For those of you who are curious about the first time experience at a hospital’s complete body check, this article is written for you. This is to give a general idea of what exactly lies ahead of you during this experience. Firstly, the health care industry, like the travel industry, have designed various “packages” which encompass a different health check menu, and hence the prices vary. These could cost you anything between Rs. 3,500-10,000, as the costs of each test too, varies. The price will also vary depending on the brand name of the concerned clinic or hospital.

India, over the past couple of decades emerged as a preferred medical tourism destination. Speared on by the internet and general high level of awareness, most people are very concerned about their health, and not without reason. The Health Industry has cashed in on this development by giving improved and updated services in hospitals, and also medical packages to suit one’s budget and time. The packages of course are designed in a way that anyone who has avoided or ignored a visit to the doctor in the recent past, feels duty-bound to visit the hospital for a “complete health check”.  

           Most of us, who are under a time constraint, would like to look into our sugar levels, thyroid, Vitamin B 12 and/or Vitamin D 3 levels ( a big concern today, with most of us spending time indoors) and slowly, you will see your preference veering towards the all-compassing “Executive Health Check” or “Personalized Body Check”, the “Well Woman Health Package”, the “Master Health Check Up” etc.  You would naturally like to choose the package subject to one’s age group and general health status. If confused, you could also ask your local general physician (G.P.) for his/her opinion.

          Once your registered and signed up, be prepared to spend the better part of one day at the hospital. Do clarify the exact tests you will be given in the package of your choice; take nothing for granted. A test you feel is necessary for you will invariably not feature in the package you chose! So, in case you need to add on a couple of more tests, it will be subject to that much of extra money as an “add-on”. Very much like the “extra cheese” or “extra chicken” topping served at your local pizza joint! Everything comes at a price. Your payments are received at the very beginning. By cash or card.                                               

          You need to report early in case a blood sugar test is involved; late comers will have to suffer the agony of extremely delayed breakfast, and the annoying feeling one gets with an empty stomach. Another fact in our overpopulated country: never under-estimate the crowd turn-up at a given hospital or clinic. If you’re late, you are served late. Period. No amount of pleading or argument can help you. Also, weekends see a rush of patients, so do try to avoid going on a Saturday (Sunday is a holiday). At the cost of sounding elitist, I went on a Friday, yet encountered a reasonably large crowd of people, although my package was one of the higher priced ones. The experience of being bounced from one check-up to another, out of sequence, simply because you are directed there by the supervising staff is another point that of confusion. “The doctor is not free here; please go to the TMT (treadmill) room”, or, “Sorry, it’s lunch time now, so you’ll have to wait, unless you want to do the XYZ test which is available now”.  As a result, you will find yourself being bounced around the best of hospitals in this manner, and need to keep an eye on the check list so that no test gets missed out in the bargain. After all, you’ve paid for it all, and exempting  yourself from any test only means it’s your personal loss.

       Women patients never had it easy during these check-ups, so do come mentally prepared for internal examinations and wear appropriate clothing to go through this necessary evil.  It would be a good idea to wear your sneakers or walking shoes to hospital as the treadmill test involves a certain bit of active walking and running; fancy footwear will just add the stress.

       Generally a doctor’s consultation is included in the packages. In the more costly package you get a doctor’s consultation before and after the health check.  Your reports are prepared 24 hours later, so another thing to be ready for is keeping another free day during the same week for this effort (of getting a hard copy of your reports in hand and the doctor’s verdict.)

     This article has been written from a first hand, recent experience. An attempt has been made to exempt all the frills, so that the reader knows what he or she is going in for. To end, our hospital care has come a long way, and the overall standard has been raised to keep up with the international tourists and well heeled section of society who would like a hassle-free and smooth procedure at a hospital.For those of you who are curious about the first time experience at a hospital’s complete body check, this article is written for you. This is to give a general idea of what exactly lies ahead of you during this experience. Firstly, hospitals , like the travel industry, have designed various “packages” which encompass a different health check menu, and hence the prices vary. These could cost you anything between Rs. 3,500-10,000, as the costs of each test too, varies.

            For those of you who are curious about the first time experience at a hospital’s complete body check, this article is written for you. This is to give a general idea of what exactly lies ahead of you during this experience. Firstly, hospitals , like the travel industry, have designed various “packages” which encompass a different health check menu, and hence the prices vary. These could cost you anything between Rs. 3,500-10,000, as the costs of each test too, varies.

Article by Ruma Sen. Twitter Id: @swetadwipa

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