World Class Dental and Medical Care in Delhi

BySuzanne Hooker Posted Updated

Dental and medical care in Delhi is excellent. If you need to see a doctor, dentist, get bloodwork or an x-ray while in Delhi, don’t worry. Private dental and medical care is every bit as good as Canada and probably the US.

I lived in Delhi for years, and list my personal recommendations and where I go for medical care in Delhi. I still use these healthcare providers, since I spend months in Delhi each year.

World Class Dental and Medical Care in Delhi

My first visit to a private pathology lab in Delhi was an eye opening experience. I was not expecting such an efficient and modern lab. It was better than anything I had seen in Canada.

There are still stereotypical clinics on side lanes with questionable hygiene and no privacy. I’ve seen those too. But if you can pay, first class healthcare is available and very affordable in Delhi.

I lived in Delhi for years, and still return regularly. This is where I personally go for my healthcare needs:

My personal Delhi medical and dental care providers

  • Hospital: Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket
  • Doctor: Dr. Gita Prakash (Max Multi Specialty Centre)
  • Dentist: Dr. Poonam Batra
  • Pathology Lab: Dr. Lal Path Lab
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Mahajan Imaging
  • Ayurvedic Medicine: Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal

Medical Tourism in Delhi

Because of the level of care and affordability in the private medical sector, medical tourism in India is a growing and thriving trend.

Cosmetic and dental procedures not typically covered under home medical or insurance plans are very affordable in Delhi. I know several people who travelled to Delhi to have extensive dental work done for a fraction of the cost in their home country.

The Indian government even offers a 6 month medical e-visa. Facilities are modern, specialists are amongst the best in their field, English is widely spoken, and the cost is substantively lower than in the US or UK.

Government vs Private Hospitals

Delhi has a three tiered health system: government, private and a partnership of the two. I opt for private because the level of care and facilities are really good, and it’s cheap compared to Canada.

Government hospitals are notoriously understaffed, under serviced and underfunded. While there are some decent ones in Delhi, like AIIMS which is a university hospital, even doctors at government hospital choose private care for themselves and their families.

The standard of care is much higher in a private hospital, with a far greater doctor/nurse to patient ratio. Many Indians will do everything possible to send a family member to a private facility, sometimes incurring incredible debt to do so.

Delhi has a number of excellent private hospitals, some that specialize in internal medicine, women’s health, cardiology or cancer.

Even though private hospital care is a lot less expensive than in the US or UK, treatment at a private facility can still reach $2,000 USD per day. For that reason it’s a good idea to have medical travel insurance, like SafetyWing (that’s who I use).

Private Hospitals in Delhi

Delhi has several very good private hospitals. Max Super Specialty is where many expats go, including myself. The best private hospitals in Delhi are:

  • Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital (aka Fortis): Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
  • Primus Super Specialty Hospital: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
  • Max Super Specialty Hospital: Saket (other locations, but this is the biggest)

Most hospitals have ambulances, but because Delhi traffic is so congested, pick up can take a long time. Most patients prefer to arrange their own transportation to the hospital.

Pediatric and Maternity Hospital

This is a well regarded maternity and pediatric hospital in South Delhi:

  • Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital: Malviya Nagar, New Delhi

Doctors in Delhi

I go to Dr. Gita Prakash at Max Multi Specialty Centre in Panchsheel Park, Delhi. She is a highly regarded general practitioner with a large number of expat patients.

The last time I went I paid INR 1,200 ($14.00 USD) for a consultation, which included the follow-up. Generally the cost will range from INR 850 to 2,000 to see a top general practitioner.

If you want other recommendations or require a specialist, you can call your embassy and ask for a recommendation. Embassies often have a list of doctors they refer their staff and nationals to.

Public Walk-in Clinics (Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs)

Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs act as neighbourhood walk-in medical clinics. They treat simple ailments and non life threatening injuries.

The purpose of these clinics is to provide free healthcare for underprivileged locals, and reduce patient traffic at government hospitals. They are set up in local communities, within walking distance for most residents.

They are not intended for foreigners, but if you find yourself unable to get medical help anywhere else, it might be an option.

Buying Medicine in Delhi

Medication is not expensive and readily available in Delhi. There are pharmacies all over the city.

Batra Medicos exterior with big red sign and locals in front, best for medical and dental care in Delhi
My local pharmacy in South Delhi

When purchasing non-prescription medication you may need to provide the generic name to the pharmacist (e.g. ibuprofen instead of Advil).

Delhi pharmacies do not put prescription medication in pill bottles with printed instructions. You will be given the original packaging and have to follow the dosage instructions on the prescription, which will be returned to you.

Medication in India is very cheap compared to US and Canada.

These are two of largest pharmacies in Delhi and they have a wide inventory. But you can go to any pharmacy in Delhi. They all carry common medications. Delivery can be arranged for a small fee.

  • Delhi Medicos: 24/6/7, Yusuf Sarai, Aurobindo Marg, Green Park, New Delhi (other locations also); Delhi Medicos website
  • Apollo Pharmacy: G – 8, Marina Arcade, Connaught Place, New Delhi
    (other locations also); Apollo Pharmacy website

Online pharmacies such as Truemeds are available in Delhi, but I would exercise caution. There is a higher risk of counterfeit, contaminated and unsafe medication with online pharmacies.

Dental Care in Delhi

Because of the high level of care and affordability, Delhi has become a popular destination for dental tourism.

Patient care room at Dr. Poonam Batra with 3 assistants in full protective gear, best dental care in Delhi
During the pandemic, every precaution was being taken during my visit to Dr. Poonam Batra

Since moving to Delhi I prefer to have my dental treatment there instead of Canada. The level of care is just as good, and it’s a lot less expensive.

These clinics are recommended by many embassies in Delhi to their staff and nationals. Friends and acquaintances have received care at both of these, and I’m a patient of Dr. Poonam Batra.

Pathology Labs in Delhi

Dr. Lal Path Lab and Dr. Dangs Lab are both excellent labs which I have used. Each has locations across Delhi, but also offer inexpensive home collection.

For home collection book an appointment online. You don’t need a doctor’s requisition. A technician will come out to your home or hotel. They are very professional and efficient. Results are emailed to you.

Diagnostic Imaging in Delhi

Mahahan Imaging & Lab is where I go for x-rays in Delhi. It’s one of the best imaging centres in the city. They do x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, etc. It’s a nice, modern clinic.

exterior view of entrance of Mahajan Imaging Lab with people exiting, best medical care in Delhi
This is the main imaging centre in Defence Colony, Delhi

I think I paid 4000 INR ($44 USD) for a series of x-rays the last time I was there.

Vision and Eye Care in Delhi

Shroff Eye Centre is a leader in optical and ophthalmological care in Delhi. They have four clinics throughout the Delhi region. The main one is listed below.

Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy in Delhi

Back in Motion is one of the best chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics in Delhi. It is widely recommended by locals and expats alike. Several of my friends go there and say the level of care is exceptional.

Ayurvedic Dental and Medical Care in Delhi

Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicine that originated in India about 3,000 years ago. Treatment is based on a holistic approach and natural medicinal substances. About 80% of the Indian population practice some form of Ayurvedic care.

Exterior view of Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal in South Extension with blue sky in background
The Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal clinic in South Extension

There are a number of Ayurveda clinics in Delhi, but Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal is one of the best, and they have their own dispensary.

I personally go to this clinic. When I went there was no charge for the consultation, but I was expected to buy my medications from the dispensary.

Delhi also has an Ayurveda hospital, the Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital. They offer in-patient care specializing in all aspects of Ayurveda care and are well known for Panchakarma treatments.

Last Words on World Class Medical and Dental Care in Delhi

Don’t be afraid to seek out healthcare in Delhi. Private dental and medical care is among the best in the world. Care is professional and facilities are clean and modern, all at very affordable prices.

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Suzanne Hooker

Suzanne Hooker is the owner and author of Suzanne Wanders Delhi, a blog that helps travellers explore Delhi, India. Suzanne lived in Delhi for years and is passionate about changing negative misconceptions about the city. When she isn't exploring and writing about Delhi, she is slow travelling through other parts of the world with her dog.

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