Spine Surgery Medical Value Travelers from Zimbabwe to India

Spine surgery: Advantage India

Medical research, education and technology in India are quite advanced. In the area of spine and neuro surgery, India has excellent medical service facilities and the doctors use the most advanced techniques in invasive surgeries and micro-surgical treatments. India can now claim to offer comprehensive spinal and neurological surgeries and cater not only to the domestic population but also to the international patients.

Approximately a quarter-million different types of Spine Surgeries are performed in India each year, half on the upper and half on the lower part of the spine. Neuro surgeons in India have been educated at the premier institutes in India; following their education, they underwent specialized training in well known institutes around the world. Having brought their know-how back to India, these surgeons have been offering the best treatments to patients from all around the world. It would, therefore, be hard to find a neurological or spinal ailment that an Indian neuro surgeon has not encountered or fixed.

Special Services For Zimbabwe Patients

Special and individualized care – We ensure fast and efficient services, which include immediate diagnostic and treatment procedures with no waiting lists. There is 24/7 staff for full patient support services, who are well trained to handle the most complex situations. Depending on the urgency, there are special consultations for scans, clinical investigations organized for Zimbabwean medical tourists. Even if you are not insured, we ascertain that you are equally benefitted; and we don’t need any doctor’s referral to cater to you. We attend each and every Zimbabwean with supreme care and patience.

Special packages – One thing that comes into consideration and is obviously very crucial while choosing a treatment destination, is the cost factor. We understand this and ensure that our patients are happy and supremely satisfied with the pricing of the treatments and procedures, they are looking for. We specially offer very cost effective packages for medical tourists from Zimbabwe; customize the packages keeping in mind that patients are coming from all sections of the society.

Free second opinion – When it comes to illness and related procedures, certainly there can be some doubts in your mind; regarding the proficiency of the doctor or about the clinical investigation. So that you have no doubts regarding these factors and have full trust in us, we can arrange for free second opinion in our empanelled hospitals. This will surely help in clearing your dilemma and cement the trust in our relationship further.

Language Assistance – It is very important that the medical personnel are capable of handling this language issue, as health issues need to be communicated accurately and in a very detailed manner. So, we look after this issue by arranging expert translators/interpreters so that the requirements of our Zimbabwean friends reach the doctor properly and vice versa.

Quick visa assistance – We make the visa process absolutely uncomplicated and hassle free. Our 24/7 visa assistance is at your disposal to look after all your queries and needs related to visa. We make it as simple as possible so that there is no time wastage, keeping in mind your health issues and the associated urgency.

Logistics Support – We are with you right from the moment you arrive at the airport. Our staff is there to receive the medical tourists at the airport, ensure that the guesthouse/hotel is perfect for the travelers. Further, we monitor your admission formalities and keep a detailed track your treatment process at the hospital – either in person or over phone – as and when required. Also, we provide regular medical updates about you to the sponsor of the treatment such as, the insurance agency, charity organization, your employer, etc.

Special food – Every health issue, its treatment and the suggested procedure comes along with its own dietary schedule and restrictions. We make sure that the food issues and such restrictions are well taken care of, ensuring your good health. We have special tie-ups with local food chains; customized diet plans are proffered keeping in mind speedy recovery and for better outcomes for the Zimbabwean patients.

Follow up services – After any treatment/procedure, the most important phase is the follow up. Without this, the procedure is considered incomplete and can lead to a relapse. Follow up is important both for the patient as well as the doctor/surgeon. We ensure that there are no obstacles or interruptions in this phase and organize follow up services even after the patient is back in his own country, after his successful treatment in India.

Clinical camps – In order to create awareness about various health issues as well as to provide free and easily accessible services, clinical camps are organized in Zimbabwe. There are doctors and assistant staff available in such camps to guide Zimbabweans regarding many health issues and associated precautions.

Critical shortage of expert medical staff in Zimbabwe

Even though basic healthcare and reproductive healthcare are guaranteed in the constitution of Zimbabwe, the ground reality is opposite. Zimbabwe faces shortage of medical staff due to neglect and underfunding. The best medical staff has emigrated. The remainder medical staff does not have adequate medical facilities to even provide the basic healthcare needs for the ailing population in the country. The situation is even worse for complex treatments such as spine surgeries. Zimbabwe’s Health and Child care ministry in 2014 estimated the country needs 60 neurosurgeons; but only has 6.

At any Given Point to Send Us a Medical Query : click here

Phone Numbers Reach Us-

India & International : +91-9325887033

Economics 101 would then dictate that the handful surgeons are able to command premium rates for conducting brain and spine surgeries. This would make it unaffordable for most but the well off Zimbabweans to receive the brain and spine surgeries they need. But capping the compensation of these experts would mean they would emigrate. Therefore, for their surgical needs, Zimbabweans have to look for places such as India where such surgeries are readily available and at affordable prices.

Spine surgery patients from Zimbabwe to India

Patients from Zimbabwe have been traveling abroad for medical treatments for years. Many travel to neighboring African countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, etc.; some travel to countries as far away as India, Singapore, Dubai, etc. India has received several thousand medical value travelers from Zimbabwe since 2010. The lower cost of healthcare in India compared to US and South Africa is the main aspect that attracts Zimbabweans to travel to India. A surgery could cost as little as 30% in India as it would in South Africa.

The growth potential of medical value travel business from Zimbabwe visiting India for Spine procedures can be estimated. Spine procedures remain one of the top 4 procedures for which international patients travel to India. One can estimate about 10% patients visit India for spine surgical procedures. Even if India were to take about 10% share away from South Africa, about 2,000 Zimbabweans would visit India every year. Out of that, about 200 would be visiting for spine surgeries alone. This would require concerted efforts from major hospitals in India, hospitals and doctors in Zimbabwe, ministry of health and child care in Zimbabwe and medical value travel companies in both countries. Cost would be the key driver in capturing this market share. But quality of the healthcare, brand name of various hospitals in India and the expertise of the surgeons are the other drivers.

The hospitals and medical staff in India have the right expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to conduct even the most complex spine surgical procedures. Zimbabwe faces critical shortage of expert doctors. Its population needs 60 neurosurgeons but currently has only 6. This is true of any other field such as orthopedic, cardiac or spine surgeries. Therefore, Zimbabweans need to travel abroad to seek spine surgical procedures. Zimbabweans travel to neighboring African countries primarily; for example in 2010 nearly 17,000 travelled to South Africa. The cost of complex surgeries is about 3 times higher in South Africa compared to that in India. Indeed, several thousand Zimbabweans have traveled to India for their medical treatment since 2010. Further growth potential is huge. A concerted effort by Indian Hospitals, Medical Value Travel providers along with Ministry of Health and Child care in Zimbabwe would be necessary. India has the right attributes: expert doctors, advanced equipment and most importantly low cost to ensure more Zimbabweans travel to India for spine surgeries and other medical procedures.

At any Given Point to Send Us a Medical Query : click here

Phone Numbers Reach Us-

India & International : +91-9325887033

Zimbabwean gets help in Resolving Herniated Disc with Spinal Fusion Surgery in India

Banga Aguta in Zimbabwe
Mr. Banga Aguta from Zimbabwe

“My name is Banga Aguta and I am from Zimbabwe. A few months ago I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and was recommended to undergo spine surgery as the condition of my spine was not responding to any other treatment option. Receiving treatment in Zimbabwe was never an option given to me by my family as the surgical procedures here are not very advanced and lack quality when compared to other countries. When we decided to receive treatment from some other country, a friend of mine suggested taking the assistance of Spine and Neuro Surgery Hospital India based upon his past experience. After doing sufficient research on our end, we were convinced with this medical tourism firm and decided to proceed with them for my surgery.”

“From the day of our arrival in India, the team of Spine and Neuro Surgery India, took care of everything related to my treatment. Not only did they enable me to receive appointment with the best spine surgeon of India but also gave us full time assistance that included help with VISA, pick and drop facilities, hotel reservations and everything in between. I don’t remember a single appointment when I had to go through long waiting lists or when I was not received with a smile. In the same week of my arrival in India, I underwent a successful Spinal Fusion surgery. My family was very happy with our decision to come to India as not only did I find a cure with sheer compassion but underwent best treatment at an affordable cost. I shall forever be grateful to Spine and Neuro Surgery Hospital India for a wonderful experience throughout my treatment in India.”

About Indian Hospitals

India offers some of the best medical treatments in the world. The private hospitals in India have excellent reputation and our healthcare sector has sustained enormous boom in recent years. Despite the prejudices about healthcare in developing countries, rest assured that the spine surgery hospitals in India are at the forefront of medical technology and are well equipped with the modern state of the art technology and highly qualified and experienced spine surgeons. Indian doctors are considered the best in the world with the high level of surgical expertise that evolves from many years of training.

Hygiene in private hospitals in India is excellent and the Zimbabwe patients seeking cardiac surgery are screened for HIV and Hbs Ag antibodies to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases and incidence of MRSA is minimal. The operation theatres have laminar air flow installed and gaining the ISO9001 standardisation, a voluntary standardisation run b a nongovernmental body where the hospitals must pass rigorous tests to be certified is increasingly becoming popular in the hospitals and the clinics.

Medical Visa Information for Patients from Zimbabwe to India

One would need a medical visa if he/she is travelling to India for his/her treatment. The availability, criteria and eligibility of getting a medical visa matters. Hence we provide all the information about the medical visa lest it becomes tricky or confusing.

The High Commission of India, Harare in Zimbabwe, the primary considerations to grant a medical visa includes the serious ailments such as cardiac problems, congenital disorders, neurosurgery, joint replacements, plastic surgery, renal disorders, organ transplantation, ophthalmic disorders, and radiotherapy and gene therapy. The list of treatments is non-exhaustive.

The sole purpose of travel should be undergoing medical treatment in India.
The applicant should seek medical treatments at reputed/specialized/recognized hospitals in India.
Two medical attendants are allowed to travel with the patient which could be his/her family members, associated or relatives.

Documents required for submission of Visa Application to India for Zimbabwean nationals

Online registered/duly filled in Visa application form signed by the applicant.
One photographs conforming to specifications and photo may be uploaded during registration.
Return air tickets and copy of applicants Passport along with the original Passport.
Letter from the local hospital/doctor and/or Certificate from doctor/hospital after examination of the patient’s condition, requirements and availability of the treatment in India. Complete copies of treatment record from the local hospital.
Letter from the Indian hospital showing the name of patient & attendant and estimate medical treatment cost, which must also be mailed by the hospital authorities to Embassy’s mail box consembindia.org.zw.
If the patient is on Medical aid and letter from Medical Aid Society confirming patient’s admissibility for medical treatment in India and Guarantee from the Medical Aid society for the treatment expenses and proof of fund transfer to India.
Latest Bank statement. The Account’s statement should be certified by the bank and must indicate applicant’s full name & address showing enough funds to conduct the trip.
In case of someone else bank-statement, please enclose the affidavit of the person sponsoring the expenses along with the copy of the photo identity card / passport bearing the ink-signed signature of the sponsor.
Proof of relationship of attendant accompanying the patient and/or a letter indicating relationship.
A separate letter giving full details of previous visits to India, including periods of stay.
If a third party is sponsoring the patient and attendant, then please enclose the affidavit of the person sponsoring the expenses along with the copy of the photo identity card / passport bearing the ink-signed signature of the sponsor and his bank attested bank-statement. The affidavit should clearly mention the relation and/or reason for sponsoring the patient and attendant and the Sponsor should take all responsibility for the conduct & return from India of the sponsored persons.
Third party sponsoring is not allowed for terminal illness treatment.
Visa fee in Cash/USD

Before applying for visa, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your application.

Visa invitation letter

When you are applying for a medical visa, a visa invitation letter is required. A visa invitation letter is a formal document that is sent to the patient from the Indian hospital that sanctions his/her medical treatment in that hospital in India.

This also serves the purpose of a proof that the patient has indeed contacted with Indian hospital and will be having his or her treatment there. The visa invitation letter consists of the patient details, details of his/her ailment, treatment procedure and duration of the treatment involved. Hence it is an important and mandatory document required during the application and for the sanction of a medical visa to the patient.

Embassy Information

Embassy of India
Mr. S. Rajendran
Designation: Commercial Officer
Phone No: 00263 4 795955, 00263 4 704670
Email ID: hoc@embindia.org.zw
Address: No. 12, Natal Road Belgravia, Post Box 4620, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone no: 00263-4-795955 - 56, 792523
Fax: 00263-4-795958, 795413
Email ID: ambassadoroffice@embindia.org.zw
Emergency Numbers
Phone: 00263-4-795955
Mobile: 00263-772125327