The main intention of this website is to create awareness of the various health care options available in the city of Chennai. Chennai, called as the health capital of India has the best and modern healthcare facility in the country. The cost of medical treatment in Chennai is often only a fraction of that of western countries.
Why Chennai is the Healthcare Capital of India
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a leading healthcare destination not only for Indians but also for patients from around the globe. With a booming medical ecosystem, state-of-the-art facilities, and globally recognized healthcare experts, Chennai has rightfully earned the title of the "Healthcare Capital of India." Pioneering Medical Institutions The city is home to some of the best medical institutions in the country, such as Apollo Hospitals, Sankara Nethralaya, and Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, which is only a few hours away. These hospitals are equipped with world-class technologies and have garnered an excellent reputation for their quality care and medical breakthroughs. Specialized Treatment Centers Whether you're looking for cardiac care, orthopedics, or organ transplantation, Chennai has specialized treatment centers that focus on a variety of medical disciplines. These centers offer the latest procedures, including robotic surgeries, laser treatments, and minimally invasive techniques. The result is a more precise diagnosis, shorter recovery time, and better patient outcomes. International Patients Each year, Chennai attracts a large number of international patients, primarily from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The city's hospitals offer services to handle international inquiries and patient care, including translation services, accommodation arrangements, and specialized cuisine to make the stay as comfortable as possible for global patients. Affordability One of the factors that make Chennai stand out is the cost-effectiveness of medical treatments compared to other major healthcare destinations. Affordability doesn’t come at the cost of quality—patients still receive high-quality care but at a fraction of the cost they might incur in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. Medical Research and Education Chennai is not just a center for medical treatment; it's also a hub for medical research and education. With institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) collaborating with hospitals for research, Chennai is at the forefront of medical innovation in India. Skilled Healthcare Professionals The city is rich in human capital with highly qualified doctors, nurses, and medical support staff. Many of these professionals have international certifications and training, which brings a level of expertise that stands up to global standards. Government Initiatives The government has also played a significant role in elevating Chennai’s position as a healthcare capital. From policies that encourage medical tourism to regulations that ensure high standards of service and care, the government's support has been invaluable in building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Accessibility Chennai's excellent connectivity by air, road, and sea makes it accessible for both domestic and international patients. With an international airport that operates flights to and from major global cities, reaching Chennai for medical treatment is convenient and hassle-free. Cultural Hospitality Last but not least, the city’s culture of hospitality makes patients and their families feel at ease. The doctors, nurses, and medical staff are known for their compassionate approach, making Chennai a preferred choice for healthcare. Chennai has become the go-to destination for healthcare in India, thanks to its advanced medical facilities, skilled professionals, and affordability. The city's reputation as the Healthcare Capital of India is well-deserved, as it continues to set the bar high in medical excellence. Whether you are a resident, a domestic traveler, or an international patient, Chennai offers the promise of quality healthcare that you can trust. |
How to reach Chennai?
By Air: Chennai International Airport Located around 21 kilometers from the city center, the airport is well-connected to major cities around the world and across India. The airport has two terminals: Anna International Terminal for international flights and Kamaraj Domestic Terminal for domestic flights. Taxis, car rentals, and public transportation options are readily available for a convenient trip to the city. By Train: Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore These are the two primary railway stations connecting Chennai to various parts of India. Chennai Central primarily serves cities to the north and west, while Egmore generally serves the southern parts of India. The city's rail network is extensive, offering both luxury and budget options. By Road: Chennai is well-connected by a network of highways and roads. The city can be accessed via: National Highway 48 (NH 48) connecting Chennai to Bangalore and other parts of South India. East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) for scenic routes along the coast, connecting Chennai to Pondicherry and other coastal towns. Bus services are abundant, connecting Chennai to various cities in Tamil Nadu as well as neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. By Sea: Though not a commonly used mode for most travelers, Chennai does have a maritime port that accepts passenger services. However, these are usually more specialized services and not the typical way most people would arrive in the city. Public Transportation in Chennai Once you're in the city, getting around is fairly straightforward. Chennai has a well-developed public transportation system that includes: - Chennai Metro: A convenient way to bypass city traffic and reach key destinations. - City Buses: A cheaper but crowded option, covering extensive areas of the city. - Auto-rickshaws and Taxis: Widely available but make sure to either go by the meter or fix the price beforehand. - App-based cab services: Ola and Uber are actively available for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. - Car Rentals: Several car rental services offer both chauffeur-driven and self-drive options for those who prefer a more personalized travel experience. |
Healthcare in Chennai: At a fraction of US price
Chennai has the best equipment for diagnostic imaging - be it a 640 slice CT scanner or 3T MRI Machines. Yet, the cost of diagnostic imaging is only a fraction as that of US. The comparison table below shows that the cost of diagnostic imaging is upto 21 times cheaper when compared with New York rates. It is also significantly low when compared with Singapore rates (upto 12 times cheaper). There is no compromise in the reporting quality either since the radiologists in Chennai are well experienced and many have UK or US degrees. Also, there is no waiting period for imaging in Chennai, whereas it may take upto 6 months for imaging in US or Singapore.
Health NewsHow to get reimbursement from health insurance policyThe reimbursement policy varies between different TPAs. The following is the policy followed by mediassist, currently India's largest TPA.
Claim intimation (with particulars relating to policy number, name of the insured person for whom the claim is made, nature of illness/injury and name and address of the attending medical practitioner/hospital/nursing home) should be submitted within 7 (seven) days (varies between TPA) from the date of hospitalisation/injury. The following documents need to be submitted while claiming a reimbursement:
There is no upper limit on the number of claims that can be raised during the policy period. However, the total cumulative claim amount cannot exceed the sum insured in the policy. The final claim form along with the hospital receipt, bills, cash memos and the list of documents as listed in the claim form should be submitted to TPA within 30 (thirty) days from the date of discharge from the hospital. How much health insurance is required? - A GuideGetting a health insurance is a necessity nowadays. But many are not aware of the terms and conditions of the policies and how much they should insure. This varies from policy to policy. For example, in one of the policy, the room, Boarding and Nursing expenses cannot exceed 1% of the Sum Insured. That means if the insurance cover is for 5 lakh rupees, the insured person can get a room including boarding and nursing expenses capped at Rs. 5000. In some hospitals in Chennai, this will not be sufficient to get a decent single private room. If you still insist on an expensive room, then you will have to pay the balance. For ICU patients, some insurance companies pay 2% of sum assured, which again will be very less when you take a policy for say, 5 lakh rupees. There are many hidden charges when a patient gets admitted in an ICU and it is essential to know these before admitting a patient in a hospital!
How to Prevent Heat EmergenciesHeat emergencies or illnesses are caused by exposure to extreme heat and sun. Heat illnesses can be prevented by being careful in hot, humid weather.
The first step in preventing heat illnesses is thinking ahead.
Standardization of Diagnostic Imaging TariffMany scan centers in Chennai have reduced the rates of CT scan and MRI recently.
The approximate rates of few of scans is as follows: MRI Brain Rs. 4000 MRI Spine Rs. 4000 MRCP/MRI Abdomen Rs. 5000 CT Brain Rs. 2000 CT PNS Rs. 2000 CT Contrast Rs. 1000 extra Right Diagnosis - The first step in treatment"Noi nadi noi muthal nadi athu thanikkum Vainadi vaippa cheyal" says Thirukkural. This means "Make a careful diagnosis, discover the true cause of disease, think out the proper remedy, and apply it effectively"
It is good to know about the various diagnostic tools which are available for management of illness. Some doctors still ask for X-Ray of the sinuses which is a very outdated modality with risk of radiation and very poor sensitivity and specificity. The better diagnostic test for suspected sinusitis is not X-ray but a CT Scan or MRI scan of the sinuses. Similarly, very often ultrasound is asked for patients with suspected renal stone. However, the sensitivity of Ultrasound as compared to CT scan for detecting stones can be quite low (ranging from 24%–57%), and is especially poor for small stones. Hence CT will be a better modality for suspected stone disease except in those who are pregnant or in small children to avoid the radiation. When there is a suspicion of uncomplicated urinary infection, the right way to diagnose is through proper medical history taking, urine analysis and a culture, if required. Whenever a doctor asks for a diagnostic test, always ask whether it is indicated as per protocol, whether there is any risk of radiation and also about the alternate diagnostic tools available with their pros and cons. Getting clarification is patient's right - remember! Lifting and bending the right wayMany people injure their backs when they lift objects. When you reach your 30's, you are more likely to hurt your back when you bend to lift something up or put it down.
This may be because you have injured the muscles, ligaments, or disks in your spine in the past. Also, as we get older our muscles and ligaments become less flexible. And, the disks that act as cushions between the bones of our spine become more brittle as we age. All of these things make us more prone to having a back injury. How you can Prevent Injury Know how much you can safely lift. Think about how much you have lifted in the past and how easy or hard that was. If an object seems too heavy or awkward, get help with it. If your work requires you to do lifting that may not be safe for your back, talk to your supervisor. Try to determine the most weight you should have to lift. You may need to meet with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to learn how to safely lift this amount of weight. To help prevent back pain and injury when you bend and lift:
Dear Diabetics - please take care of your footDiabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This damage can cause numbness and reduce feeling in your feet. As a result, your feet may not heal well if they are injured. If you get a blister, you may not notice and it may get worse.
Check your feet every day. Inspect the tops, sides, soles, heels, and between your toes. Look for:
Call your health care provider right way about any foot problems you have. DO NOT try to treat these problems yourself. Even small sores or blisters can become big problems if infection develops or they DO NOT heal. Foot ulcers are a common reason for hospital stays for people with diabetes. Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Strong soaps may damage the skin.
Most people with diabetes should have corns or calluses treated by a foot doctor. If your doctor has given you permission to treat corns or calluses on your own:
DO NOT use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet. DO NOT walk barefoot, especially on hot pavement or hot, sandy beaches. Remove your shoes and socks during visits to your provider so that they can check your feet. Shoes and Socks Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury. Before you put them on, always check the inside of your shoes for stones, nails, or rough areas that may hurt your feet. Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well when you buy them. Never buy shoes that are tight, not even it you think they will stretch as you wear them. You may not feel pressure from shoes that DO NOT fit well. Blisters and sores can develop when your foot presses against your shoe. Ask your provider about special shoes that can give your feet more room. When you get new shoes, break them in slowly. Wear them 1 or 2 hours a day for the first 1 or 2 weeks. Change your broken-in shoes after 5 hours during the day to change the pressure points on your feet. DO NOT wear flip-flop sandals or stockings with seams. Both can cause pressure points. To protect your feet, wear clean, dry socks or non-binding panty hose every day. Holes in socks or stockings can put damaging pressure on your toes. You may want special socks with extra padding. Socks that move moisture away from your feet will keep your feet drier. In cold weather, wear warm socks, and DO NOT stay out in the cold for very long. Wear clean, dry socks to bed if your feet are cold. When to meet the Doctor Meet your doctor if you have any of the following changes to any part of your foot:
Using Ginseng? Be Careful!Asian ginseng is used in China and Korea for health-related purposes for at least 2,000 years. Red ginseng and white ginseng refer to Asian ginseng roots prepared in two different ways. Asian ginseng was used as a tonic that was believed to replenish energy as per Chinese medicine.
Short-term use of Asian ginseng in recommended amounts appears to be safe for most people. However, questions have been raised about its long-term safety, and some experts recommend against its use by infants, children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The most common side effects of ginseng are headaches, sleep problems, and digestive problems. Some evidence suggests that Asian ginseng might affect blood sugar and blood pressure. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, consult your health care provider before using Asian ginseng. The risk of interactions between ginseng and medications is believed to be low, but there are uncertainties about whether ginseng might interact with certain medications, such as the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin (Coumadin). If you’re taking medication, consult your health care provider before using Asian ginseng. How Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the skin. They usually occur in the legs, but also can form in other parts of the body. Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein. Your veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward your heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in your veins. This causes the veins to swell, which can lead to varicose veins. Varicose veins are very common. You are more at risk if you are older, a female, obese, don't exercise or have a family history. They can also be more common in pregnancy.
You can't prevent varicose veins from forming. However, you can prevent the ones you have from getting worse. You also can take steps to delay other varicose veins from forming.
Compulsive Gambling
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Know about organ transplantRenal Transplant:
The kidney is the most commonly transplanted organ. When a kidney fails to function and causes symptoms which are not correctable by other methods, transplant surgery can be performed. This surgery is done by many surgeons in Chennai. The new kidney is not placed in its original location, but much lower in the abdomen, usually on the right side! Liver Transplant: Compared to renal transplant, liver transplant is a much more complex surgical procedure. It is done in a few hospitals within Chennai. Liver transplant is a more expensive surgery. Pancreas Transplant: A pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy pancreas from a deceased donor into a person whose pancreas no longer functions properly. Almost all pancreas transplants are done to treat cases of type 1 diabetes. The Four Exercises for SeniorsExercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. There are four main types and each type is different. Doing them all will give you more benefits.
Diagnosed as Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? What to do?With ultrasound and CT scans, many are nowadays being diagnosed as having non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
There is no specific treatment for NAFLD. The goal is to manage your risk factors and any health conditions. Your provider will help you understand your condition and the healthy choices that can help you take care of your liver. These may include:
Outlook(Prognosis): Many people with NAFLD have no health problems and do not go on to develop NASH. Losing weight and making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent more serious problems. It is unclear why some people develop NASH. NASH can lead to cirrhosis. How much sleep is required?The amount of sleep you need each day will change over the course of your life. Although sleep needs vary from person to person, the general recommendations for different age groups is as follows:
Tips for Healthy SkinWash up. Bathe in warm—not hot—water; use mild cleansers that don’t irritate; and wash
Know about Medical DegreesIt is indeed very confusing to see doctors with so many medical degrees behind their names! Only certain degrees are real degrees and others may be just a membership to a society! So beware!
All allopathic doctors in India are awarded MBBS degree. It includes four and a half hours of study in a medical college which is followed by 1 year of Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship. This one year period is known as house surgency. Only following this training, is a medical student awarded the MBBS degree, by which he/she is around 24 years of age. Post graduation courses in India are very competitive and there are 2 types of PG courses - Diploma(2year) and Degree(3year). The medical post graduation degrees like general medicine, pediatrics, radiology etc are awarded MD degree, while the surgical speciality post graduation degrees like general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology etc are awarded MS degree. The diploma degrees are more specifically named, like DLO for a diploma in ENT, DO for diploma in ophthalmology, DMRD for diploma in radiodiagnosis etc. However, a medical degree (undergraduate) in many foreign countries like Russia is also given as MD. Hence there is the confusion. Foreign MD is actually equivalent to Indian MBBS! Chennai Health TipsDid you know that many facilities are available in Government Hospitals in Chennai?
The following specialised medical services are available at low cost in Governement Hospitals in Chennai!
Diabetes and MangoesHaving diabetes and your relatives are advising you against eating your favourite mangoes? Good news for you! Research has shown that eating mangoes in moderation can in fact help you if you are obese and diabetic!
In addition, 100gram of mango provides around 50 percent of daily vitamin C, more than 50 percent of daily vitamin A and a good amount of dietary fibre. With the mango season almost over this year, diabetics can eagerly wait for the next season! Eye CataractA cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. It affects your vision. Cataracts are very common in older people. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Common symptoms are
Diabetic Eye ProblemsIf you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Over time, this can damage your eyes. The most common problem is diabetic retinopathy. It is a leading cause of blindness in diabetics.
Your retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. You need a healthy retina to see clearly. Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood vessels inside your retina. You may not notice it at first. Symptoms can include
Two other eye problems can happen to people with diabetes. A cataract is a cloud over the lens of your eye. Surgery helps you see clearly again. Glaucoma happens when pressure builds up in the eye, damaging the main nerve. Eye drops or surgery can help. If you have diabetes, you should have a complete eye exam every year. Finding and treating problems early may save your vision. Working in Night Shift? Tips to maintain your health!Try to limit night shift work, if that is possible. If you must work the night shift, the following tips may help you:
Drinking water precautions after floodDuring and after flood, take precautions before consuming or using your water.
If in doubt as to the colour, odour or taste of your water, contact the municipal authorities before drinking it. If your home water is obtained from a private well, the water must be considered undrinkable, i.e. unfit for consumption, even if it looks clear and odorless. Until you are certain that your well water is up to standards, bring the water to a rolling boil for one minute before consuming it, or use bottled water. Wait at least ten days after the flood water has completely receded before disinfecting your well and having your water tested. Only water which meets drinking water quality standards is considered safe for consumption. Know about breast cancerBreast cancer is one of the common cancers and affects one in eight women during their lives.
There are some risk factors for breast cancer. Risks that you cannot change include:
Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. Breast self-exam and mammography can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable. Mammography, ultrasound and MRI are imaging methods which are helpful in characterizing breast lumps. For definitive diagnosis, a biopsy (FNAC or Core biopsy) is required. Treatment may consist of radiation, lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. In advanced cancer, only palliative treatment is possible. Fast facts about Dengue Fever
Relaxation TechniquesRelaxation techniques include a number of practices such as progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, self-hypnosis, and deep breathing exercises. The goal is similar in all: to produce the body's natural relaxation response, characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a feeling of increased well-being.
Relaxation techniques may be helpful in managing a variety of health conditions, including anxiety associated with illnesses or medical procedures, insomnia, labor pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Psychological therapies, which may include relaxation techniques, can help manage chronic headaches and other types of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Relaxation techniques have also been studied for other conditions, but either they haven't been shown to be useful, research results have been inconsistent, or the evidence is limited. |