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India: Solution to US Health Crisis

Uninsured find cheap, top-flight care there; your HMO could be next

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 28, 2008 2:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – India is a top destination for uninsured Americans needing major surgery, the Chicago Tribune reports, with prices up to 85% lower than US rates. Last year, India welcomed 150,000 medical tourists, the Chicago Tribune reports—and now, HMOs want a piece of those savings. “Employers may soon follow in the footsteps of individuals,” a recent American Medical Association report concluded.

Procedures that would cost hundreds of thousands here cost tens of thousands there, and though there are risks—like weaker malpractice laws—care quality is generally high. “If you want to live, this is where you come,” said one satisfied patient. Already, several Fortune 500 companies are considering bonuses for employees willing to export their treatment.

A surgery is underway inside the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, parked at the Calcutta airport, February 17, 2005.
A surgery is underway inside the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, parked at the Calcutta airport, February 17, 2005.   (DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY/AFP/Getty Images)
Former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard, and his wife Sylvie leave a Calcutta hospital in India, July 10, 2007. Rocard had undergone emergency surgery following a brain hemorrhage.
Former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard, and his wife Sylvie leave a Calcutta hospital in India, July 10, 2007. Rocard had undergone emergency surgery following a brain hemorrhage.   (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
Chief orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharan Patil, center, addresses the media in this Nov. 9, 2007 file photo.
Chief orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharan Patil, center, addresses the media in this Nov. 9, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A)
Chief orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharan Patil, addresses the media in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007.
Chief orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharan Patil, addresses the media in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007.   (AP Photo)
Local hospital staff gather to watch a doctor perform surgery in a Delhi OR.
Local hospital staff gather to watch a doctor perform surgery in a Delhi OR.   (Magnum Photos)
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