Kidney disease is one of the prominent health problems in the world. It affects over 10% of the world population. Certain studies suggest that 18% of diabetic patients in Ethiopia have chronic kidney disease. A kidney transplant is the best solution for a patient with dialysis and chronic kidney disease. Many Ethiopian patients choose India for a kidney transplant due to various reasons, such as high transplant charges and strict policies in Ethiopia. The kidney transplant cost in India for Ethiopian people is more economical compared to other countries. If you are looking for an affordable kidney transplant in India, then this blog definitely helps you. This blog offers you an up-to-date cost breakdown of the kidney transplant cost in India for Ethiopian patients.
What is a Kidney Transplant?
A renal replacement is an invasive surgical procedure in which a damaged kidney is replaced with the donated kidney. This procedure is prefer only in the case of dialysis and end-stage kidney disease. A kidney transplant can restore function of kidney and replaces the need for dialysis.
Why Choose India for Kidney Transplant?
India is growing as a new power in medical tourism. A lot of patients from different parts of the world come here for the kidney transplant. This country provides the best organ transplantation at an effective price, as well as government also promotes organ transplantation.
Here are some key reasons to choose India for the Kidney transplant:
- Government Policies: The Indian Government has carry out several policies to promote organ transplantation. Policies such as the Transplantation of Human Organs Act promote the moral donation of organs. This rule helps to build trust among the patients and their families.
- Cost-Effective: India is known globally for offering the best and cost-effective kidney transplant procedure. The procedure cost in India is 70-80% less compared to other Western countries.
- Best Nephrologists and Urologists: India is renowned globally for its top nephrologists and urologists. Indian doctors are well qualified and skilled and have decades of experience in the field of kidney transplant.
- Surgery Techniques: Indian doctors use several advanced techniques to reduce the pain and the surgical procedure.
- Accreditation: Indian hospitals are well-reputed and accredited by both national and international bodies.
Cost of Kidney Transplant In India for Ethiopian Patients
The cost of a Kidney transplant in India for an International patient can range between 7,00,000 INR to 16,00,000 INR ($7800 – $18000). This cost includes the surgery and pre- and post-operative care costs. However, several factors affect the total cost of a kidney transplant, such as type of transplant and overall health of the patient.
Cost Breakdown of Kidney Transplant in India for Ethiopian Patients
Let’s see the exact cost breakdown of a kidney transplant in India for Ethiopian patients:
| Componants | Cost (INR) | Cost ($) | Cost Details |
| Diagnosis Charges | 50,000 INR to 1,00,000 INR | $550 to $1,100 | Blood test and CT-Scan fees. |
| Surgery Charges | 2,00,000 INR to 5,00,000 INR | $2,200 to $5,500 | Surgeons’ fees and the charge for the operating room. |
| Bed Charges | 50,000 INR to 1,00,000 INR | $550 to $1,100 | Ward fees. |
| Donor Charges | 3,00,000 INR to 6,00,000 INR | $3,300 to $6,600 | Donor charges. |
| Medication Charges | 50,000 INR to 2,00,000 INR | $550 to $2,200 | Medicine fees. |
| Post-Surgery Follow-up Fees | 50,000 INR to 1,00,000 INR | $550 to $1,100 | Fees of consultant. |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Kidney Transplant in India for Ethiopian Patients
Let’s discuss the factors that affect the cost of a kidney transplant in India for Ethiopian people:
- Type of Surgery: The type of kidney transplant surgery also alters the total cost of the kidney transplant. A surgery that involves a living donor is much more expensive than a deceased donor kidney surgery. This is because it involves operating and medicine costs for both the recipient and donor.
- Type of Hospital: Luxurious hospitals in India with more advanced facilities and personalized treatment cost more than simple and government hospitals.
- Overall Health of Patient: A person with a higher risk of complications requires additional medical care. This personalized care increases the total cost of the kidney transplant.
- Location: The location of the hospital also affects the total cost of the treatment. Hospitals in tier-1 cities cost more for the kidney transplant compared to tier-2 cities such as Gwalior.
- Legal Cost: The expenses related to the legal document and donor organ screening also add some additional costs to the procedure.
- Expertise of Doctor: The more experience and a reputable nephrologist, cost higher fees from the patient for their better facilities and treatment.
Cost of Kidney Transplant in Major Cities of India
Here is the cost of a kidney transplant in major cities of India:
| Cities | Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) |
| New Delhi | 6,50,000 to 8,00,000 | 7100 to 9000 USD |
| Mumbai | 7,50,000 to 11,00,000 | 8000 to 12000 USD |
| Chennai | 6,50,000 to 8,50,000 | 7100 to 9400 USD |
| Bangalore | 7,50,000 to 10,50,000 | 8000 to 11600 USD |
| Kolkata | 6,00,000 to 8,50,000 | 6600 to 9400 USD |
Is Insurance Coverage Available in India for Ethiopian Patients?
Yes, several insurance plans in India cover insurance coverage for the Ethiopian Patients. This coverage includes the medical expenses during the surgery, including the room rent, surgeon fees, and other additional costs. Some health insurance plans also cover the charge of harvesting the kidney. Patients can also use their own International insurance plans for the various Indian government schemes.
However, claiming the insurance in India is complex for an international patient and requires a lot of paperwork. This document includes all medical records and passport details. A insurance plans also require a waiting period of a minimum of 30 days. Critical illness, such as kidney transplant insurance plans, requires a 90 days of waiting period for the treatment.
Comparison of Kidney Transplant Cost in India Vs Other Countries
Here is the comparison of the kidney transplant cost in India with other major countries:
| Countries | Cost in Country Currency | Cost ($) |
| India | 7,00,000 INR to 16,00,000 INR | $7,800 to $18,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | 700,100 SAR to 787,200 SAR | $186,608 to $210,000 |
| Oman | 11,550 OMR to 19,250 OMR | $30,000 to $50,000 |
| Kuwait | 2,500 KD to 4,500 KD | $8,000 to $14,500(only in governmental hospitals) |
| Kenya | 1,939,500 KES to 2,586,000 KES | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Nigeria | ₦ 25 million to ₦ 30 million | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Bangladesh | 3,00,000 BDT to 10,00,000 BDT | $2,500 to $8,000 |
| Tanzania | 36,729,000 TZS to 61,215,500 TZS | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Ghana | 210,000 GHS to 386,900 GHS | $19,000 to $35,000 |
| Iran | 421,250,000 IRR to 673,957,000 IRR | $10,000 to $15,999 |
| Thailand | 811,999 THB to 1,461,500 THB | $24,999 to $44,999 |
| Singapore | 66,500 SGD to 112,500 SGD | $50,999 to $85,999 |
| Philippines | 1,824,500 PHP to 2,064,000 PHP | $30,999 to $35,069 |
| Ethiopia | 2,311,000 ETB to 3,081,500 ETB | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Bahrain | 13,000 BHD to 17,000 BHD | $35,000 to $45,000 |
| Iraq | 32,747,500 IQD to 72,044,500 IQD | $25,000 to $55,000 |
Step-by-Step Guide to the Visa Process for the Ethiopian Patient
Below are some of the important points a patient must consider for the medical visa:
- Patients should have a passport with minimum of six months of validity.
- Six passport-sized photographs are needed.
- An official medical letter from the Indian hospital is required. The letter should consist the detailed information about the renal replacement treatment and expected duration of your stay.
- Patient must have all past reports and current prescriptions regarding their treatment.
- A completed visa application form with paid fees has been submitted by the patients.
- Patient must submit all the documentation that helps in providing the sufficient funds to cover all medical costs.
- Patient should have a formal consent letter from the donor for the living donor transplant.
Conclusion
Ethiopia has a lot of problems related to the kidney transplant procedure, such as high transplant costs and less experienced doctors. India provides the best renal transplant at a very low cost compared to Ethiopia and other Western countries. However, several factors affect the total cost of kidney treatment in India for Ethiopian patient. I hope this blog helps you understand the cost breakdown of a kidney transplant in India for an Ethiopian patient.