Getting an injection

Nick-H · Mar 11th, 2006, 14:05

The idea of getting medical treatment in India is something that seems to really worry people --- perhaps due to outdated ideas about palm-thatch surgeries and rusty needles, an image which the guide books probably don't do enough to dispel.

European and, especilly perhaps, American travellers also come clutching their insurance policies in fear of the eventual bill that must surely accompany any private medical treatment.

This is a trivial instance, but I thought I'd post it to dispel some of the fear.

My wife fell over a step and suffered a ver small cut but bad bruising to her face.

As she was still in a lot of discomfort even after 24 hrs we went to see the doctor. He gave a thorough checkup, prescribed pain killers, an antibiotic and a pill to help her sleep for a couple of nights.

Doctor's bill so far ---well, nothing, but I see him regularly and every-so-often he'll ask for Rs200 or so.

Medicine bill so far: Rs54.

He recommended a tetanus jab. Bought ampule and a disposable syringe from a pharmacy. Rs11.

Went to casualty department of private hospital, who did the injection while I went to pay. The bill says: "Pricking charge: Rs5" !

Don't throw away those insurance policies, the costs for something major would certainly mount up, but do leave the fear at home!

seventies'hippy · Mar 11th, 2006, 14:16

Good advice Nick.
Hope Mrs Nick is starting to feel better too,,,,,,,

john.sw · Mar 11th, 2006, 15:58

Give our best wishes to Mrs. H. I hope you're looking after her well at Bedside Manor.

My wife had to go to hospital for an urgent consultation.

She was seen within minutes, injected with an "expensive" drug, and supplied with two courses of tablets.

The syringes and hypodermics were new and sterilised, the doctor spoke perfect English (30% of doctors in the UK's National Health Service originate from the Indian sub-continent) and the treatment was effective.

The total cost of treatment and drugs was a few pennies.

It was certainly less than the cost of a telephone call to the UK to claim on our medical insurance!

As Nick says, don't throw away your insurance policy. You may need it.

Nick-H · Mar 11th, 2006, 16:06

Thanks, 70's*, she is on the mend, though often it is small injuries that hurt the most, and she is still suffering somewhat. It is going to be a week or so before her looks are back to normal, and that hurts too. (she'd never forgive me if I posted a pic. So I won't.)

I was wishing, on the way to the hospital, that I'd bought two and got myself done as well.

In fact it is almost ten years since I had any of inoculations recommended for visiting here, let alone living here. I guess I should go for the whole package. Maybe ...

edit: *and John

Mar 11th, 2006, 14:05	#1
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Getting an injection The idea of getting medical treatment in India is something that seems to really worry people --- perhaps due to outdated ideas about palm-thatch surgeries and rusty needles, an image which the guide books probably don't do enough to dispel. European and, especilly perhaps, American travellers also come clutching their insurance policies in fear of the eventual bill that must surely accompany any private medical treatment. This is a trivial instance, but I thought I'd post it to dispel some of the fear. My wife fell over a step and suffered a ver small cut but bad bruising to her face. As she was still in a lot of discomfort even after 24 hrs we went to see the doctor. He gave a thorough checkup, prescribed pain killers, an antibiotic and a pill to help her sleep for a couple of nights. Doctor's bill so far ---well, nothing, but I see him regularly and every-so-often he'll ask for Rs200 or so. Medicine bill so far: Rs54. He recommended a tetanus jab. Bought ampule and a disposable syringe from a pharmacy. Rs11. Went to casualty department of private hospital, who did the injection while I went to pay. The bill says: "Pricking charge: Rs5" ! Don't throw away those insurance policies, the costs for something major would certainly mount up, but do leave the fear at home! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Mar 11th, 2006, 14:16	#2
seventies'hippy Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,127	Good advice Nick. Hope Mrs Nick is starting to feel better too,,,,,,, __________________ . . . My Photo Gallery

Mar 11th, 2006, 15:58	#3
john.sw Up in the hills with my head in the clouds... Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: India/UK Posts: 1,019	Give our best wishes to Mrs. H. I hope you're looking after her well at Bedside Manor. My wife had to go to hospital for an urgent consultation. She was seen within minutes, injected with an "expensive" drug, and supplied with two courses of tablets. The syringes and hypodermics were new and sterilised, the doctor spoke perfect English (30% of doctors in the UK's National Health Service originate from the Indian sub-continent) and the treatment was effective. The total cost of treatment and drugs was a few pennies. It was certainly less than the cost of a telephone call to the UK to claim on our medical insurance! As Nick says, don't throw away your insurance policy. You may need it. __________________ www.nilgiris.asia your guide to the Nilgiris, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Gudalur

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Mar 11th, 2006, 16:06	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Thanks, 70's, she is on the mend, though often it is small injuries that hurt* the most, and she is still suffering somewhat. It is going to be a week or so before her looks are back to normal, and that hurts too. (she'd never forgive me if I posted a pic. So I won't.) I was wishing, on the way to the hospital, that I'd bought two and got myself done as well. In fact it is almost ten years since I had any of inoculations recommended for visiting here, let alone living here. I guess I should go for the whole package. Maybe ... edit: *and John

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