Pathology in India

Pathology is a branch of medical science that deals with the study of the nature and causes of diseases. It involves the examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and autopsies in order to study and diagnose diseases. Pathology plays a vital role in nearly all aspects of medicine, including diagnostic testing, monitoring of chronic diseases, as well as advanced blood transfusion and genetic research technologies. It is also integral to the diagnosis of cancer. 

A physician who specializes in pathology is known as a pathologist. They work alongside general physicians and any other specialists. They help other healthcare providers reach diagnoses and alert your doctor to any changes in your health. Many of the decisions about your treatment will be based on the results of your pathology tests. In most cases, patients never meet a pathologist during the course of treatment although their role is crucial. Pathologists will send the results of your test (pathology report) to your doctor, who will explain the results to you since the reports are written in technical medical language. The pathology report usually includes a general description of the specimen received in the lab, a detailed description of what the pathologist sees while examining the specimen, and the final diagnosis.

Some of the most common pathology procedures include:

• Full blood count
• Iron studies
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) quantification
• International Normalized Ration (INR)
• Urinalysis
• Bone marrow aspiration
• Biopsy
• Pap test.

How Long Should I Stay in India?

After a pathology procedure, you should be able to leave the hospital or clinic right away. However, since it may take around 7 days until the pathology report is ready, it is advisable that you stay until the report is complete. Once the report is ready, you will need to meet your doctor who will explain the results to you, and possibly discuss the best treatment plan based on the diagnosis. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery times vary, depending on the type of pathology procedures you underwent. Most pathology procedures do not require any recovery time, but it is recommended that you rest for the remainder of the day. After biopsy and bone marrow aspiration, you need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a week, and to take several days off work. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Soon after your pathology procedure, you will be given detailed aftercare instructions. Make sure to follow all of the instructions. The long-term aftercare following pathology procedure depends on the pathology report. You and your doctor will discuss a treatment or management plan based on the report. It is important that you undergo all the necessary treatment. You can choose to have these treatments in India or back at home with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

Pathology procedures are safe, highly successful, and is mostly accurate. The continuous advancement and deeper understanding of the field have made this possible. In the last century, we have seen significant reductions in numerous illnesses across the world, as well as major advances in blood transfusion, treatment, and vaccination, thanks to the pioneering work of pathologists. However, there is always a risk of inaccurate results. Some pathology procedures, such as biopsy, also carries the risk of bleeding, infection, pain, and injury to a nearby organ. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to pathology. It has a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all diseases.

Pathology in and around India

About India

As the largest country in South Asia and the seventh-largest in the world, India is home to over one billion inhabitants. This extremely diverse country boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and with its 38 JCI accredited facilities, it’s considered a prime destination for Medical Tourism. India welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Pathology procedures. Its low-cost medical procedures draw tourists from all over the world, particularly Western and Middle Eastern countries. Highly specialized doctors speak English and the vast majority are trained in the UK or the US, with heart surgery procedures being especially common in India. Local accreditation bodies include the Indian Healthcare Federation, the Indian Medical Tourism Council, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Popular Parts of India

Home to around 1.3 billion people, India is the second-most populous country in the world, with its multi-ethnic society, spiritual beliefs, architecture, and diverse wildlife.

• Delhi is brimming with colorful modern life and is steeped in history. It is known to have the best food in the world such as Mughalai curries and chaat (vegetarian street food). Visit the Red Fort and witness the fascinating structure influenced by Islamic, Hindu, Persian, and Timurid traditions.
• Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. Home to Bollywood, India’s film industry, the city has a lot to offer. Stroll around the Gateway of India, shop in Colaba Causeway, watch the sunset in Marine drive, or visit Siddhivinayak Temple and learn about its cultural history.
• Kolkata (Calcutta) was once the capital city of India. It is a perfect blend of the past and the present. The city has charming colonial-era architecture, dynamic suburbs, and the amazing Bengali cuisine. Tourists can discover the creativity of Kurmatuli Idol-makers and visit the incredible Victoria Memorial.
• Jaipur is known as “The Pink City,” it is chaotic, vibrant, and historical.  The city, along with Delhi and Agra, is a part of the Golden Triangle that contains the biggest attractions in India. There are many beautiful buildings inside this city, but the most visited one is the Amer/Amber Fort that dates back to Raja Man Singh. It is a World Heritage Site and it offers amazing views of the city.
• Agra is where the magical Taj Mahal stands. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is as astounding as people describe it to be. Mehtab Bagh is another must-visit attraction; it offers the most scenic spot in the city and located just across the river from the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, located northwest of the Taj, is one of India’s most historic structures.

Weather and Climate in India

There are four climatological seasons in India.

• Summer or pre-monsoon season starts in March and ends in May. April or May is the hottest month. The average temperature is around 23 to 42 °C.  
• Monsoon or rainy season lasts for three months from June to September. The season is usually humid and rainy. South India usually receives more rainfall.
• The post-monsoon or autumn season starts from October to November. The sky is usually cloudless.
• Winter occurs from December to February. December and January are the coldest months in the country with an average temperature of 10 to 15 °C and climb steadily from February. This is the peak season for tourism.

The best time to visit India is in the month of March or October when the weather is warm and sunny.

Getting Around in India

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in the country and is located in Delhi. The airport serves domestic and international flights. It connects the city with almost every country around the world and serves budget airlines such as Air Asia India, Go Air, and IndiGo. There are three other main international airports in Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

The most affordable way to travel around the city is by bus although it can be very crowded. Buses are very reliable and fast. Airport taxis are available as a quick, easy, and hassle-free transportation mode especially for tourists who carry big baggage.

The best way to get around India is by train. Trains are everywhere and quite affordable with many different classes. The most popular class for travel is the Sleeper Class. It is best to purchase train tickets online.

Buses are a nice option for short-distance travel. Some of the buses can be very uncomfortable but there are luxury buses with air conditioning. Tourists can purchase tickets online, in the station, or even on the buses.

Taxis are relatively affordable, but tourists have to bargain. Tourists can ask the taxi driver to use the meter but the drivers will usually say it’s broken. It is advised to ask your hotel or hostel how much a taxi should cost before getting in one to avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers. Rickshaws (Tuck-Tuks) are cheaper than taxis, but you also have to bargain. Hiring a car is not recommended due to the lack of respect for traffic laws and the chaos on the roads. Uber is available.

Tourist Visas in India

All visitors need to obtain and apply for a visa to enter India, except the citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Visa on Arrival is available for citizens of Japan and South Korea. The country provides an online visa application. e-Visa is available for 150 nationalities and valid for  60 days. It is a double-entry visa. There is also a six-month tourist visa for longer trips.

Passport must be valid for at least 180 days after your entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the Indian rupee (INR). 1 USD is equivalent to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available. Currencies such as US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are easy to change throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some shops, restaurants, and hotels. Always carry cash because many places still accept cash only. Service fees are sometimes added to the bills automatically in restaurants if it’ 10% tip is reasonable. Taxis and rickshaws do not expect a tip but it is good to tip drivers who are honest.
3. Local Language: There are many languages spoken in India including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, and Punjabi. English is understood by many people especially those in the tourism area and major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: India is very diverse and multicultural. Hinduism is the largest religion with 79.8% of the population practicing the religion. Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and other religions are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: India celebrates several major religious holidays. The country has numerous annual festivals such as Holi, Ganesh Festival, Diwali, and Onam.