Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI)

Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon appears in nearly all your research into Indian NCR Region’s best super-specialty hospitals, and there is a good reason why this medical tourism powerhouse has been so successful since its 2012 launch. Situated directly on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway – approximately twenty minutes from the Indira Gandhi International Airport via the expressway (though I would advise against traveling during the morning rush hour when the highway tends to bottle neck) — this hospital has developed an excellent reputation as one of the go-to options for complex procedures that demand both the academic rigor and the genuine clinical innovations required. I think what sets Fortis apart is the depth of their coverage across those very high acuity specialties. From organ transplants — liver, kidney, and bone marrow — through to complex neuro-surgeries, comprehensive cancer care and advanced cardiac interventions — Fortis is doing an incredibly impressive volume for a relatively new hospital (barely ten years young). And in particular, Fortis does some very fine robotic surgery, and in addition that super specialized endovascular work that attracts patients from across the Middle East and Central Asia. Here is what I like about their set-up. Approximately 1000 beds with well over fifty speciality departments; therefore, providing them with broad coverage of almost every medical discipline you may need. They have invested in multiple Da Vinci surgical systems — a dedicated CyberKnife for precision radiation therapy — and a transplant program that few other hospitals have scaled to their levels. The doctors are comprised of former faculty from AIIMS and other major institutions, which makes a lot of sense considering their research focus. However, it is what patients comment on most regarding Fortis. The international patient services team is quite comprehensive — they will assist with airport/ambulance transportation to/from the airport, help extend visas as necessary and provide Arabic, Russian, or French translators if needed. One item of note: the hospital has a dedicated international lounge with separate check-in counters to save you the hassle of the main reception area during peak hours. Cost-wise, you can expect to be saving in excess of 70-80% of the costs charged by U.S. or U.K. private hospitals. A liver transplant that would cost $300K + in the United States? Typically in excess of $45K-$55K in India. Cardiac bypasses, cancer treatment, robotic surgery — all priced at fractions of Western prices with quality outcomes that has allowed them to remain amongst India’s top hospitals consistently. Fortis has both JCI accreditation and NABH certification. Furthermore, Fortis is part of the Fortis Healthcare Network that has provided medical treatment to over 20 million patients in India. If you are staying locally, the hospital operates a shuttle service to certain designated hotels in Gurgaon and Vasant Kunj — although most patients simply use the airport transfer service since it is truly that close to the terminal.