Table of Contents
Heart Surgery in India
The cost differential between India and the United States for cardiac procedures is dramatic, with Indian hospitals offering 85-95% savings while maintaining international quality standards. Heart bypass surgery (CABG) costs $5,000-$8,000 in India compared to $70,000-$150,000 in the USA, representing savings of $65,000-$142,000 per procedure. Open heart surgery ranges from $7,000-$18,000 in India versus over $100,000 in America.
Procedure-Specific Cost Comparisons
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): India charges $3,000-$8,000 while the USA bills $40,000-$150,000. The UK charges £25,000-£50,000 ($30,000-$60,000), and Singapore prices the procedure at $18,000-$30,000, making India the most affordable option globally.
Heart Valve Replacement: Indian hospitals charge $8,000-$15,000 compared to significantly higher costs in Western countries. This includes mechanical or biological valve options from the same manufacturers used globally.
Angioplasty and Stenting: The procedure costs ₹1,50,000-₹4,50,000 ($1,800-$5,400) in India versus $28,000-$75,000 in the USA. Even with premium drug-eluting stents, Indian costs remain 80-90% lower than American pricing.
Why Such Massive Price Differences Exist
India’s lower operational costs, minimal insurance bureaucracy, streamlined administrative systems, and direct-pricing models eliminate layers of overhead that inflate American healthcare costs. The cost of living differential means facility rent, staff salaries, and operational expenses represent fractions of US costs without compromising quality.
Indian hospitals benefit from higher surgical volumes creating efficiency and expertise, government support for medical tourism infrastructure, and competitive pharmaceutical markets producing quality medications and devices at lower costs. These structural advantages allow Indian cardiac centers to deliver world-class outcomes at accessible prices.
Top JCI-Accredited Hospitals in Delhi for Oncology
Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) host several JCI-accredited facilities offering comprehensive cancer care with international quality standards.
Premier Oncology Centers in Delhi NCR
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi: One of India’s most renowned multi-specialty hospitals with comprehensive oncology services including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and bone marrow transplantation. The facility offers advanced treatments including robotic surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon: A 1,250-bed multi-specialty hospital with dedicated cancer care departments featuring cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and personalized treatment planning. Located in Gurgaon (Gurugram), just outside Delhi, Medanta provides comprehensive cancer services from diagnosis through survivorship care.
Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon: A JCI-accredited facility offering specialized oncology services with advanced radiation therapy equipment, precision surgery capabilities, and comprehensive cancer support programs.
India’s First JCI-Accredited Cancer Hospital
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai: While located in Chennai rather than Delhi, this facility deserves mention as India’s first and only JCI-accredited cancer hospital and South Asia’s only proton therapy center. The center offers the most advanced radiation oncology treatments including proton beam therapy for precision targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Comprehensive Cancer Care Capabilities
These JCI-accredited facilities provide complete cancer care ecosystems including diagnostic imaging (PET-CT, MRI, CT), molecular diagnostics and genetic testing, medical oncology with latest chemotherapy protocols, surgical oncology with robotic and minimally invasive techniques, radiation oncology including IMRT, IGRT, and stereotactic radiosurgery, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, and comprehensive support services including nutrition, psychology, and pain management.
Medical Visa Process for India 2026
India’s streamlined medical visa system, enhanced through the “Heal in India” initiative, makes accessing healthcare remarkably straightforward for international patients.
E-Medical Visa Application Process
Select Medical E-Visa Category: Visit the official Indian e-Visa portal and choose “Medical e-Visa” from the visa type menu.
Complete Online Application Form: Provide personal information, passport details, travel dates, and Indian hospital information. Upload a recent passport-sized photograph with white background meeting Indian visa specifications and a scanned copy of your passport’s photo page.
Upload Supporting Medical Documents: Include a copy of the invitation letter from the Indian hospital on official letterhead containing your name, diagnosis, treatment plan, expected duration of stay, and treating physician contact details. Add medical reports including diagnostic tests, scans, prescriptions, or clinical summaries supporting your diagnosis and referral.
Submit Application and Pay Fees: Review all information for accuracy, pay the visa fee online using credit card or digital payment methods, and receive an application reference number for tracking.
Receive E-Visa Approval: Processing typically takes 48-72 hours under the expedited “Heal in India” system. The approved e-Visa is sent via email and must be printed for presentation at Indian immigration.
Core Documentation Requirements
For Patients:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from intended travel date and two blank pages for visa stamps
- Recent passport-sized photographs with white background per Indian specifications
- Completed visa application form with accurate information
- Hospital invitation letter on official letterhead with diagnosis, treatment plan, and duration
- Medical reports including diagnostic tests, scans, and clinical summaries
- Proof of financial means to cover treatment and stay
For Medical Attendants (Companions):
- All documents required for patients plus proof of relationship to the patient (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family ID card)
- Financial documents if applicable
For Minor Patients (Under 18):
- Birth certificate or legal proof of guardianship
- Parental consent letter, signed and notarized
- Passports of both parents or guardians
- Details of who will accompany the child
Medical Visa Features and Benefits
Duration and Validity: Medical visas are valid for triple the treatment duration with a maximum of one year, allowing extended stays for complex treatments or multiple-stage procedures. Multiple entry provisions enable patients to leave India between treatment phases and return without reapplying.
Companion Allowance: Up to two medical attendants can accompany each patient on medical attendant visas, processed simultaneously with the patient’s application.
FRRO Registration: Medical visa holders staying longer than 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which can now be completed online in most cities.
Extension and Amendment Process
If additional treatment time is required, visa extensions can be requested through FRRO with supporting documentation including your passport with visa stamp, existing residential permit or registration certificate, and a letter from the treating Indian hospital explaining why more time is required with updated diagnosis and treatment plan signed by the attending consultant.
Patient Success Stories from Apollo Hospitals
Apollo Hospitals, India’s largest healthcare network with over 70 hospitals across 27 cities, has transformed countless lives through exceptional clinical care and compassionate treatment. Here are inspiring success stories demonstrating Apollo’s commitment to excellence.
International Patients’ Remarkable Recoveries
Life-Saving Heart Surgery for Myanmar Patient: A 68-year-old woman from Myanmar facing severe aortic stenosis underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) at Apollo Hospital Delhi. Despite initial concerns about her physical stature and small anulus size making her unsuitable for MICS, the surgical team led by Dr. Tejas Patel adapted during surgery, replacing the initially chosen valve with one better suited to her heart anatomy. The patient recovered remarkably and was discharged on the sixth postoperative day, able to communicate and move independently, showcasing Apollo’s commitment to prioritizing patient outcomes over theoretical protocols.
Kenyan Family’s Cancer Treatment Success: Ms. Sylvia Moses from Nairobi, Kenya, brought her mother Mrs. Lucy Sipando Ntayia to Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, for treatment of Thymoma, a large tumor attached to her heart. Dr. T.P.S. Bhandari, Surgical Oncologist, successfully operated on the complex case. The family praised Apollo’s quick diagnosis, immediate treatment, and the mother’s rapid recovery, highlighting the hospital’s capability in handling complicated oncological cases involving critical structures.
Kenyan Patient’s Successful Aneurysm Surgery: Mr. Waiguru from Kenya suffered from persistent headaches unresponsive to medication and was diagnosed with aneurysm. Apollo Information Centre coordinated all travel needs to India and facilitated rapid treatment. Tests were conducted on the first day of arrival, surgery was scheduled the next day, and the operation was highly successful. The family praised Apollo’s confidence, the immediate response team of 30-40 doctors available for emergencies, and the high-tech medical equipment supporting world-class care.
Complex Surgical Triumphs
Asia’s Heaviest Patient’s Bariatric Surgery Success: A patient weighing 348 kg (767 pounds) suffering from severe sleep apnea, arthritis, and compulsive eating habits had been rejected as a surgical candidate across India due to high risk and facility limitations. Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan at Apollo Chennai accepted the case and successfully performed robotic bariatric surgery. The patient became the heaviest individual operated on in Asia and recovered well, walking to the toilet independently for the first time in years. This case exemplifies Apollo’s willingness to tackle cases others decline and their capability to deliver successful outcomes in extreme circumstances.
Prostate Cancer Victory for International Patient: Mr. Monir Uddin from Bangladesh underwent treatment for prostate cancer at Apollo Bangalore, achieving complete recovery through expert surgical intervention and comprehensive oncology care. His journey demonstrates Apollo’s success in treating international patients with complex cancer diagnoses.
Rectal Cancer Cure for Aridha: Aridha’s successful treatment for rectal cancer at Apollo showcased the hospital’s expertise in colorectal oncology, with the patient achieving full recovery and cancer-free status.
Robotic Surgery Excellence
Kidney Cancer Treatment for African Patient: An African patient successfully underwent robotic surgery for kidney cancer at Apollo Bangalore, highlighting the hospital’s advanced robotic surgical capabilities and expertise in urological oncology. The minimally invasive approach enabled faster recovery with excellent oncological outcomes.
Robotic Heart Surgery Success Stories: Dr. Nambala revolutionized cardiac care at Apollo using robotic technology for heart surgery, enabling less invasive procedures, faster recovery times, safer outcomes, and more effective treatment for complex cardiac conditions. Multiple patients have benefited from robotic-assisted cardiac procedures with remarkable recoveries and quick returns to normal life.
Chef’s Life-Transforming Bariatric Surgery: A compulsive eater who gained 60 kg over a decade, developed diabetes, and required blood pressure medications underwent robotic bariatric surgery under Dr. Rajkumar Palaniappan. Post-surgery, the patient lost 45 kg and completely stopped diabetes and blood pressure medications, experiencing a dramatic health transformation. The patient praised the professionalism and care received, describing treatment like being “a guest in their home”.
Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Achievements
74-Year-Old’s Bilateral Knee Replacement: A 74-year-old mother with severe osteoarthritis underwent bilateral total knee replacement (BTKR) under Dr. Manish Samson’s care. Dr. Samson’s friendly approach, honest suggestions, and thorough explanation of the robotic technique gave the elderly patient confidence to proceed. The surgery transformed her mobility and quality of life.
Mechanical Engineer’s Robotic Knee Surgery Success: A 58-year-old mechanical engineer suffering from osteoarthritis since 2018 underwent robotic-assisted bilateral total knee replacement on August 10 and 12, 2024. Despite initial post-operative challenges, within one month the patient felt relaxed, started walking independently, and climbed stairs without assistance, crediting Dr. Manish Samson as “an excellent surgeon and kind human being”.
Medical Tourism Patient from Abroad
International Patient’s Weight Loss Journey: A medical tourism patient traveled to India specifically for bariatric surgery with Dr. Rajkumar. The patient lost 82 pounds in six months after bypass surgery and eliminated diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol issues, and joint pain, returning to “energetic best” and praising Dr. Rajkumar for becoming “more of a friend” during treatment.
Cancer Survivor’s Testimony
Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Patient’s Recovery: A patient with cancer of the uterus and ovaries underwent successful surgery at Apollo Cancer Hospital, Kolkata, under Dr. Shaikat Gupta, Director of Surgical Oncology. The patient lauded the surgical team for successful operation and particularly praised them for “bringing her morale back” through tender loving care, highlighting Apollo’s holistic approach combining clinical excellence with emotional support.
These success stories demonstrate Apollo Hospitals’ comprehensive capabilities across cardiac surgery, oncology, bariatric surgery, orthopedics, and complex multi-specialty care, with consistent themes of clinical excellence, compassionate care, advanced technology including robotic surgery, successful international patient coordination, and life-transforming outcomes that validate India’s position as a global medical tourism leader.