Dr. K R Balakrisnan

Dr. K R Balakrishnan is a well-known cardiothoracic surgeon in Chennai. With over 30 years of experience, he is credited with implanting India’s first LVAD and HVAD pump as destination therapy. Dr. Balakrishnan received his MBBS from JIPMER and his MS in General Surgery from the prestigious AIIMS in Delhi. Following that, he completed his McH (Cardiothoracic Surgery) at the University’s KEM Hospital.

At Fortis Malar Hospital in Chennai, he was key in establishing India’s First Comprehensive Centre for Heart Failure Management. Dr. Balakrishnan has collaborated with Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes of Green Lane Hospital in New Zealand and Dr. Albert Starr of Oregon Health Science University and St. Vincent Hospital in the United States.

With over 30 years of experience, he is credited with implanting India’s first LVAD and HVAD pump as destination therapy

Dr. Balakrishnan is also involved in the development of pulsatile and continuous flow LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices) and the molecular biology of ventricular hypertrophy with a number of institutions. Dr. Balakrishnan is the first cardiologist in India to undertake both HVAD and LVAD implant surgery as destination therapy.

he was key in establishing India’s First Comprehensive Centre for Heart Failure Management. Dr. Balakrishnan has collaborated with Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes of Green Lane Hospital in New Zealand and Dr. Albert Starr of Oregon Health Science University and St. Vincent Hospital in the United States

Dr. Balakrishnan is the first cardiologist in India to undertake both HVAD and LVAD implant surgery as destination therapy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Medical Tourism India

For your convenience, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide clear answers about medical tourism in India, including everything from visa requirements to treatment costs.

1. Are the hospitals in India equipped to handle complex surgeries and treatments?

At IndiCure, your safety, comfort, and successful outcome of the medical treatment are our highest priorities. This is why we have a very stringent process for selecting our hospital partners in India. We believe that our value of providing world-class medical tourism in India begins with the world-class medical facilities. The hospitals that we work with are fully equipped to handle even the most complex surgical procedures.

We meticulously vet and collaborate with only those hospitals that are not just highly reputed, but also rigorously certified. Every hospital in our network holds a prestigious accreditation such as JCI, ISO, or NABH, which is a testament to their unwavering commitment to meeting and even exceeding global healthcare standards. These accreditations signify that their infrastructure and quality of care are on par with the best hospitals around the world.

Our stringent criteria for hospital selection goes far beyond a simple certification. We ensure each facility offers:

Certified Medical Facilities: Our hospital partners are fully equipped with advanced medical technology, including state-of-the-art ICUs and a 24-hour nursing team dedicated to your post-operative recovery.
Well-equipped Operating Theaters: All procedures are performed in fully equipped operating rooms by specialized, qualified surgical teams using the latest medical equipment to ensure the highest level of precision and safety.
Dedicated Post-Operative Care: Patient safety is paramount. We advise a minimum 24-hour hospital stay after any major operation, with the option to extend based on the specific procedure, allowing for close monitoring and proper recovery.
Specialized International Patient Services: Each facility has a dedicated department specifically for serving international patients. This team provides comprehensive support, from helping you with paperwork to coordinating logistics, ensuring your entire experience is seamless and stress-free.

This comprehensive and rigorous vetting process guarantees that you are not just getting a medical procedure, but a complete medical experience in a world-class facility that offers both excellent care and a seamless, comforting environment.

2. Will medical tourism in India compromise the quality of my care?

Not at all. The quality of surgical expertise and healthcare services at IndiCure partnered India’s top hospitals is among the best in the world. The lower cost of healthcare in India isn’t due to a compromise in quality but rather attributed by two key factors:

Low Operating Costs: India benefits from lower costs for medical staff, specialized surgeons, and nursing professionals. Additionally, government subsidies and lower investment costs for private hospitals help keep overall expenses down without sacrificing on quality of care.
Favorable Exchange Rates: The value of currencies like the US Dollar, Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, British Pound, and Euro against the Indian Rupee makes your money go much further, allowing for world-class treatment in India at a fraction of the cost you might find in these western countries.

3. How will you address my concerns about getting surgery in a foreign country?

We at IndiCure understand your concerns about having surgery far from home. We want you to feel completely confident in your decision, and we encourage you to ask any questions you have until you are fully satisfied.

Our team at IndiCure is dedicated to listening to your concerns and providing you with honest, unbiased information. We share all the relevant details based on our extensive knowledge and experience. For even greater peace of mind, we even connect you with the treating surgeons through video consultations where you can ask all your queries one-on-one. We can also connect you with our former clients so you can hear about their experiences directly.

4. What kind of logistical and post-operative care does MediTraWell provide?

IndiCure offers comprehensive logistical and post-operative support to ensure your entire medical journey in India is seamless and stress-free. Our services extend beyond the hospital walls, covering all the essential arrangements so you can focus entirely on your health.

We assist with end-to-end logistics, including arranging airport transfers and ensuring you are settled comfortably. Following your procedure, our team remains available for any post-operative consultations, feedback on your experience, and addressing any concerns you may have. We are committed to making sure your entire medical travel to India, right up until your return home, is both safe and hassle-free.

5. Which cities in India are part of MediTraWell's network for medical tourism?

IndiCure’s network for medical tourism includes the major metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi. We have carefully selected these cities because they are home to India’s best medical infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art hospitals, renowned specialists, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring you receive world-class treatment for medical tourism in India.

6. What is included in my treatment package, and are there any hidden costs?

Our treatment packages are all-inclusive, covering your surgery, hospital stay for the patient, hospital stay for one attendant, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and basic set of pre-operative investigations, routine consumables and medication during the hospital stay.

While every effort is made to provide a complete quote, a final bill may have additional charges for medications after hospital discharge, unexpected tests, longer-than-planned hospital stays, or specialized medications not included in the standard package.

7. How does MediTraWell assist with the processing of medical visa to India?

We provide comprehensive support for your medical visa to India application. Once you confirm your treatment with us, we will provide an official invitation letter from the hospital, along with all the necessary documents to support your visa application. We will guide you through the process and answer any questions you have to ensure a smooth and successful application.

We even file the visa applications for our patient’s, removing the stress of paperwork and procedures for them. The service is complimentary and comes at absolutely no extra charge for our patients. You just need to pay the visa fee.

8. Where will I stay, and is accommodation arranged by MediTraWell

Yes, we can handle all your accommodation arrangements.

We provide accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout your stay. We book your stay in a hotel, guesthouse, or serviced apartment that is conveniently located close to the hospital and fits your budget.

9. Will I have a dedicated person to help me during my stay in India?

Absolutely. We assign a dedicated International Patient Coordinator who will be your single point of contact throughout your medical journey in India. This person will meet you, assist with all your local travel, coordinate hospital visits, and be available to help you with any needs you have, from language assistance to local support.

10. What kind of support is provided after my surgery?

After your hospital stay, our support continues throughout your recovery at your hotel. We will coordinate your follow-up appointments with the surgeon and remain available for your consultations, local sightseeing, help with errands or any questions you may have.

We will assist you until you’re ready to return home, and we’ll even provide a scheduled airport drop-off.

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Your Medical Journey, Simplified

Traveling abroad for medical reasons can be challenging if you are alone, but with MediTraWell by your side, it doesn’t have to be. With years of experience and an exclusively curated network of India’s best surgeons and top hospitals, we make your medical tour to India easier and safer. We will guide you at every step, handling all the end-to-end arrangements for your surgery, travel, and stay.

Patients from All Over the World Trust IndiCure Health Tours because:

MediTraWell has a proven track record of success for 15+ years.
MediTraWell has a large roster of satisfied clients from 50+ countries.
MediTraWell partners only with the best surgeons and top hospitals in India.
MediTraWell offers a one-stop-shop approach, simplifying the entire medical tourism process.
MediTraWell has been awarded “MOST PREFERRED MEDICAL TOURISM BRAND” by Global MICE & Luxury Travel.

The content on the website (www.meditrawell.com) is intended to be general information and is provided only as a service. All photographs on our website of before and after results are examples only, and do not constitute an implied or any other kind of certainty for the result of surgery.

Learn about MediTraWell Health Tours’ comprehensive editorial policy that strives to deliver trustworthy, helpful, relevant, accurate and people-first content on medical tourism in India.

It is not medical advice and should not be taken as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health condition and is in no way meant to be a substitute for professional medical care. You are advised to see a surgeon in person to assess what surgery may or may not accomplish for you.

It is also important to keep your expectations realistic and to understand that all surgical procedures carry risks and should never be taken lightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Medical Tourism India

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