Knee replacement surgery is very demanding nowadays. Ethiopia is one of the fastest-developing countries in terms of medical infrastructure and orthopedic surgery. The cost of knee replacement surgery in Ethiopia varies depending on several factors, but it is still very affordable then European and Western countries. Knee replacement surgery is a life-changing decision for people suffering from any knee-related issues, knee joint issues, and arthritis.
Current Cost Structure in Ethiopia
The cost of knee replacement surgery in Ethiopia varies depending on multiple factors like the experience of the medical facility, the experience of the surgeon, and the quality of the implant. In Ethiopia, a complete knee replacement can cost an individual from $3200 to $5100. It is almost ten times cheaper than those facilities present in Western countries. For example, complete knee replacement surgery can cost you up to $31000 in the USA. However, the cost varies among the different service providers in Ethiopia as below:
- Public Hospitals: The hospitals or centres run by governments offer this surgery for just $2600 to $5100, very affordable and effective. But, patients may need to wait for too long for their turn, and the additional services are limited too.
- Private Hospitals: Private hospitals offer this surgery for around $4100 to $8100 for an individual. However, private hospitals will provide you the better services and faster treatment without waiting for that long in the queue. Providing personalised care is also a plus point for private hospitals
- Specialized Orthopedic Centers: These are facilities that have modern robotics and computer-assisted equipment with a combination of experienced surgeons. It result is precise surgery outcomes and can cost you the most.
Factors Affecting Knee Replacement Surgery Cost In Ethiopia
There can be multiple factors that can affect the cost of knee replacement in Ethiopia.
- Type of Procedure: Complete knee replacement is more costly than partial knee replacement. Partial knee replacement costs 25% less than a complete one. Bilateral knee replacement is also costly.
- Implant Quality: There are multiple grafts available in the implant market. The choice of implant may be a significant factor because one of the most expensive components in the surgery is the graft.
- Duration of Stay in Hospital: Most patients are being discharged from the hospital in 3-4 days. However, private rooms in premium private hospitals may cost you more.
- Experience of Surgeon: An experienced surgeon with years of experience may charge a higher amount as fees than a surgeon having less experience.
- Pre and Post-Operative Care: Consultation before surgery, medications after surgery, physiotherapy, and follow-up meetings with doctors will cost you additional.
Insurance and Payment Options in Ethiopia
The healthcare system in Ethiopia is evolving and providing all types of facilities to all patients from world. One of the facility that it provide is Insurance coverage. Premium hospitals in Ethiopia cover most of the insurance for patients from other countries. Still, it is advised that patients check their insurance policy with their provider specifically for Ethiopia. Joint replacement coverage is becoming very popular among all countries because now patients have their choices between different countries.
Most of the premium hospitals have flexible payment plans for the ease of medical tourists. These plans allow patients to pay the full amount in parts or monthly basis. Some hospital in Ethiopia also covers the international insurance plan, which makes Ethiopia the top choice for patients.
Quality of Care and International Standards
Ethiopian hospitals achieved an international standard mark of safety and excellence. The price is affordable in Ethiopia for any surgery, which doesn’t mean that there is a compromise in quality. Facilities like Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Addis Ababa, Roha multi-specialty hospital, and Menelik II referral hospital offer world-class treatments and expertise to their patients.
Ethiopia is a developing nation, and they are investing a lot in the medical sector. They are building new facilities, arranging robotics surgery machines, and modifying old hospitals into advanced ones. Quality of care in Ethiopia is already very high, but in the upcoming days, it will be remarkable for patients.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Costs
Postoperative things and care are most important, especially for patients of knee replacement surgery. Physiotherapy is mandatory, and may cost you around $25-$50 per session. You will have to take several sessions for a few weeks. Some hospitals already include the basic pack of physiotherapy in their cost structure. Others may charge it separately as per the requirement.
Medications, including medicines for managing pain, can cost you up to $120 to $320. Fees for follow-up meetings are around $40-$90 per visit. Usually, a patient requires 4-5 follow-up meetings in the first year.
Comparing Ethiopia to Regional Options
Ethiopia offers a competitive price for surgeries, whereas countries in Asia offer the same for a lower price. Like, knee replacement surgery cost in India is around $1100-$4500 in total. Same as the cost differs for Middle East countries, like the knee replacement surgery cost in Bahrain is around $11,000 to $19,000. Ethiopia’s growing medical industries, developing transportation system, and cheaper prices of travelling for Africans make it a perfect medical destination.
Planning Your Surgery
Planning is a must for any surgery or any trip, whether your medical destination is in your country or abroad. Preparing yourself for pre-surgery consultation, medications, recovery period, and the surgical part is necessary. Because if the patient is already prepared mentally and financially for the upcoming challenges, they will face them better and smoothly.
The total cost for all the services and requirements may cost you around $5,000 to $11,000 for knee replacement surgery in Ethiopia. Always keep some additional amount with you for emergencies or unexpected complications.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery cost in Ethiopia is so affordable that an individual can easily opt for this. Ethiopia provides highly precise orthopedic surgeries by experienced surgeons at a cost that is around 10x less than in Western countries. Knee replacement surgery is very important as it gives mobility and independence to the patient’s future. Premium hospitals in Ethiopia offer insurance coverage for almost all citizens of all countries, which makes it a perfect choice for medical tourists.