Orthopedic Surgery Medical Value Travelers from Zambia to India
Orthopedic surgery is concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
With the exponential rise in accidents and stress and anxiety in our lives, a lot of people suffer from injuries and diseases related to bones. 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.
Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on 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.
Special Services For Zambia 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 Zambian 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 Zambian 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 Zambia; 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 Zambian 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 Zambian 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 Zambia. There are doctors and assistant staff available in such camps to guide Zambians regarding many health issues and associated precautions.
Orthopedic surgery: India a favored destination
In the recent years, India has advanced at a revolutionary speed in the field of healthcare. It has become a favorable destination for various kinds of Orthopedic surgeries. With the best infrastructure and technology, which is undeniably equivalent to that in USA or UK, India provides comprehensive treatment along with supreme quality patient care. Indian hospitals offer Orthopedic treatments from internationally-trained medical practitioners, who are assisted by dedicated staff/assistants. Best state-of-the-art equipment and even robotic surgery are used for the treatments in this field of medicine. The Indian Journal of Orthopedics (IJO) forecasts that India has a lot to offer in the arena of Orthopedics.
The Orthopedic specialty has evolved into many subspecialties like Spine, Pediatric Orthopedics, Arthroscopy and much more. The Indian Orthopedic experts have the breadth of knowledge that they have gathered with experience and knowledge; highly skilful and have treated every possible disorder or injury of bones and muscles. They are well-trained and know the most appropriate course of action for the conditions affecting bones and muscles. The range of treatments done by Indian Orthopedic surgeons is enormous. It can cover anything from traction to amputation, hand reconstruction to spinal fusion, bone transplantation or joint replacements. They also treat broken bones, strains and sprains, and dislocations. With high success rate and constant innovation, joint replacement surgeries in India have been very affordable, ensuring supreme patient care and satisfaction.
Knee Replacement Surgery helped Zambian patient walk again
“Hello my name is Derrick Hachibe and I am from Zambia. Since few months I have been experiencing excruciating pain in my knee. Initially I thought it was because I was slightly overweight but when I consulted to the doctor, it was found that I was suffering from osteoarthritis. Since my pain and discomfort was not responding to any type of medication or physiotherapy, my orthopaedist recommended a knee replacement surgery for my disease.”
“The Healthcare industry is not very advanced in Zambia and few hospitals which perform advanced surgery at a low cost have long waiting lists. Hence I decided not undergo surgery in Zambia. Upon doing research we came across Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital in India, and found that they provide both advanced as well as affordable surgeries in the best medical centres of India. After verifying the information, we decided to go ahead with them.”
“On reaching India and seeing the hospitality and warmth with which the services were offered we were contended with our decision to come to this country. The Joint Replacement Surgery Hospitals India took care of everything, right from our visa, pick drop facility, hotel reservations and appointment with the best orthopaedic surgeons of India without any waiting lists. In the very next week of our arrival in India, I underwent a knee replacement surgery. I thank everybody involved throughout my treatment in India and give the credit of my well being to them. It was a wonderful experience being here.”
Abundant availability of Orthopedic Treatments in India
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 medical tourists.
Hospitals in India not only adhere to international standards but also offer the best quality treatments. There are an array or available treatments for bones and joint disorders; hip, knee, shoulder, including sports medicine, osteoporosis, etc. and all types of musculoskeletal problems like sports injuries, Arthritis, Scoliosis, tumors and broken bones. The fixing and stabilization of the spine or fusion of the spine and other complex bone issues are done in a very comprehensive manner in India.
Lack of Orthopedic Expertise in Zambia
According to WHO, Zambia has been struggling to improve its healthcare system for years now. The normal doctor-patient ratio is 1 doctor per 5,000 patients but Zambia has one of the most abnormal doctor-patient ratios which now stands at 1 doctor per 12,000 patients. Due to ignorance, inadequate infrastructure, refusal of practitioners to accept postings in the rural areas and fewer amounts of funds, the healthcare situation in Zambia has been worsening day-by-day. The assisting medical staff is not enough competent to even provide the basic healthcare needs for the ailing population of Zambia. The situation is even worse for complex treatments such as Orthopedic surgeries. The statistics by Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) show Osteogenesis Imperfecta is quite prevalent in Zambia.
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, poverty is widespread in Zambia – 64 per cent of the total population lives below the poverty line, rising to 80 per cent in rural areas, This makes it exorbitant for most but the well-off Zambians, 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 Zambians have to look for places such as India, where such surgeries are readily available and at reasonable prices.
Inflow of Orthopedic surgery patients from Zambia to India
As per the International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, lack of bone experts or Orthopedic surgeons is a major crisis, which Zambia is facing for years now. Most of the population has to rely on Paramedics or Clinical Officers. So with not many choices left, patients from Zambia have been traveling abroad for 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. India has been welcoming several thousand medical value travelers from Zambia since 2010. The lower cost of healthcare in India compared to USA, UK and South Africa is the main aspect that attracts Zambians towards India. 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 expertise 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 Zambians travelling to India for their medical treatments since many years now. 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 proficient medical practitioners, most up-to-date equipment and most importantly low cost, Indian doctors ensure to bring back the smiles on the faces of more and more Zambians.
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 Zambia 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 Zambia to India
- Visa applicants may apply at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/. High Commission does not accept online payments for Visa, Passport and Consular services.
- The High Commission of India accepts visa applications including from Diplomatic/Official passport holders at the High Commission on working days between 0900 hrs to 1100 hrs.
- Visa fee is payable in CASH at the High Commission. Facility for payment by credit card/debit card is not available.
- Non-Zambian nationals, who are casual visitors and not normally resident in Zambia should apply for an Indian visa in the country of their residence or country of origin.
- For Business visas, invitation letters from the relevant Indian company and the recommendation letter from the Zambia Company are required.
- The validity of all visas is counted from the date of issue.
- Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months and two blank pages at the time of submission of visa application.
- The visa fee charged is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application or the applicant withdrawing the application after submission or if the visa cannot be processed within the timeframe desired by applicants.
- For visa-related queries, kindly drop an email at cons.lusaka@mea.gov.incons.lusaka@mea.gov.in.
- Online Submission of Visa Application Form
- Visa applicants may apply at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ and complete the application online after carefully going through the instructions listed on the web page.
- Please take a print out of the duly filled online form and submit a signed copy directly at the High Commission.
- Applications are to be submitted along with a recent passport-size colour photograph (size 2" x 2", white background), applicable visa fee and two clear pages in your passport. Take note of requirements of additional documentation for business or employment visas. All visa applications should be accompanied by copy of personal particular page of the passport and a copy of the EP/WP/NRC/SP.
In case of any difficulty and for clarifications regarding online submission of the visa application, please contact the Consular Officer at cons.lusaka@mea.gov.in
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
Second Secretary (Political, Information, Culture & ITEC): Mr. S.S. Barwal
Telephone: +260-211-253159/60
Fax: +260-211-254118
Address:
No.1 Pandit Nehru Road,
Loangacres, P.O. Box. 32111,
Lusaka, Zambia
E-Mails:
hc.lusaka@mea.gov.in (High Commissioner)
hoc.lusaka@mea.gov.in (Head of Chancery)
pol.lusaka@mea.gov.in (Political and Cultural)
cons.lusaka@mea.gov.in (Consular Section)
com.lusaka@mea.gov.in (Commercial and Development Cooperation)
info.lusaka@mea.gov.in (Information and ITEC)
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 Zambia 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 Zambia to India
- Lusaka, ZA (LUN) to New Delhi, India (DEL)
- Livingstone, ZA (LVI) to Mumbai, IN (BOM)
- Mfuwe, ZA (MFU) to Chennai, IN (MAA)
- Ndola, ZA (NLA) to Bangalore, IN (BLR)
Common Flights to Zambia to India
Other Common Procedure for Which Zambia Patients Come to India are
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