’Only ₹1,100?’ This American is shell-shocked at India’s Healthcare system

India's relatively lower healthcare services and treatment costs have always made it an attractive medical tourism spot for developed countries. Recently, an American vlogger shared how multiple blood tests cost her ₹1,100. In a video shared on Instagram, American vlogger Mackenzie shared an incident where her partner fell ill in India, and she was worried about his treatment in the country. In contrast to the high cost of the treatment and check-ups in the US, Mac was left shocked when the whole treatment, including blood tests and doctor consultation, was completed at $14 (equivalent to ₹1,100).

“I guess this is how India keeps 1.4 billion people alive,” user Mackenzie, on her Instagram account macnkeen, wrote while sharing the video.

In the video, the American Instagram user explained how she quickly booked a visit from an expert for blood tests for her partner. The two also got a consultation from a doctor on call. The American shared how a similar set of blood tests and a doctor consultation would have burned a hole in her pocket. When calculating the total expense, the total cost of the blood tests and doctor consultation was $14, equivalent to ₹1,100, which is relatively less.

As the Instagram user applauded the Indian healthcare system, her post garnered diverse comments from users, with many praising the healthcare facilities in India and many other sharing their bad experiences.

“Thank you for showing and explaining a very positive side of India. Theze days there is lot of racism and hatred against India on Insta, which are intentionally done to ruin our image,” commented an Instagram user on the post.

“Not everyone has great experience with Indian healthcare. Especially if you have to pay your bill before you get treatment. Yes that’s right. So don’t let this video fool you,” wrote another user.

Sharing the agony of long wait times in hospitals for surgery in the UK, an Instagram user wrote, “And I'm in UK 🇬🇧 my biggest cultural shock as an Indian is to see the wait times in hospitals here for surgery or emergency needs.”

“So happy you get to see the amazing healthcare in india! We take it for granted everyday,” read another post.