For complex diseases, Nepalis look to India
Summary
Thousands of Nepalis are traveling to India for treatment of complex diseases due to a lack of confidence in Nepal's healthcare system and better facilities in Indian hospitals. Despite high costs, patients seek quality diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care in cities like Delhi.
Key Points
- Many Nepalis travel to Indian cities, especially Delhi, for treatment of complex diseases such as cancer, liver, heart, neurology, and kidney problems due to distrust in Nepal's healthcare quality.
- High treatment costs and poor availability of medicines and advanced technology in Nepal drive patients to seek treatment in India despite additional travel expenses.
- Indian hospitals have opened contact offices in Nepal and actively promote their services, further encouraging patients to seek treatment across the border.
- Experts suggest that improving Nepal’s domestic health system, including retaining skilled manpower and ensuring quality medicines, is essential to reduce the outflow of patients and medical expenses to India.
