Apollo Hospitals is a beacon of hope for millions, not just in India, but across the globe. Established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Apollo Hospitals has revolutionized healthcare in India, bringing it at par with international standards. Today, it stands tall as Asia's foremost integrated healthcare services provider, with a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, pharmacies, primary care, and diagnostic clinics. The group also has telemedicine units across 10 countries, health insurance services, global projects consultancy, and colleges of nursing and hospital management
India has emerged as a preferred destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from all over the world. The country's medical tourism market is expected to reach a staggering $9 billion by 2020, according to a report by the Ministry of Tourism . A significant contributor to this growth is the influx of international patients, who are drawn to India's world-class medical facilities, skilled healthcare professionals, and cost-effective treatments.
Apollo Hospitals, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to excellence, plays a pivotal role in this landscape. It has treated over 45 million patients from 121 countries, a testament to its global appeal.
This article is intended to serve as a guide for potential international patients considering medical treatment in India, specifically at Apollo Hospitals.
At the heart of Apollo Hospitals' international patient care is its dedicated International Patient Services Department. This department is a one-stop solution for all international patient needs, providing seamless healthcare services that transcend geographical boundaries.
The team comprises of experienced healthcare professionals who are well-versed in various languages, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for patients from different parts of the world. They are trained to handle every aspect of patient care, from initial consultation to post-treatment follow-ups, ensuring a hassle-free experience for international patients.
Apollo Hospitals offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of international patients. These services are designed to make the healthcare journey as smooth and comfortable as possible, ensuring that patients can focus solely on their recovery.
1. Pre-Arrival Services
Before patients even set foot in India, Apollo's International Patient Services Department provides a range of pre-arrival services, including:
2. On-Arrival Services
Once patients arrive in India, they are provided with a host of on-arrival services:
3. In-Hospital Services
During their stay at the hospital, patients are provided with comprehensive in-hospital services:
4. Post-Discharge Services
Apollo's care for its international patients continues even after they are discharged:
By offering such comprehensive and personalized services, Apollo Hospitals ensures that international patients receive the highest standard of care, making their healthcare journey in India a positive and healing experience.
Navigating the healthcare journey in a foreign country can be daunting. However, Apollo Hospitals has streamlined this process to make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible for international patients. Here is a step-by-step guide to help international patients navigate their healthcare journey at Apollo Hospitals:
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
The first step in the healthcare journey is the initial consultation. This can be done remotely, where patients can connect with Apollo's medical experts via teleconsultation. During this consultation, the medical condition is discussed, and a preliminary treatment plan is outlined. Patients are also provided with an estimate of the cost of treatment.
2. Travel Arrangements
Once the treatment plan is finalized, patients can proceed to make their travel arrangements. Apollo Hospitals assists patients with visa invitation letters to facilitate their visa application process. The hospital also offers assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements to ensure a comfortable stay in India.
3. Hospital Admission and Treatment
Upon arrival in India, patients are received by Apollo's patient care team and are guided through the admission process. The treatment commences as per the plan outlined during the initial consultation. Throughout the treatment process, Apollo's medical team ensures that patients receive the best care and support.
4. Post-treatment Care and Follow-ups
Post-treatment care is a crucial part of the healthcare journey. Apollo Hospitals provides comprehensive post-discharge services, including physiotherapy, dietary counseling, and medication management. The hospital also arranges for follow-up consultations with the treating doctors to monitor the patient's recovery.
Patient coordinators play a pivotal role in the healthcare journey of international patients at Apollo Hospitals. They serve as the single point of contact for the patients, guiding them through each step of their healthcare journey. From facilitating the initial consultation and coordinating with the medical team, to assisting with travel arrangements and hospital admission, patient coordinators ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for international patients. Their role extends beyond the hospital stay, as they continue to assist patients with post-discharge care and follow-up consultations.
International patients seeking medical treatment in a foreign country often face a unique set of challenges. These may include:
Apollo Hospitals has implemented several measures to address the challenges faced by international patients. Here's how they do it:
1. Overcoming Language Barriers: Apollo Hospitals has a team of interpreters who can assist patients in their native language, ensuring clear and effective communication between the patient and the medical team.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: The staff at Apollo Hospitals are trained to respect and accommodate the cultural preferences of international patients. This includes dietary preferences, religious practices, and other cultural norms.
3. Navigating the Healthcare System: Apollo's International Patient Services Department provides comprehensive guidance to international patients, helping them navigate the healthcare system with ease. This includes assistance with medical consultations, treatment plans, hospital admissions, and post-discharge care.
4. Logistical Support: Apollo Hospitals assists international patients with travel and accommodation arrangements, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay in India. This includes assistance with visa applications, airport transfers, and arranging suitable accommodation.
5. Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional stress that international patients may experience, Apollo Hospitals provides psychological support to patients and their families. This includes counseling services and support groups.
By addressing these challenges, Apollo Hospitals ensures that international patients receive not just world-class medical care, but also a positive and supportive healthcare experience
One of the most significant achievements of Apollo Hospitals is its accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), a globally recognized healthcare standards organization. Apollo Hospitals at Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Navi Mumbai have achieved this unique distinction. JCI accreditation is a testament to Apollo's dedication to providing quality clinical care in safe, efficient, and well-managed facilities.
Accreditation by organizations like JCI signifies that the hospital meets international standards for healthcare quality and patient safety.
Apollo Hospitals' commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous success stories of international patients who have received treatment there. Here are a couple of examples:
These stories are just a glimpse of the countless lives Apollo Hospitals has touched and transformed. They underscore Apollo's medical expertise and its commitment to providing world-class care to international patients.
The quality of care at Apollo Hospitals is best reflected in the words of its patients. Here are a few testimonials from international patients who have experienced Apollo's exceptional care:
"It is for four years that I am coming to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, India for my annual health check-up. I am always impressed by the medical care I have received"
Mr. Suresh Chokhani
"Dr. Kalpana Nagpal, ENT Surgeon with patient on Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospital Delhi. The level of care and expertise was exceptional"
Mr. Lucas from Kenya:
These testimonials underscore the high level of patient satisfaction at Apollo Hospitals and reaffirm its commitment to providing world-class care to international patients.
If you're considering seeking medical treatment abroad, Apollo Hospitals offers a comprehensive healthcare solution that caters to your unique needs. With its world-class medical services, patient-centric approach, and commitment to quality, Apollo Hospitals can provide you with an exceptional healthcare experience.
For more information about the services offered by Apollo Hospitals or to start planning your healthcare journey, you can contact us directly. out team will be more than happy to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have.
Apollo Hospitals offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of international patients, including pre-arrival services, on-arrival services, in-hospital services, and post-discharge services.
Apollo’s International Patient Services Department provides detailed medical consultation, personalized treatment plans, visa assistance, and travel and accommodation arrangements.
Services include airport pick-up, assistance with registration and admission, SIM card and currency exchange, and personalized care coordination.
Apollo Hospitals has a team of interpreters and staff trained to respect and accommodate the cultural preferences of international patients, including dietary preferences and religious practices.
Post-discharge services include follow-up care via telemedicine, medicine delivery to the patient's home country, and prompt report delivery.
Apollo Hospitals is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), signifying that it meets international standards for healthcare quality and patient safety.