Orthopedic Surgery Medical Value Travelers from Malawi to India
Recent surveys by the World Health Organization (WHO) say that 1.3 million people die in road accidents each year, an average of 3,287 every day. Additionally, 20-50 million suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. With the exponential rise in accidents and stress in our lives, a lot of people suffer from injuries and diseases related to bones. Such Orthopedic impairments can affect the quality of life and even shorten the life span, if left untreated.
Some of the impairments are:
- Osteomyelitis
- Polio Paralysis
- Tuberculosis of the Spine
- Clubfoot
- Angular Bone Deformity
Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on correcting such disorders and injuries of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments – which together make up the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal system gives the human body the form, support, stability and the ability to move. These spine problems, infections, tumors, sports injuries, knee replacement, arthritis and other bone related deformities are corrected by an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
The surgeries used to treat the above mentioned problems are:
- Arthroscopic procedures
- Fusions
- Internal Fixations
- Joint Replacements
- Repair of soft tissue such as torn ligaments or tendons
Orthopedic surgery: India a favored destination
The Indian Journal of Orthopedics (IJO) forecasts that India has a lot to offer in the arena of Orthopedics. In the recent years, India’s healthcare arena has advanced at a revolutionary speed. India has become the hotspot destination for various kinds of Orthopedic surgeries. With the best infrastructure and technology, which is undeniably equivalent to that in many leading countries around the world, India provides comprehensive treatment along with supreme quality patient care
The Orthopedic specialty has evolved into many subspecialties like Spine, Pediatric Orthopedics, Arthroscopy and much more. The empanelled Orthopedic experts in Indian hospitals have the breadth of knowledge that they have gathered with years of experience and knowledge; highly qualified and have treated every possible disorder or injury of bones and muscles. They are well-trained and know the most appropriate course of action required for the conditions affecting bones and muscles. With high success rate and constant innovation, Orthopedic surgeries in India have been very affordable, exceeding the expectations of the medical tourists.
Special Services For Malawi 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 Malawian 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 Malawian 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 Malawi; 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 Malawian 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 Malawian 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 Malawi. There are doctors and assistant staff available in such camps to guide Malawians regarding many health issues and associated precautions.
Abundant availability of Orthopedic Treatments
The most recent tools of information technology have made connectivity around the world much smoother. Thus, seeking healthcare abroad is a bonus option available to patients. Hence, a large number of patients are taking advantage of the innumerable and advanced joint replacement surgeries available in India. Further, medical value travel industry has been working with the governmental bodies to make travelling to India for surgical procedures as trouble-free as possible for the globally-located patients.
Experts from the Indian Orthopedic Association (IOA) say that there is an array of treatments available for bones and joint disorders; hip, knee, shoulder, including sports medicine, osteoporosis, etc. The Orthopedic Surgeons use the best and the most progressive techniques for surgeries to treat Spine injuries, Cartilage Transplantation, Bone Transplantation, Limb Sparing surgeries and all types of musculoskeletal problems like sports injuries, Arthritis, Scoliosis, tumors and broken bones. Further, the fixing and stabilization of the spine or fusion of the spine and other complex bone issues are addressed in a very comprehensive manner in India.
Malawian Patient undergoes Low cost Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India
“I am Hanifah Chidozie from Malawi and finally feel relieved of the intolerable pain after my knee replacement surgery in India. Few years ago I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of knee and since then I have been suffering from severe pain and discomfort. Initially the medications used to help reduce the pain but as time passed no course of medicines could help me overcome my agony. My daughter was concerned about the condition of my knees and could see the decrease in my mobility and thus took me to a doctor. The orthopaedic specialist recommended a knee transplant surgery in order to get rid of the daily sufferings. As it was the only cure for my diseased knees, I decided to go for the.”
“Since the quality of knee replacement surgery is not very good in Malawi, we planned to receive treatment in a country that could provide qualitative and advanced surgery at a reasonable cost. It was during the same research that we came across the website of Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India. We were impressed with the first interaction with their experts itself. The team of Joint Replacement Surgery hospital India resolved all our doubts and gave us the confidence of smooth treatment for my disease in India.”
“While we were in India, they took responsibility of the visa, pick up and drop facilities and even the hotel reservations. Given to their huge network of hospitals and surgeons, I was able to undergo surgery in the best orthopaedic hospital of India. Despite of conducting such an advanced knee replacement surgery, it was a relief to know that the cost of the surgery was not very high. I’ll forever be grateful to the team of Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India for providing me with the best treatment with utmost compassion and hospitality.”
Just a handful of Orthopedic Surgeons in Malawi
Although fundamental healthcare essentials are guaranteed in the constitution of Malawi, the ground reality is quite a sad picture. According to WHO, Malawi has been struggling to improve its healthcare system for years now. The situation is even worse for complex treatments such as orthopedic surgeries. It faces a severe shortage of medical experts due to ignorance, lack of funds and better compensation. There are only 10 Orthopedic surgeons serving 18 million Malawians, as per the statistics by the Medical Association of Malawi. The majority of Orthopedic care is provided by 82 non-physician Orthopedic Clinical Officers, who provide mainly non-operative trauma care as well as some basic operations. The remainder medical staff is neither enough competent nor has ample medical facilities to even provide the basic healthcare needs for the ailing population of Malawi.
So with just a handful of surgeons dictating this crucial arena of healthcare, the treatment packages for Orthopedic surgeries are skyrocketing. As per the latest report by Demographic and Health Survey, more than 85 percent of Malawi’s population stays in rural areas and 53 percent of it is below the poverty line. This makes it exorbitant for most but the well-off Malawians, who receive the Orthopedic surgeries on time. At the same time, cutting down the compensation of these experts would be worsening the situation. Therefore, for their surgical needs, the Malawians have to look for places such as India, where such surgeries are readily available and at reasonable prices.
Inflow of Orthopedic surgery patients from Malawi to India
As per the International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, the international standard is one Orthopedic surgeon to 200,000 people. But Malawi’s has a biting shortage of Orthopedic Surgeons with 0.06 per 100,000 people. Lack of bone experts or orthopedic surgeons is a major crisis, which Malawi is facing for quite a few years. Most of the population has to rely on Paramedics or Clinical Officers. So with not many choices left, patients from Malawi have been traveling abroad for pocket-friendly medical treatments. Many travel to neighboring African countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, etc.; while some travel to countries as far as India, Singapore, Dubai, etc.
The lower cost of healthcare in India compared to USA, UK and South Africa is the main aspect that attracts Malawians towards India. The growth potential of medical value travel business from Malawi to India for Orthopedic procedures can be estimated. Orthopedic procedures remain one of the top four procedures for which worldwide patients travel to India. The Medical Tourism Market Report shows that the number of medical tourists coming to India was 200,000 in 2016 and the number is continually rising.
Quality of the healthcare services, patient happiness, brand name and the proficiency of the surgeons are the other key drivers that play a major role. A surgery could cost 30 percent lower in India as it would in South Africa, USA or UK. The Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) report reveals that the average range of savings in India is 65-90 percent. The result is several thousand Malawians travelling to India for their medical treatments. The projected growth potential would be eye-popping for marketing departments at medical value travel companies and hospitals in India. With the right attributes like skilled medical practitioners, most up-to-date equipment and most importantly low cost, Indian doctors leave no stone unturned to bring back the smiles on the faces of more and more Malawians.
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 orthopedic 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 orthopedic 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 Malawi 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 Malawi 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, Lilongwe in Malawi, the primary considerations to grant a medical visa includes the serious ailments such as congenital disorders, cardiac problems, 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.
- Filled-in and signed visa application form
- Two recent colour photographs
- Letter of invitation from an approved Hospital /Doctor in India
- Medical documents establishing the need for taking medical treatment in India
- Proof of availability of sufficient funds for stay in India including the expenses for medical treatment by producing documents such as Bank statement, Salary certificate, sponsorship letter etc.
A Medical/Medical Attendant visa is normally issued within 3 working days, inclusive of the day on which application is made.
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
Commercial Section/Commercial RepresentativeSecond Secretary (Commerce, Consular & Political)
Telephone No: +265 1751043, +265 1750014
Mobile No : +265 994 965 965, +265 994 963963
E-mail : com.malawi@mea.gov.in
Physical Address
Plot No. 55
Area 9
Lilongwe Postal Address
P.O Box 1482
Lilongwe
Malawi Reception
Tele: +265-(0) 1-759 337
Fax: +265-(0) 1-755 346
E-mail : receptionist@hcililongwe.in Administration
Tele: +265-(0) 1-751 041/1751-043
Fax: +265-(0) 1-755 346
E-mail : adm.malawi@mea.gov.in Consular section
Tele:+265-(0) 1-755 337
Fax: +265-(0) 1-755 346
E-mail : cons.malawi@mea.gov.in
Vaccination
Do I Need A Yellow Fever Vaccine for India?If you are coming to India from a country where yellow fever is present you are required to show proof of immunization. The patients travelling from Malawi to India for getting their medical treatment should enclose a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate that becomes valid only 10 days after the inoculation.
Flight & Travel from Malawi to India
You can book the flight tickets for travel from Malawi (Lilongwe) to India (New Delhi) through various flights. Air India Flight is India’s first international airline providing luxurious air services to the international passengers at economical costs and discounted fares. It offers efficient service and good value for money.
The following are few flight travel details from Malawi to India
- Lilongwe, Malawi (LLW) to New Delhi, India (DEL)
- Blantyre, MI (BLZ) to Mumbai, IN (BOM)
- Lilongwe, MI (LLW) to Chennai, IN (MAA)
- Blantyre, MI (BLZ) to Bangalore, IN (BLR)
Common Flights to Malawi to India
Other Common Procedure for Which Malawi Patients Come to India are
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