India is one of the main centres for medical tourism, mainly in terms of cost as far as I know. During my own enquiries on Facebook groups, even when asking on forums for South East Asian expats, I’ve been told it’s worth going to India for surgery. Anecdotally, I had a friend with a shoulder problem, and he had a scan in Bangkok, and surgery in India and was still in a sling when I saw him but he was absolutely glowing in praise for India over Thailand, mainly in terms of racism. His comment was something like, ‘In Thailand it’s always a big deal that you’re a foreigner, but in India you’re just one more person.’ This was also my experience, of Thailand. While being treated, there were often racist remarks and behaviour being made towards me (I’d dislocated my arm). Although I’ve only breifly had medical care in India and this was 25 years ago, but it also wasn’t good as I recall.

The main issue about India, for me, at this point is that I’m alone, before, during and after. Someone told me on a forum to just forget about SEA, fly out to Chennai, half the price, and fly back in two weeks.

Yet from my time on other online forums, I know it isn’t as easy as that as the recovery can be extended and I might not be able to get back for quite some time if my healing is slow. Plus I’d need to be there arranging my own aftercare.

For me, the only way that India can work (as a last resort) is if it’s possible to either arrange an extended stay, transfer to some kind of nursing home or have hotel and home help pre-arranged at a pre-arranged price. So I could stay until I was well enough to travel home alone, and then transfer straight to the place I am planning to recuperate in Phnom Pehn (which also needs to be arranged).

I don’t really see any way to be recommended a specific doctor, which would be ideal, but really at this point, I need to know the extended stay possibility and price before proceeding. As I’ve been looking into this for years, I know the main players, or two of them, are Max and Apollo, so the plan now is ask them this specific question, judge them on their response, or at least get an idea for their professionalism and how easy (or hard) this is going to be.

Apollo Hospitals

So parts of their website are under construction, which is pretty poor, to be honest, but I’ve looked around and there’s a section about price transparency, and that you pay on discharge, which sounds pretty reasonable. There’s an unimpressive form but also an email address, and so this might be a good start.

Max Hospitals

This is the other one I’m looking at. Again, everything seems great on the website, except it’s badly made with non-functioning sections. They seem to have everything covered in terms of arranging aftercare. They also seem to be serving a lot of developing countries, with offices throughout the region. Not sure if that’s a negative or not.

[email protected]

 

---

Subject: Inquiry: Hip Surgery with Post-Op Recovery Support for Solo Traveller

Dear International Patient Team,

I’m currently considering Apollo Hospitals as an option for hip replacement surgery. I am still undergoing imaging and diagnostic tests locally, including an MRI, so this is an early inquiry to help me understand the practicalities and costs before making any decisions.

I would be travelling alone and have no one to assist me before or after the operation. I want to ask if you are able to offer or arrange the following:

• An extended hospital stay after surgery (at a daily rate)
• Or, a transfer to a nearby facility, guesthouse, or hotel where a daily carer or nurse can be arranged
• Transport from the airport and back
• Any estimated costs for these services, just to help me plan

I understand this is only a rough enquiry at this stage, but I would appreciate any information you can provide about whether this kind of arrangement is possible through your hospital and what the typical costs might be.

Thank you,

---

AI advice about staying in India:

For a hip replacement, the rough timeline before you can safely travel alone—especially international travel—is usually:

Minimum stay in India: 4 to 6 weeks

Here’s a breakdown of why:

---

Week 0–1: Hospital stay

• Typical hospitalisation: 3 to 7 days
• You’ll start walking with support (walker/crutches) within 1–2 days
• Pain management, initial physiotherapy, and wound care are key

---

Week 2–4: Supervised recovery

• Ideally spent in a recovery facility, hotel with a carer, or home care setup
• Daily physio, dressing changes, and mobility assistance
• You’re still not ready to handle travel or luggage alone

---

Week 4–6: Gaining independence

• Many patients can walk with a cane or unaided by week 4–6
• Safe enough to manage airport check-in, security, and short walks
• Still some fatigue and mild pain, but recovery is steady

---

Flying alone

• Most doctors advise waiting until at least 4 weeks post-op
• You must be mobile enough to get to the toilet on a plane, manage mild stairs, carry light baggage, and respond to basic emergencies
• You’ll need DVT prevention, like compression stockings and maybe blood thinners, on the flight

---

Summary

• Book at least 4–6 weeks in India
• Start with a 1-week hospital stay
• Plan for 3–5 weeks in post-op accommodation with or without a daily carer
• Only plan your return when your surgeon confirms you’re safe to travel

 

Medical Visa for India

Yes, you can get a Medical Visa for India that covers this entire period, and it’s specifically designed for situations like yours.

Key points about the Indian Medical Visa:

• Initial duration: Usually issued for up to 60 days, sometimes 90 days
• Extensions: Can be extended locally within India in some cases, especially if recommended by the treating hospital
• Entries: Usually triple entry is allowed during the visa validity
• Processing time: Often quick—a few days to a week
• Requirements:
  • A medical letter or appointment confirmation from an Indian hospital (Apollo can provide this)
  • Details of your medical condition (your X-ray and MRI may be requested)
  • Valid passport and a photo
  • Proof of funds for your stay and treatment

Process:

• You apply online through the Indian Visa Application portal
• Choose Medical Visa (not tourist visa)
• Submit required documents
• Visit the nearest Indian consulate or visa centre (sometimes an interview is required)

Important:

Don’t book flights until you have:

• MRI confirmation that surgery is needed
• Written confirmation from Apollo (or another hospital) that they can treat you and arrange your recovery support
• Your visa approved

---

Update: So previously, I’d given up on India, for various reasons. One is the trash replies I received so far, from both the hospitals and the fixers. The other is the practicalities, it’s far and I’d have to fly and the neighbouring countries are easier. The other thing is I lived there for six years twenty years ago, and am mixed race so kind of linked so it, and I simply don’t like it. I don’t like the culture (except Buddhism), food, mentality, everything.

But as this current health story has progressed, I cannot get the hardware (implant) I want locally. Looking into it, India is a more developed market for medical tourism, and cheaper than Thailand. As much as I hate this, I’m havnig to give it a second consideratioon.

I will likely try Supermax and Apollo again but I think the next best step is to identify some of the smaller chain hospitals, and email them to ask if they at least have the implant that I need. As it’s not a price request, it will be a test to see if it’s like getting blood out of a stone and the quality of their reply. I’m getting pretty worried that the options are drying up.

So, below I will insert the main chains in India not already covered.

 

Expanding the Network: Strategic Indian Hospital Chains & Technical Capabilities

For a patient requiring specialized “Jumbo” hardware (60mm-64mm), the choice rests on a facility’s logistics and their relationship with global implant manufacturers. Beyond the largest chains, several specialized centers in India maintain the inventory necessary for complex reconstructive orthopedics.

---

1. MIOT International (Chennai)

MIOT is a significant center for complex orthopedics in India. Originally founded as a dedicated orthopedic hospital, it has evolved into a global referral center for revision surgery. Because they frequently manage cases involving failed previous implants from across the region, they are highly likely to maintain 60mm-64mm cups in stock or on permanent consignment.

Support: Includes an International Patient Center with dedicated on-site recovery accommodations.

Contact: [email protected] / [email protected]

Their website is promising at first glance. They pick up from airport, and have arrangements with surrounding guesthouses, and payment is on admission by credit card. However, they’re still menitoning skype, so it’s prety dated. There is an online enquiry form, but I’ll try the email first.

 

Update: no reply.

2. Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon/Delhi)

Medanta’s Bone and Joint Institute operates at a high volume, providing them with significant coordination with medical device distributors. Their infrastructure is designed for rapid procurement; if a 64mm shell is required on short notice, their supply chain is built to facilitate it.

The Environment: Efficient and technically proficient, geared toward high-precision surgical outcomes.

Contact: [email protected]

Update: email bounced.

3. Manipal Hospitals (Bangalore)

The Manipal flagship on Old Airport Road in Bangalore maintains a dedicated Hip Unit. They focus heavily on high-stability implants for complex primary and revision cases, prioritizing patient-centric coordination.

Support: A structured International Patient Cell assists with local guesthouse and recovery coordination.

Contact: [email protected]

Website looks OK, mentions accomodation options, airport pickup etc.

Update: no answer.

4. Fortis Healthcare (Gurgaon & Mumbai)

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is the primary hub for international surgical cases. Their use of advanced robotic-assisted systems (such as Mako) indicates a consistent, high-level partnership with major manufacturers like Stryker and Zimmer Biomet.

Contact: [email protected]

Website doesn’t look as comprehensive, no international patient department I can see.

Update: no answer

5. Aster DM Healthcare (Kochi)

Aster Medcity in Kerala is a major destination for international patients from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It offers a high standard of nursing care in an environment that is generally less congested than the major metropolitan hubs of Delhi or Chennai.

Contact: [email protected]

The website doesn’t look good, but there are 10k+ google reviews on maps, and a decent rating, so I’m staying open-minded at this point.

Update: email undeliverable.

---

I’ve asked ai for a query but it’s come up with the following:

The Technical Inquiry Template

The following template is designed to be sent from a professional or organizational domain. It focuses strictly on hardware availability and clinical capacity to ensure the inquiry reaches a clinical coordinator or surgical lead rather than a general sales representative.

Subject: TECHNICAL INQUIRY: Availability of Dual Mobility Systems (60mm-64mm)

Dear International Patient Team / Head of Orthopaedics,

We are currently coordinating a complex Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for a patient with specific anatomical requirements. We are seeking to identify a facility in India that can confirm the current stock or rapid availability of the following hardware:

• Implant Specification: High-stability Dual Mobility (DM) system.
• Acetabular Sizes: Confirmation of shells/cups in diameters of 60mm, 62mm, and 64mm.
• Preferred Systems: Western-manufactured systems (e.g., Zimmer Biomet G7, MicroPort Dynasty, or equivalent) currently registered and cleared for use in India.

Our requirement is for a facility that has these sizes on-site or can guarantee hardware redundancy (all three sizes) in the operating room for the scheduled surgical date. Does your facility currently hold this inventory, or does your orthopedic department have a priority distribution agreement with these manufacturers to facilitate a “Special Order” for these sizes?

We are vetting facilities based on hardware availability before finalizing a recommendation for our patient. Thank you for your technical input.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Organization/Domain]

---

BCC Contact List for Direct Inquiries

The following list can be used to send the inquiry to multiple facilities simultaneously while maintaining privacy:

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

---

I don’t like the email specifically. I’ll be sending it via my other domain, which now has a health advocacy focus, but I don’t want it to state the nature of the query other than hardware, i.e. do they have my size or not. The main danger is getting pulled into the nonsense of sending full passport and medical records for a yes/no question on availability. The query will be something like, ‘I’m resident in SEA and need bi-lateral dual mobility due to muscle issues, but templated at 61-64mm which is not available locally. Obviously, suitability depends on consultation with the surgeon, but at this point, to save my time being wasted, the query is very simply do you have this size DM Western manufactured available. If so, which company/model and are the any surgeons using tissue sparing approaches.

This is my rough draft. I’ll work on it and send it tomorrow.

---

This is the final draft:

 

Dear International Patient Team,

I’m writing to make a simple, brief query of the availability of a hip implant of specific size. Obviously I understand which implants are used is depending on the surgeon, but I want to check something suitable is available at all before proceeding and wasting time.
I am expatriate in Cambodia. I have avn both sides stage four and have been advised to replace both hips. Dual mobility is recommended due to muscle problems. I agreed but the templating xray measured me at 61-64mm (which is jumbo) and sizes up to only 58mm are licensed for import here. Could someone check what you have in stock. The specifications are a Western manufactured implant, dual mobility 61-64mm, and any surgeon using a tissue sparing approach would be a bonus.
To repeat, I understand confirming the availablity of any specific model/s doesn’t mean the surgeon would necessarily agree to use it. It is just to let me know if it’s worth proceeding (templating xrays attached).
Thank you for your time on this.

Kind regards,

---

Results

The Kokilaben Hospital bounced, I sent the following query via their online form:

Subject: Availability Query: Jumbo Dual Mobility Hip Implants (61–64mm)

I am an expat in Cambodia with Stage 4 AVN seeking bilateral total hip replacement. My templating X-rays require 61–64mm (jumbo) Dual Mobility Acetabular Cups, which are unavailable locally.

Before I travel for a consultation, could you please confirm if your facility stocks Western-manufactured dual mobility implants in these sizes? I am specifically interested in surgeons utilizing tissue-sparing approaches (such as DAA or Minimally Invasive).

I understand final implant selection depends on the surgeon’s assessment, but I need to verify stock availability for these specific sizes before proceeding.

Kind regards,

Update: I literally spent 10 minutes clicking buses on the captcha and cannot get past it.

Update: found their facebook page: message sent.

Update: three weeks later, no reply. I tried their online chat and the bot asked me a whole load of questions, then said it didn’t understand. There is no other contact apart from the online form, which already didn’t work. Giving up.

 

Gleneagles, the email bounced because it only accepts messages from staff (their mistake as it is the international patient email. They have a whatsapp +91 70757 51690

Update: At Last! A tiny little victory! This number leads to a bot, but a human intervenes occasionally. The availability of the implant was specifically confirmed. Then the bot pestered me to make a paid appointment. When I explained they don’t have a surgeon skilled in tissue sparing approach, the messages stopped. Overall, this was the best contact so far.

Full conversation with Gleneagles

Aster Hospitals Bounced, enquiry sent to their online form.

Update three weeks later. No reply. Returned to the site and no way to contact other than the form. It took a LONG time to get past the capchas, but eventually made it, but then they wouldn’t accept my phone number no matter what format I put it in (this was the complaint form, i.e. complaining they didn’t answer the general form). There’s a chatbox that says they’re ‘online’, but it’s a bot that can only give pre-written info. Pathetic and so am giving up at this point.

Medanta Horrible website. Managed to fill in the online form, no confirmation. Not sure what’s happening.

Update three weeks later. Crickets. They have a phone number but it doesn’t link to any messaging app.

 

---

So all of this so far resulted in one confirmation of hardware availability, but not a suitable surgeon. I’m going to change tack and have been researching suitable surgeons and approach it from this angle.

Dr. Narayan Hulse

drhulse.com

Update: no reply.

—

India is one of the main centres for medical tourism, mainly in terms of cost as far as I know. During my own enquiries on Facebook groups, even when asking on forums for South East Asian expats, I’ve been told it’s worth going to India for surgery. Anecdotally, I had a friend with a shoulder problem, and he had a scan in Bangkok, and surgery in India and was still in a sling when I saw him but he was absolutely glowing in praise for India over Thailand, mainly in terms of racism. His comment was something like, ‘In Thailand it’s always a big deal that you’re a foreigner, but in India you’re just one more person.’ This was also my experience, of Thailand. While being treated, there were often racist remarks and behaviour being made towards me (I’d dislocated my arm). Although I’ve only breifly had medical care in India and this was 25 years ago, but it also wasn’t good as I recall.

The main issue about India, for me, at this point is that I’m alone, before, during and after. Someone told me on a forum to just forget about SEA, fly out to Chennai, half the price, and fly back in two weeks.

Yet from my time on other online forums, I know it isn’t as easy as that as the recovery can be extended and I might not be able to get back for quite some time if my healing is slow. Plus I’d need to be there arranging my own aftercare.

For me, the only way that India can work (as a last resort) is if it’s possible to either arrange an extended stay, transfer to some kind of nursing home or have hotel and home help pre-arranged at a pre-arranged price. So I could stay until I was well enough to travel home alone, and then transfer straight to the place I am planning to recuperate in Phnom Pehn (which also needs to be arranged).

I don’t really see any way to be recommended a specific doctor, which would be ideal, but really at this point, I need to know the extended stay possibility and price before proceeding. As I’ve been looking into this for years, I know the main players, or two of them, are Max and Apollo, so the plan now is ask them this specific question, judge them on their response, or at least get an idea for their professionalism and how easy (or hard) this is going to be.

Apollo Hospitals

So parts of their website are under construction, which is pretty poor, to be honest, but I’ve looked around and there’s a section about price transparency, and that you pay on discharge, which sounds pretty reasonable. There’s an unimpressive form but also an email address, and so this might be a good start.

Max Hospitals

This is the other one I’m looking at. Again, everything seems great on the website, except it’s badly made with non-functioning sections. They seem to have everything covered in terms of arranging aftercare. They also seem to be serving a lot of developing countries, with offices throughout the region. Not sure if that’s a negative or not.

[email protected]

 

[email protected]

 

---

Subject: Inquiry: Hip Surgery with Post-Op Recovery Support for Solo Traveller

Dear International Patient Team,

I’m currently considering Apollo Hospitals as an option for hip replacement surgery. I am still undergoing imaging and diagnostic tests locally, including an MRI, so this is an early inquiry to help me understand the practicalities and costs before making any decisions.

I would be travelling alone and have no one to assist me before or after the operation. I want to ask if you are able to offer or arrange the following:

• An extended hospital stay after surgery (at a daily rate)
• Or, a transfer to a nearby facility, guesthouse, or hotel where a daily carer or nurse can be arranged
• Transport from the airport and back
• Any estimated costs for these services, just to help me plan

I understand this is only a rough enquiry at this stage, but I would appreciate any information you can provide about whether this kind of arrangement is possible through your hospital and what the typical costs might be.

Thank you,

---

AI advice about staying in India:

For a hip replacement, the rough timeline before you can safely travel alone—especially international travel—is usually:

Minimum stay in India: 4 to 6 weeks

Here’s a breakdown of why:

---

Week 0–1: Hospital stay

• Typical hospitalisation: 3 to 7 days
• You’ll start walking with support (walker/crutches) within 1–2 days
• Pain management, initial physiotherapy, and wound care are key

---

Week 2–4: Supervised recovery

• Ideally spent in a recovery facility, hotel with a carer, or home care setup
• Daily physio, dressing changes, and mobility assistance
• You’re still not ready to handle travel or luggage alone

---

Week 4–6: Gaining independence

• Many patients can walk with a cane or unaided by week 4–6
• Safe enough to manage airport check-in, security, and short walks
• Still some fatigue and mild pain, but recovery is steady

---

Flying alone

• Most doctors advise waiting until at least 4 weeks post-op
• You must be mobile enough to get to the toilet on a plane, manage mild stairs, carry light baggage, and respond to basic emergencies
• You’ll need DVT prevention, like compression stockings and maybe blood thinners, on the flight

---

Summary

• Book at least 4–6 weeks in India
• Start with a 1-week hospital stay
• Plan for 3–5 weeks in post-op accommodation with or without a daily carer
• Only plan your return when your surgeon confirms you’re safe to travel

 

Medical Visa for India

Yes, you can get a Medical Visa for India that covers this entire period, and it’s specifically designed for situations like yours.

Key points about the Indian Medical Visa:

• Initial duration: Usually issued for up to 60 days, sometimes 90 days
• Extensions: Can be extended locally within India in some cases, especially if recommended by the treating hospital
• Entries: Usually triple entry is allowed during the visa validity
• Processing time: Often quick—a few days to a week
• Requirements:
  • A medical letter or appointment confirmation from an Indian hospital (Apollo can provide this)
  • Details of your medical condition (your X-ray and MRI may be requested)
  • Valid passport and a photo
  • Proof of funds for your stay and treatment

Process:

• You apply online through the Indian Visa Application portal
• Choose Medical Visa (not tourist visa)
• Submit required documents
• Visit the nearest Indian consulate or visa centre (sometimes an interview is required)

Important:

Don’t book flights until you have:

• MRI confirmation that surgery is needed
• Written confirmation from Apollo (or another hospital) that they can treat you and arrange your recovery support
• Your visa approved

---

Update: So previously, I’d given up on India, for various reasons. One is the trash replies I received so far, from both the hospitals and the fixers. The other is the practicalities, it’s far and I’d have to fly and the neighbouring countries are easier. The other thing is I lived there for six years twenty years ago, and am mixed race so kind of linked so it, and I simply don’t like it. I don’t like the culture (except Buddhism), food, mentality, everything.

But as this current health story has progressed, I cannot get the hardware (implant) I want locally. Looking into it, India is a more developed market for medical tourism, and cheaper than Thailand. As much as I hate this, I’m havnig to give it a second consideratioon.

I will likely try Supermax and Apollo again but I think the next best step is to identify some of the smaller chain hospitals, and email them to ask if they at least have the implant that I need. As it’s not a price request, it will be a test to see if it’s like getting blood out of a stone and the quality of their reply. I’m getting pretty worried that the options are drying up.

So, below I will insert the main chains in India not already covered.

 

Expanding the Network: Strategic Indian Hospital Chains & Technical Capabilities

For a patient requiring specialized “Jumbo” hardware (60mm-64mm), the choice rests on a facility’s logistics and their relationship with global implant manufacturers. Beyond the largest chains, several specialized centers in India maintain the inventory necessary for complex reconstructive orthopedics.

---

1. MIOT International (Chennai)

MIOT is a significant center for complex orthopedics in India. Originally founded as a dedicated orthopedic hospital, it has evolved into a global referral center for revision surgery. Because they frequently manage cases involving failed previous implants from across the region, they are highly likely to maintain 60mm-64mm cups in stock or on permanent consignment.

Support: Includes an International Patient Center with dedicated on-site recovery accommodations.

Contact: [email protected] / [email protected]

Their website is promising at first glance. They pick up from airport, and have arrangements with surrounding guesthouses, and payment is on admission by credit card. However, they’re still menitoning skype, so it’s prety dated. There is an online enquiry form, but I’ll try the email first.

 

Update: no reply.

2. Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon/Delhi)

Medanta’s Bone and Joint Institute operates at a high volume, providing them with significant coordination with medical device distributors. Their infrastructure is designed for rapid procurement; if a 64mm shell is required on short notice, their supply chain is built to facilitate it.

The Environment: Efficient and technically proficient, geared toward high-precision surgical outcomes.

Contact: [email protected]

Update: email bounced.

3. Manipal Hospitals (Bangalore)

The Manipal flagship on Old Airport Road in Bangalore maintains a dedicated Hip Unit. They focus heavily on high-stability implants for complex primary and revision cases, prioritizing patient-centric coordination.

Support: A structured International Patient Cell assists with local guesthouse and recovery coordination.

Contact: [email protected]

Website looks OK, mentions accomodation options, airport pickup etc.

Update: no answer.

4. Fortis Healthcare (Gurgaon & Mumbai)

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is the primary hub for international surgical cases. Their use of advanced robotic-assisted systems (such as Mako) indicates a consistent, high-level partnership with major manufacturers like Stryker and Zimmer Biomet.

Contact: [email protected]

Website doesn’t look as comprehensive, no international patient department I can see.

Update: no answer

5. Aster DM Healthcare (Kochi)

Aster Medcity in Kerala is a major destination for international patients from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It offers a high standard of nursing care in an environment that is generally less congested than the major metropolitan hubs of Delhi or Chennai.

Contact: [email protected]

The website doesn’t look good, but there are 10k+ google reviews on maps, and a decent rating, so I’m staying open-minded at this point.

Update: email undeliverable.

---

I’ve asked ai for a query but it’s come up with the following:

The Technical Inquiry Template

The following template is designed to be sent from a professional or organizational domain. It focuses strictly on hardware availability and clinical capacity to ensure the inquiry reaches a clinical coordinator or surgical lead rather than a general sales representative.

Subject: TECHNICAL INQUIRY: Availability of Dual Mobility Systems (60mm-64mm)

Dear International Patient Team / Head of Orthopaedics,

We are currently coordinating a complex Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for a patient with specific anatomical requirements. We are seeking to identify a facility in India that can confirm the current stock or rapid availability of the following hardware:

• Implant Specification: High-stability Dual Mobility (DM) system.
• Acetabular Sizes: Confirmation of shells/cups in diameters of 60mm, 62mm, and 64mm.
• Preferred Systems: Western-manufactured systems (e.g., Zimmer Biomet G7, MicroPort Dynasty, or equivalent) currently registered and cleared for use in India.

Our requirement is for a facility that has these sizes on-site or can guarantee hardware redundancy (all three sizes) in the operating room for the scheduled surgical date. Does your facility currently hold this inventory, or does your orthopedic department have a priority distribution agreement with these manufacturers to facilitate a “Special Order” for these sizes?

We are vetting facilities based on hardware availability before finalizing a recommendation for our patient. Thank you for your technical input.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Organization/Domain]

---

BCC Contact List for Direct Inquiries

The following list can be used to send the inquiry to multiple facilities simultaneously while maintaining privacy:

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

---

I don’t like the email specifically. I’ll be sending it via my other domain, which now has a health advocacy focus, but I don’t want it to state the nature of the query other than hardware, i.e. do they have my size or not. The main danger is getting pulled into the nonsense of sending full passport and medical records for a yes/no question on availability. The query will be something like, ‘I’m resident in SEA and need bi-lateral dual mobility due to muscle issues, but templated at 61-64mm which is not available locally. Obviously, suitability depends on consultation with the surgeon, but at this point, to save my time being wasted, the query is very simply do you have this size DM Western manufactured available. If so, which company/model and are the any surgeons using tissue sparing approaches.

This is my rough draft. I’ll work on it and send it tomorrow.

---

This is the final draft:

 

Dear International Patient Team,

I’m writing to make a simple, brief query of the availability of a hip implant of specific size. Obviously I understand which implants are used is depending on the surgeon, but I want to check something suitable is available at all before proceeding and wasting time.
I am expatriate in Cambodia. I have avn both sides stage four and have been advised to replace both hips. Dual mobility is recommended due to muscle problems. I agreed but the templating xray measured me at 61-64mm (which is jumbo) and sizes up to only 58mm are licensed for import here. Could someone check what you have in stock. The specifications are a Western manufactured implant, dual mobility 61-64mm, and any surgeon using a tissue sparing approach would be a bonus.
To repeat, I understand confirming the availablity of any specific model/s doesn’t mean the surgeon would necessarily agree to use it. It is just to let me know if it’s worth proceeding (templating xrays attached).
Thank you for your time on this.

Kind regards,

---

Results

The Kokilaben Hospital bounced, I sent the following query via their online form:

Subject: Availability Query: Jumbo Dual Mobility Hip Implants (61–64mm)

I am an expat in Cambodia with Stage 4 AVN seeking bilateral total hip replacement. My templating X-rays require 61–64mm (jumbo) Dual Mobility Acetabular Cups, which are unavailable locally.

Before I travel for a consultation, could you please confirm if your facility stocks Western-manufactured dual mobility implants in these sizes? I am specifically interested in surgeons utilizing tissue-sparing approaches (such as DAA or Minimally Invasive).

I understand final implant selection depends on the surgeon’s assessment, but I need to verify stock availability for these specific sizes before proceeding.

Kind regards,

Update: I literally spent 10 minutes clicking buses on the captcha and cannot get past it.

Update: found their facebook page: message sent.

Update: three weeks later, no reply. I tried their online chat and the bot asked me a whole load of questions, then said it didn’t understand. There is no other contact apart from the online form, which already didn’t work. Giving up.

 

Gleneagles, the email bounced because it only accepts messages from staff (their mistake as it is the international patient email. They have a whatsapp +91 70757 51690

Update: At Last! A tiny little victory! This number leads to a bot, but a human intervenes occasionally. The availability of the implant was specifically confirmed. Then the bot pestered me to make a paid appointment. When I explained they don’t have a surgeon skilled in tissue sparing approach, the messages stopped. Overall, this was the best contact so far.

Full conversation with Gleneagles

Aster Hospitals Bounced, enquiry sent to their online form.

Update three weeks later. No reply. Returned to the site and no way to contact other than the form. It took a LONG time to get past the capchas, but eventually made it, but then they wouldn’t accept my phone number no matter what format I put it in (this was the complaint form, i.e. complaining they didn’t answer the general form). There’s a chatbox that says they’re ‘online’, but it’s a bot that can only give pre-written info. Pathetic and so am giving up at this point.

Medanta Horrible website. Managed to fill in the online form, no confirmation. Not sure what’s happening.

Update three weeks later. Crickets. They have a phone number but it doesn’t link to any messaging app.

 

---

So all of this so far resulted in one confirmation of hardware availability, but not a suitable surgeon. I’m going to change tack and have been researching suitable surgeons and approach it from this angle.

Dr. Narayan Hulse

drhulse.com

Update: no reply.

India is one of the main centres for medical tourism, mainly in terms of cost as far as I know. During my own enquiries on Facebook groups, even when asking on forums for South East Asian expats, I’ve been told it’s worth going to India for surgery. Anecdotally, I had a friend with a shoulder problem, and he had a scan in Bangkok, and surgery in India and was still in a sling when I saw him but he was absolutely glowing in praise for India over Thailand, mainly in terms of racism. His comment was something like, ‘In Thailand it’s always a big deal that you’re a foreigner, but in India you’re just one more person.’ This was also my experience, of Thailand. While being treated, there were often racist remarks and behaviour being made towards me (I’d dislocated my arm). Although I’ve only breifly had medical care in India and this was 25 years ago, but it also wasn’t good as I recall.

The main issue about India, for me, at this point is that I’m alone, before, during and after. Someone told me on a forum to just forget about SEA, fly out to Chennai, half the price, and fly back in two weeks.

Yet from my time on other online forums, I know it isn’t as easy as that as the recovery can be extended and I might not be able to get back for quite some time if my healing is slow. Plus I’d need to be there arranging my own aftercare.

For me, the only way that India can work (as a last resort) is if it’s possible to either arrange an extended stay, transfer to some kind of nursing home or have hotel and home help pre-arranged at a pre-arranged price. So I could stay until I was well enough to travel home alone, and then transfer straight to the place I am planning to recuperate in Phnom Pehn (which also needs to be arranged).

I don’t really see any way to be recommended a specific doctor, which would be ideal, but really at this point, I need to know the extended stay possibility and price before proceeding. As I’ve been looking into this for years, I know the main players, or two of them, are Max and Apollo, so the plan now is ask them this specific question, judge them on their response, or at least get an idea for their professionalism and how easy (or hard) this is going to be.

Apollo Hospitals

So parts of their website are under construction, which is pretty poor, to be honest, but I’ve looked around and there’s a section about price transparency, and that you pay on discharge, which sounds pretty reasonable. There’s an unimpressive form but also an email address, and so this might be a good start.

Max Hospitals

This is the other one I’m looking at. Again, everything seems great on the website, except it’s badly made with non-functioning sections. They seem to have everything covered in terms of arranging aftercare. They also seem to be serving a lot of developing countries, with offices throughout the region. Not sure if that’s a negative or not.

[email protected]

 

[email protected]

 

---

Subject: Inquiry: Hip Surgery with Post-Op Recovery Support for Solo Traveller

Dear International Patient Team,

I’m currently considering Apollo Hospitals as an option for hip replacement surgery. I am still undergoing imaging and diagnostic tests locally, including an MRI, so this is an early inquiry to help me understand the practicalities and costs before making any decisions.

I would be travelling alone and have no one to assist me before or after the operation. I want to ask if you are able to offer or arrange the following:

• An extended hospital stay after surgery (at a daily rate)
• Or, a transfer to a nearby facility, guesthouse, or hotel where a daily carer or nurse can be arranged
• Transport from the airport and back
• Any estimated costs for these services, just to help me plan

I understand this is only a rough enquiry at this stage, but I would appreciate any information you can provide about whether this kind of arrangement is possible through your hospital and what the typical costs might be.

Thank you,

---

AI advice about staying in India:

For a hip replacement, the rough timeline before you can safely travel alone—especially international travel—is usually:

Minimum stay in India: 4 to 6 weeks

Here’s a breakdown of why:

---

Week 0–1: Hospital stay

• Typical hospitalisation: 3 to 7 days
• You’ll start walking with support (walker/crutches) within 1–2 days
• Pain management, initial physiotherapy, and wound care are key

---

Week 2–4: Supervised recovery

• Ideally spent in a recovery facility, hotel with a carer, or home care setup
• Daily physio, dressing changes, and mobility assistance
• You’re still not ready to handle travel or luggage alone

---

Week 4–6: Gaining independence

• Many patients can walk with a cane or unaided by week 4–6
• Safe enough to manage airport check-in, security, and short walks
• Still some fatigue and mild pain, but recovery is steady

---

Flying alone

• Most doctors advise waiting until at least 4 weeks post-op
• You must be mobile enough to get to the toilet on a plane, manage mild stairs, carry light baggage, and respond to basic emergencies
• You’ll need DVT prevention, like compression stockings and maybe blood thinners, on the flight

---

Summary

• Book at least 4–6 weeks in India
• Start with a 1-week hospital stay
• Plan for 3–5 weeks in post-op accommodation with or without a daily carer
• Only plan your return when your surgeon confirms you’re safe to travel

 

Medical Visa for India

Yes, you can get a Medical Visa for India that covers this entire period, and it’s specifically designed for situations like yours.

Key points about the Indian Medical Visa:

• Initial duration: Usually issued for up to 60 days, sometimes 90 days
• Extensions: Can be extended locally within India in some cases, especially if recommended by the treating hospital
• Entries: Usually triple entry is allowed during the visa validity
• Processing time: Often quick—a few days to a week
• Requirements:
  • A medical letter or appointment confirmation from an Indian hospital (Apollo can provide this)
  • Details of your medical condition (your X-ray and MRI may be requested)
  • Valid passport and a photo
  • Proof of funds for your stay and treatment

Process:

• You apply online through the Indian Visa Application portal
• Choose Medical Visa (not tourist visa)
• Submit required documents
• Visit the nearest Indian consulate or visa centre (sometimes an interview is required)

Important:

Don’t book flights until you have:

• MRI confirmation that surgery is needed
• Written confirmation from Apollo (or another hospital) that they can treat you and arrange your recovery support
• Your visa approved

---

Update: So previously, I’d given up on India, for various reasons. One is the trash replies I received so far, from both the hospitals and the fixers. The other is the practicalities, it’s far and I’d have to fly and the neighbouring countries are easier. The other thing is I lived there for six years twenty years ago, and am mixed race so kind of linked so it, and I simply don’t like it. I don’t like the culture (except Buddhism), food, mentality, everything.

But as this current health story has progressed, I cannot get the hardware (implant) I want locally. Looking into it, India is a more developed market for medical tourism, and cheaper than Thailand. As much as I hate this, I’m havnig to give it a second consideratioon.

I will likely try Supermax and Apollo again but I think the next best step is to identify some of the smaller chain hospitals, and email them to ask if they at least have the implant that I need. As it’s not a price request, it will be a test to see if it’s like getting blood out of a stone and the quality of their reply. I’m getting pretty worried that the options are drying up.

So, below I will insert the main chains in India not already covered.

 

Expanding the Network: Strategic Indian Hospital Chains & Technical Capabilities

For a patient requiring specialized “Jumbo” hardware (60mm-64mm), the choice rests on a facility’s logistics and their relationship with global implant manufacturers. Beyond the largest chains, several specialized centers in India maintain the inventory necessary for complex reconstructive orthopedics.

---

1. MIOT International (Chennai)

MIOT is a significant center for complex orthopedics in India. Originally founded as a dedicated orthopedic hospital, it has evolved into a global referral center for revision surgery. Because they frequently manage cases involving failed previous implants from across the region, they are highly likely to maintain 60mm-64mm cups in stock or on permanent consignment.

Support: Includes an International Patient Center with dedicated on-site recovery accommodations.

Contact: [email protected] / [email protected]

Their website is promising at first glance. They pick up from airport, and have arrangements with surrounding guesthouses, and payment is on admission by credit card. However, they’re still menitoning skype, so it’s prety dated. There is an online enquiry form, but I’ll try the email first.

2. Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon/Delhi)

Medanta’s Bone and Joint Institute operates at a high volume, providing them with significant coordination with medical device distributors. Their infrastructure is designed for rapid procurement; if a 64mm shell is required on short notice, their supply chain is built to facilitate it.

The Environment: Efficient and technically proficient, geared toward high-precision surgical outcomes.

Contact: [email protected]

3. Manipal Hospitals (Bangalore)

The Manipal flagship on Old Airport Road in Bangalore maintains a dedicated Hip Unit. They focus heavily on high-stability implants for complex primary and revision cases, prioritizing patient-centric coordination.

Support: A structured International Patient Cell assists with local guesthouse and recovery coordination.

Contact: [email protected]

Website looks OK, mentions accomodation options, airport pickup etc.

4. Fortis Healthcare (Gurgaon & Mumbai)

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is the primary hub for international surgical cases. Their use of advanced robotic-assisted systems (such as Mako) indicates a consistent, high-level partnership with major manufacturers like Stryker and Zimmer Biomet.

Contact: [email protected]

Website doesn’t look as comprehensive, no international patient department I can see.

5. Aster DM Healthcare (Kochi)

Aster Medcity in Kerala is a major destination for international patients from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It offers a high standard of nursing care in an environment that is generally less congested than the major metropolitan hubs of Delhi or Chennai.

Contact: [email protected]

The website doesn’t look good, but there are 10k+ google reviews on maps, and a decent rating, so I’m staying open-minded at this point.

---

I’ve asked ai for a query but it’s come up with the following:

The Technical Inquiry Template

The following template is designed to be sent from a professional or organizational domain. It focuses strictly on hardware availability and clinical capacity to ensure the inquiry reaches a clinical coordinator or surgical lead rather than a general sales representative.

Subject: TECHNICAL INQUIRY: Availability of Dual Mobility Systems (60mm-64mm)

Dear International Patient Team / Head of Orthopaedics,

We are currently coordinating a complex Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for a patient with specific anatomical requirements. We are seeking to identify a facility in India that can confirm the current stock or rapid availability of the following hardware:

• Implant Specification: High-stability Dual Mobility (DM) system.
• Acetabular Sizes: Confirmation of shells/cups in diameters of 60mm, 62mm, and 64mm.
• Preferred Systems: Western-manufactured systems (e.g., Zimmer Biomet G7, MicroPort Dynasty, or equivalent) currently registered and cleared for use in India.

Our requirement is for a facility that has these sizes on-site or can guarantee hardware redundancy (all three sizes) in the operating room for the scheduled surgical date. Does your facility currently hold this inventory, or does your orthopedic department have a priority distribution agreement with these manufacturers to facilitate a “Special Order” for these sizes?

We are vetting facilities based on hardware availability before finalizing a recommendation for our patient. Thank you for your technical input.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Organization/Domain]

---

BCC Contact List for Direct Inquiries

The following list can be used to send the inquiry to multiple facilities simultaneously while maintaining privacy:

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

---

I don’t like the email specifically. I’ll be sending it via my other domain, which now has a health advocacy focus, but I don’t want it to state the nature of the query other than hardware, i.e. do they have my size or not. The main danger is getting pulled into the nonsense of sending full passport and medical records for a yes/no question on availability. The query will be something like, ‘I’m resident in SEA and need bi-lateral dual mobility due to muscle issues, but templated at 61-64mm which is not available locally. Obviously, suitability depends on consultation with the surgeon, but at this point, to save my time being wasted, the query is very simply do you have this size DM Western manufactured available. If so, which company/model and are the any surgeons using tissue sparing approaches.

This is my rough draft. I’ll work on it and send it tomorrow.

---

This is the final draft:

 

Dear International Patient Team,

I’m writing to make a simple, brief query of the availability of a hip implant of specific size. Obviously I understand which implants are used is depending on the surgeon, but I want to check something suitable is available at all before proceeding and wasting time.
I am expatriate in Cambodia. I have avn both sides stage four and have been advised to replace both hips. Dual mobility is recommended due to muscle problems. I agreed but the templating xray measured me at 61-64mm (which is jumbo) and sizes up to only 58mm are licensed for import here. Could someone check what you have in stock. The specifications are a Western manufactured implant, dual mobility 61-64mm, and any surgeon using a tissue sparing approach would be a bonus.
To repeat, I understand confirming the availablity of any specific model/s doesn’t mean the surgeon would necessarily agree to use it. It is just to let me know if it’s worth proceeding (templating xrays attached).
Thank you for your time on this.

Kind regards,

---

Results

The Kokilaben Hospital bounced, I sent the following query via their online form:

Subject: Availability Query: Jumbo Dual Mobility Hip Implants (61–64mm)

I am an expat in Cambodia with Stage 4 AVN seeking bilateral total hip replacement. My templating X-rays require 61–64mm (jumbo) Dual Mobility Acetabular Cups, which are unavailable locally.

Before I travel for a consultation, could you please confirm if your facility stocks Western-manufactured dual mobility implants in these sizes? I am specifically interested in surgeons utilizing tissue-sparing approaches (such as DAA or Minimally Invasive).

I understand final implant selection depends on the surgeon’s assessment, but I need to verify stock availability for these specific sizes before proceeding.

Kind regards,

Update: I literally spent 10 minutes clicking buses on the captcha and cannot get past it.

Update: found their facebook page: message sent.

Update: three weeks later, no reply. I tried their online chat and the bot asked me a whole load of questions, then said it didn’t understand. There is no other contact apart from the online form, which already didn’t work. Giving up.

 

Gleneagles, the email bounced because it only accepts messages from staff (their mistake as it is the international patient email. They have a whatsapp +91 70757 51690

Update: At Last! A tiny little victory! This number leads to a bot, but a human intervenes occasionally. The availability of the implant was specifically confirmed. Then the bot pestered me to make a paid appointment. When I explained they don’t have a surgeon skilled in tissue sparing approach, the messages stopped. Overall, this was the best contact so far.

Full conversation with Gleneagles

Aster Hospitals Bounced, enquiry sent to their online form.

Update three weeks later. No reply. Returned to the site and no way to contact other than the form. It took a LONG time to get past the capchas, but eventually made it, but then they wouldn’t accept my phone number no matter what format I put it in (this was the complaint form, i.e. complaining they didn’t answer the general form). There’s a chatbox that says they’re ‘online’, but it’s a bot that can only give pre-written info. Pathetic and so am giving up at this point.

Medanta Horrible website. Managed to fill in the online form, no confirmation. Not sure what’s happening.

Update three weeks later. Crickets. They have a phone number but it doesn’t link to any messaging app.

 

---

So all of this so far resulted in one confirmation of hardware availability, but not a suitable surgeon. I’m going to change tack and have been researching suitable surgeons and approach it from this angle.

Dr. Narayan Hulse

drhulse.com

+91948026001

[email protected] – this might be the best first contact.

(he’s with Fortis in Bangalore).

Additional Fortis Contacts:

+918066214444

[email protected]

+918245686245 (whatsapp)

[email protected]

 

First impressions from the website are pretty good. Seems contactable and there is a link to Google reviews, many of which are positive and genuine.

Update: initial contact made, via their online form, asking if my implant requirements are available.

Update: no reply

Dr. Vijay C Bose

[email protected] Note: website registered but no domain here.

Update: there is an online form: https://www.jointreplacementsurgeryhospitalindia.com/doctors/contact-dr-vijay-c-bose-top-hip-surgeon-apollo-hospital-chennai-india.php – Note that this is a facilitator disguised as a personal page. I’m sending a generic query, will update. UPDATE: CAN’T GET PAST THE CAPTCHA!!!

There is an email for the same facilitator, I’ll send a domain email to them now: [email protected]

+919860432255

+91 9940073000

+919866043255 – this one is a Telegram number of the doctor.

+914420002001

[email protected] – https://www.simshospitals.com

I think he’s with SIMS hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai. He’s mentioned on Vaidam (medical fixer that did actually interact with me elsewhere on the site.  There is a dedicated international patient desk (I’m told) at SIMS.

Update: the facilitator replied the next day.

Dr. Arun Kanan

He’s with the Apollo Greams Road branch.

https://www.apollo247.com/doctors/dr-arun-kannan-1f49794d-b037-43ab-a866-ebc27954e437

Seems to be a knee replacement specialist.

https://drarunkannan.com/about-us/

[email protected]

Update: message sent to the above.

Update: bounced as undeliverable.

91 93604 38720

Dr Ashok S. Gavaskar

Sunil’s Orthoworld.

Dr. Ashok S. Gavaskar

Website looks promising, though he’s linked to a minor hospital. There is an online form here: https://www.sunilsortho.com/contact-us-orthopedic-surgeon-chennai/

Update: received this the next day:

Greeting

This is Dr. Gavaskar

Ur problems:

grade IV AVN

You are looking for DM cups in the size range 60 – 64 mm. Yes we have implants of that size from Smith and Nephew, Stryker, Zimmer and Depuy. Personally, I prefer to use DM cups from Smith and Nephew since they have the best liner.

I do not know your age. If your age is < 50 years, and your templated acetabular cup size is really 60 + mm diameter, then honestly, I do not think DM cup will be my first choice. The reasons are, 1) In bigger sizes, the DM cups have little advantage over conventional cups since the head size with conventional cups of bigger size is as good as DM cups and will give very similar mobility and 2) DM cups especially bigger ones will also have a slightly higher wear rate.

So my recommendation if you are less than 50 years will be a conventional cementless hip with ceramic on XLPE or ceramic on ceramic. If you are more than 50 years, then DM is also great. However if you insist of DM cup, we can do it for you.

Thanks

—

 

 

Dr. Karthik P Reddy

Sunway Medical Centre, Chennai.

He appears to be an associate consultant at Sunway, working under the more senior Dr Madan Mohan Reddy who is the lead surgeon there. So Sunway is effectively Dr Madan Mohan Reddy’s practice, with Karthik as his associate. Worth knowing who you’d actually be operating with.

[email protected]

Update: query sent.

Dr. AV Gurava Reddy (Hyderbad)

sunshinebji.com

Based at the Sunshine Bone and Joint Institute in Hyderabad, his own specialist orthopaedic hospital. He holds triple UK fellowship credentials — FRCS Edinburgh, FRCS Glasgow, and FRCS London — plus an MCh in Orthopaedics from the University of Liverpool, where he spent a decade training and working. He is a former President of the Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeons and an International Committee Member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, with over 100 research publications. He performs close to 4,000 joint replacements annually, placing him among the highest-volume hip and knee surgeons in Asia, and routinely treats international patients from across Africa and the Middle East.

He’s based in Hyderbad, there’s an online form here. Update: message sent.

Dr. Prithvi Mahandas

MOIT International Chennai

[email protected]

Update: email sent.

Update: Above is a typo! The correct website is: https://www.miotinternational.com – will resend…

 

Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil

Bangalore. sparshhospital.com

The doctor seems well regarded. There is another website at https://www.sparshglobalcare.com which seems more focused towards overseas patients and has an online contact form.

Update: received confirmation of message next day.

Update: they connected and offered a free WhatsApp call with the doctor, which I declined, but they were able to confirm the required hardware is available.

 

Dr. Kaushal Malhan

Fortis mumbai. (DAA).

[email protected]

drkaushalmalhan.in

Incompetent/incomplete website prohibits contact. Not bothering.

Dr. Sunil G. Kini

Manipal, Bangalore.

drsunilkini.in

+91948026001

(he’s with Fortis). Update: I think he’s no longer with Fortis.

Additional Fortis Contacts:

+918066214444

[email protected]

+918245686245 (whatsapp)

Update: query sent to the direct email.

[email protected]

Update: He replied immediately, confirmed that he has the desired implants at my size and requested records and dates to proceed. He also mentioned that it’s a high volume facility.

 

Additional Contacts

Dr Supreet Bajwa, Mumbai.

He ticks all the boxes in terms of minmally invasive (DAA), DM and bi-lateral, but he’s in Mumbai. There seems to be an international contact department on his site, and also the hospital he is linked to.

supreetbajwa.com

There does seem to be care available around the area… the hotel prices are going to be the issue perhaps.

https://auracare.org.in/service-details.html

Dr Aashish Arbat, Pune.

This guy is based in Pune, which is significantly cheaper than Mumbai, and he specialises in Superpath. Dual mobility is mentioned, but not bi-lateral.

draashisharbat.com

There’s a weird feeling I get when I look at this site though, I don’t know.

Dr. Ponnanna KM, Bangalore.

DAA and advocates DM for suitable patients. He’s actually with SPARSH where there is also another positive contact. He doesn’t seem to specialise in hips though.

Dr. Sandeep Wasnik (Mumbai)

DAA, DM and the Koli-something hospital he’s associated with has a dedicated recovery wing, which makes it a better bet for people coming from out of town.

So I’m about to travel back to Vietnam for one more trip to see if he can be arranged there but also to pick up my templating x-ray. If This falls through then I’ve got some solid follow-ups here in India. The main takeaway at this point is that it is far, far better to contact surgeons directly or in their own private clinics rather than big hospitals that is a very clear pattern so that’s good to learn.

 

 
 

I think a plan is emerging here. Dr. Gavaskar seems the best bet so far. He has a clinic that is outreach but the surgery would be in the hospital which he is linkd to, i.e. Rela Institute. They have a strong transplant focus, which is a bit off-putting, but there seems to be a good international department and the website seems OK (though they make aw weird video without using mictophones, which was a bit jarring.

If that falls through then Dr. Reddy I think linked to sims does minimally invasive. So this could be plan B here, and Apollo at Greames road might be better in person that the absolutely abysmal experience of emailing them.

Plan C would then be north to Bangalore. This should be doable on a reasonable train in a day. Two doctors here confirmed the hardware is available but the minimally invasive approach is not confirmed, nor recuperation options.

Last resort, the superpath option in Pune (further north yet). Not confirmed dual mobility is possible, nor bi-lateral.

So I think a good aim is to speak to Dr. Gaveskar, plus consult with at least one other and travel once there are at least two options who will do the approach and have the implant.