients, resulting in a severe shortage of doctors. India, on the other hand, has 7.26 doctors per 10,000 patients. Thus, South Sudanese patients coming to India have many options based on their requirements.

Which Medical Specialties Are Most Sought After By South Sudanese Patients?

The Indian healthcare system is diverse and offers treatment for various disorders. Some of the specialties that South Sudanese patients come to India are:

• Neurosurgery: Patients travel from South Sudan to India for standard neurosurgical procedures such as craniectomy, epilepsy surgery, laminectomy, lumbar puncture, Chiari decompression, and spinal fusion. Indian neurosurgeons are also trained in modern treatment methods such as microsurgery, Gamma knife radiosurgery, and spinal cord stimulation.
• Orthopedics: Indian orthopedic surgeons are known for their superior skill in joint replacement procedures. They routinely conduct hip and knee replacement surgeries in several hospitals throughout India. Including the latest technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and 3D printing, has further improved the success rate of these surgeries.
• Cardiology: South Sudanese patients prefer to come to India for cardiac ailments, given the cost and effectiveness of cardiac procedures in India. Indian cardiovascular surgeons are proficient in performing routine procedures such as bypass surgery and pacemaker implantation. They are also trained in new-age methods like minimally invasive surgeries and interventional cardiology.
• Oncology: Cancer treatment in India has grown exponentially, and South Sudanese patients have often benefited from that. Treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy are much more affordable in India than in other developed countries. Modern treatment options such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor CAR T-cell therapy and linear accelerator (LINAC) are available in India.

Other Specialties Available for South Sudanese Patients in India

Apart from cancer treatment, cardiac disorders, joint replacements, and neurological issues, South Sudanese patients can opt for specialties such as:

• Organ Transplantation: Indian hospitals conduct the third-highest number of organ transplants in the world. Therefore, South Sudanese patients in need of kidney or liver transplantation frequently travel to India. Indian transplant surgeons are known for performing safe and effective organ transplantations.
• Ophthalmology: Most Indian eye hospitals offer treatment for common ocular disorders such as cataracts and glaucoma. Modern vision correction surgeries such as LASIK, PRK, and Contoura Vision are also conducted in India with a 98% success rate and quick recovery.
• Pediatrics: South Sudanese children born with anomalies such as cleft lip and cleft palate travel to India to seek treatment. Indian pediatric cardiologists also perform closure of congenital heart anomalies such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). These procedures have remarkably improved the quality of life of the children.
• Plastic Surgery: India ranks fifth in the world in the number of plastic surgeries performed. South Sudanese patients who require reconstructive procedures such as breast reconstruction, mastectomy, and rhinoplasty or cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction, facelifts, and breast augmentation often visit India. Advanced methods such as 3D imaging, endoscopy, and laser technology are also utilized.

Best Hospitals in India for South Sudanese Patients

India has 1,350+ NABH-accredited and 50+ JCI-accredited hospitals for South Sudanese patients to choose from. Some of the top hospitals in India are:

• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
• Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai
• Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri, Bengaluru
• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi

What are the Indian Medical Visa Requirements, Eligibility Criteria, and Fees for South Sudanese Patients?

All South Sudanese patients traveling to India for medical treatment must apply for an Indian medical visa. The visa allows the patient to enter India to seek necessary treatment.

Documents Required for Visa Application

South Sudanese nationals applying for the Indian medical visa have to produce the following documents at the time of application - 

• Completely filled visa application form with accurate information
• Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background
• Passport with at least six months of validity
• Proof of residency (driver’s license/utility bills)
• Reference letter from the local hospital that verifies the medical issue and required treatment
• A visa invitation letter (VIL) from the concerned Indian hospital confirming the patient details and treatment plan
• Relevant medical records
• Financial records to prove that patients can sustain themselves in India during the duration of the treatment
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Certificate
• Confirmed return tickets to South Sudan

Validity of the Indian Medical Visa

• The Indian medical visa for South Sudanese citizens is valid for one year from the date of issuance. 
• It is a triple-entry visa, meaning the patient can visit India up to three times within the validity period.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the Indian Medical Visa

Citizens of South Sudan can apply for an Indian medical visa only if they fulfill the following criteria - 

• The primary purpose of the patient for visiting India must be to seek medical treatment.
• The Indian hospital chosen by the South Sudanese patients must be government-recognized and accredited.
• A maximum of two family members or associates can accompany the patient, and they must apply for a separate medical attendant visa.
• South Sudanese patients traveling to India must have a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate and an Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Certificate.

Payment Guidelines for Indian Medical Visa Application

• South Sudanese patients must pay a visa processing fee of USD 82 for an Indian medical visa.
• Two additional pounds are added to this cost and donated to the Indian Community Welfare Fund.
• The processing fee has to be transferred into the account of the Indian High Commission in South Sudan.
• Debit cards are an accepted payment method with a 1-2% added charge.
• Cheques and bank transfers are not permitted.

What is the Procedure to Obtain an Indian Medical Visa for South Sudanese Patients?

South Sudanese patients have to follow these steps to obtain an Indian medical visa:

• Consultation at a Local Hospital: Patients must first visit a local doctor to diagnose their condition, form a treatment plan, and get a recommendation for treatment in India. The local hospital will also provide all relevant medical records.
• Choosing a Hospital: Once diagnosed, patients can research and select an Indian hospital that suits their needs. Patients can decide based on location, medical condition, budget, and other personal preferences.
• Visa Application: To apply for an Indian medical visa, patients must submit a visa application form and all required documents to the Indian High Commission or Embassy in South Sudan. The visa application process can also be completed online.
• Visa Processing and Approval: The authorities review the submitted documents and application. If everything is in order, the Indian medical visa is approved, and South Sudanese patients can travel to India for medical treatment.

What are the Things to Remember During an Indian Medical Visa Application?

While applying for an Indian medical visa, South Sudanese citizens need to remember these important points - 

• Visa processing typically requires two to three working days. Patients are advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• The medical visa can be extended under special circumstances, provided the Ministry of Home Affairs grants approval for an extension.
• If they plan to stay continuously for more than 180 days, patients are required to register with the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within fourteen days of their first arrival.

Conclusion

The healthcare system in South Sudan presents several challenges, such as a need for more quality medical facilities, a shortage of qualified medical professionals, and limited access to advanced treatment options. Traveling to India has helped South Sudanese patients seek safe, effective, and affordable treatments for their medical conditions. As India continues to emerge as a medical tourism hotspot, many more South Sudanese patients can benefit from India’s robust healthcare system.

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