World Class Dental and Medical Care in Delhi

Dental and medical care in Delhi is excellent. My first visit to a pathology lab in Delhi was an eye opening experience. I was not expecting such an efficient and modern lab. It was so much better than the labs I had been to in Canada.

The cost was minimal compared to what I would pay at home, and the service was excellent.

This is not to say the stereotypical clinic on a side lane without privacy or proper hygiene does not exist. It certainly does, and I’ve seen those too. But if you can pay, first class healthcare is readily available and affordable.

Here’s my personal recommendations and where I go:

World Class Dental and Medical Care in Delhi

Delhi isn’t a place most people consider when they think of world class dental and medical care. But the private sector offers excellent healthcare. It is just as good, and often superior, to what is available in North America and Europe.

Medical tourism in India is a growing and thriving trend, particularly for cosmetic and dental procedures not typically covered under home medical or insurance plans.

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 a fraction of what it is in the US or UK.

Government vs Private Hospitals

Delhi has a three tiered health system: government, private and a partnership of the two.

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.

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

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.

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.

Private Hospitals in Delhi

These are the best private hospitals in Delhi. Max Super Specialty is where many expats go, including myself.

Most hospitals have ambulances, but because traffic is so congested in the city, 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 pediatic hospital in South Delhi:

Doctors in Delhi

These general practitioners are highly regarded in Delhi and have a large number of expat patients. I go to Dr. Gita Prakash and pay INR 1,200 ($14.00 USD) for a consultation, which includes the follow-up. Generally the cost will range from INR 850 to 2,000.

Should you 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.

Mohalla Clinics

Mohalla Clinics act as neighbourhood walk-in medical clinics. They treat simple ailments and non life threatening injuries.

The purpose of the clinics is to provide free healthcare for underprivileged locals and reduce the patient traffic at government hospitals.

Mohalla clinics are set up in residential neighbourhoods, within walking distance for the residents. Today there are over 500 clinics across Delhi.

Try one of the doctors I have listed first before going to a Mohalla clinic, since the primary purpose of these clinics is to serve local residents. But if you do go to a Mohalla clinic, be prepared to wait because they can be busy.

List of Mohalla clinics in Delhi

MOHALLA CLINIC HOURS:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (all locations) and 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (some locations)

Buying Medicine in Delhi

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

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. Medication is however, very cheap.

These are two large pharmacies that 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.

Online pharmacies such as Truemeds and Netmeds are available in Delhi, but I would exercise caution (not with these companies specifically, but in general). 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. Whether your dental needs are routine, cosmetic or urgent, these two clinics are excellent.

In fact, since moving to Delhi I prefer to have my dental treatment here 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 am a patient of Dr. Poonam Batra.

Pathology Labs in Delhi

These are both excellent labs which I have used. Each has locations across Delhi (Dr. Lal Path Lab in particular has locations just about everywhere).

You can check their websites to see which is closest to you (I’ve listed a central location for each), but both offer home collection. You can book an appointment online and a technician will come to you. It’s not expensive either.

Technicians are professional and efficient. Results are emailed to you.

Diagnostic Imaging in Delhi

This is the imaging centre I go to. It’s one of the best in the city. They do all kinds of imaging: x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, etc. It’s a nice, modern clinic.

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 perhaps the best chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic 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.

There are a number of clinics in Delhi specializing in Ayurveda, but this is one of the best, and they have their own dispensary in the clinic. There is no charge for consultations, and you do not need to make an appointment.

There are several locations around Delhi, but this is the clinic I personally go to. It is very central. They are open 9:00 am – 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm, closed Monday.

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

The Wrap-up on World Class Medical and Dental Care in Delhi

Do not 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.

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing

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