Cancer Surgery Medical Value Travelers from Zimbabwe to India

Oncology and Cancer surgery: Advantage India

Oncology is the study of treatment related to cancer. A professional oncologist deals with different aspects of cancer and its related fields. Oncology deals with diagnosis of any type of cancer in anybody. Surgery or any other modalities including different therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy come under the subject oncology. Furthermore, follow up of cancer patients also comes under the area of oncology. The study is also related to palliative care of the patient who may have the terminal malignancies. The subject also deals with the ethical questions pertaining to cancer care. The subject areas of study of oncology do not end here; Oncology also deals with the screening efforts. The screening efforts encompass general population and also the relatives of the patients as some cancer types (viz. Breast cancer, Colon cancer, etc.) may be hereditary.

India has a variety of surgeons and experts in the field of Oncology and Cancer Surgery Services. They have received training and advanced patient care experience in various premier institutes both in India and globally. They use the latest techniques for screening and cancer treatments. Working closely together with referring physicians and award-winning hospitals, the oncology and cancer experts are proud to offer the best oncology and cancer surgery procedures.

Special Services

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 Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwe; 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 Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwe. There are doctors and assistant staff available in such camps to guide Zimbabweans regarding many health issues and associated precautions.

Critical shortage of expert medical staff in Zimbabwe

Even though basic healthcare and reproductive healthcare are guaranteed in the constitution of Zimbabwe, the ground reality is opposite. Zimbabwe faces shortage of medical staff due to neglect and underfunding. The best medical staff has emigrated. The remainder medical staff does not have adequate medical facilities to even provide the basic healthcare needs for the ailing population in the country. The situation is even worse for complex treatments such as cancer treatments.

Cancer treatment is available only in two public institutions – one in Harare and another one in Bulawayo. So many patients have to travel long distances to get their needed care. Furthermore, the situation is complicated due to drug shortage. Failure to detect cancer early enough, shortage of treatment and drugs all together mean that cancer has become even more deadly disease. Cancer accounts for more deaths that those due to tuberculosis, malaria and HIV\AIDS combined. In 2014 alone, 138,000 deaths could be attributed to cancer compared to about 69,000 due to HIV\AIDS. Cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men account for the highest incidence of the diseases affecting Zimbabweans. Further women had higher incidence of cancer than men.

Oncology and cancer patients from Zimbabwe to India

Costs of cancer care in Zimbabwe have grown out of control due to the shortage of expert doctors and medicines. Treatment of Cancer in Zimbabwe costs between US$ 25,000 to US$ 30,000; but the cost of the similar care in India is around US$10,000. India has received several thousand medical value travelers from Zimbabwe since 2010. The lower cost of healthcare in India is the main aspect that attracts Zimbabweans to travel to India.

The growth potential of medical value travel business from Zimbabwe visiting India for Cancer procedures can be estimated. Cancer surgical procedures remain one of the top 4 procedures for which international patients travel to India. One can estimate about 10% patients visit India for cancer surgical procedures. Thus, several hundred Zimbabweans have received their cancer treatment in Indian hospitals. Cost has been the key driver in attracting these patients. But quality of the healthcare, brand name of various hospitals in India and the expertise of the surgeons are the other drivers.

The hospitals and medical staff in India have the right expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to conduct even the most complex cancer surgical procedures. Zimbabwe faces critical shortage of expert doctors. Currently only two public institutions offer cancer treatment – one each in Harare and Bulawayo. The costs have grown out of control; almost 70% savings are possible for the same or better quality care if the patient visits hospitals in India. Indeed, several hundred Zimbabweans have traveled to India for their cancer treatment since 2010. Further growth potential is huge. India has the right attributes: expert doctors, advanced equipment and most importantly low cost to ensure more Zimbabweans travel to India for cancer surgeries and other medical procedures.

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 cancer 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 cancer 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe to India

One would need a medical visa if he/she is travelling to India for his/her treatment. The availability, criteria and eligibility of getting a medical visa matters. Hence we provide all the information about the medical visa lest it becomes tricky or confusing.

The High Commission of India, Harare in Zimbabwe, the primary considerations to grant a medical visa includes the serious ailments such as cardiac problems, congenital disorders, neurosurgery, joint replacements, plastic surgery, renal disorders, organ transplantation, ophthalmic disorders, and radiotherapy and gene therapy. The list of treatments is non-exhaustive.

• The sole purpose of travel should be undergoing medical treatment in India.
• The applicant should seek medical treatments at reputed/specialized/recognized hospitals in India.
• Two medical attendants are allowed to travel with the patient which could be his/her family members, associated or relatives.

Documents required for submission of Visa Application to India for Zimbabwean nationals

• Online registered/duly filled in Visa application form signed by the applicant.
• One photographs conforming to specifications and photo may be uploaded during registration.
• Return air tickets and copy of applicants Passport along with the original Passport.
• Letter from the local hospital/doctor and/or Certificate from doctor/hospital after examination of the patient’s condition, requirements and availability of the treatment in India. Complete copies of treatment record from the local hospital.
• Letter from the Indian hospital showing the name of patient & attendant and estimate medical treatment cost, which must also be mailed by the hospital authorities to Embassy’s mail box consembindia.org.zw.
• If the patient is on Medical aid and letter from Medical Aid Society confirming patient’s admissibility for medical treatment in India and Guarantee from the Medical Aid society for the treatment expenses and proof of fund transfer to India.
• Latest Bank statement. The Account’s statement should be certified by the bank and must indicate applicant’s full name & address showing enough funds to conduct the trip.
• In case of someone else bank-statement, please enclose the affidavit of the person sponsoring the expenses along with the copy of the photo identity card / passport bearing the ink-signed signature of the sponsor.
• Proof of relationship of attendant accompanying the patient and/or a letter indicating relationship.
• A separate letter giving full details of previous visits to India, including periods of stay.
• If a third party is sponsoring the patient and attendant, then please enclose the affidavit of the person sponsoring the expenses along with the copy of the photo identity card / passport bearing the ink-signed signature of the sponsor and his bank attested bank-statement. The affidavit should clearly mention the relation and/or reason for sponsoring the patient and attendant and the Sponsor should take all responsibility for the conduct & return from India of the sponsored persons.
• Third party sponsoring is not allowed for terminal illness treatment.
• Visa fee in Cash/USD

Before applying for visa, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your application.

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

Vaccination

Travelers visiting India must possess a valid "Yellow Fever Vaccination" card if they are transiting or have transited through a Yellow Fever Zone.

• Flight & Travel from Zimbabwe to India
• Harare, Zimbabwe (HRE) to Mumbai, India (BOM)
• Bulawayo, ZI (BUQ) to New Delhi, IN (DEL)
• Harare, Zimbabwe (HRE) to Chennai, IN (MAA)
• Harare, Zimbabwe (HRE) to Bangalore, IN (BLR)

Common Flights to Zimbabwe to India