$2,000 vs Rs 50: US woman praises Indian healthcare after treatment in Delhi hospital

'The whole ordeal took about 45 minutes,' shared Kristen Fischer. (Image credit: @kristenfischer3/Instagram)

An American woman living in Delhi has drawn widespread attention online after she shared how she got her bleeding thumb treated at a hospital for only RS 50 when it would have costed her close to $2,000 (about Rs 1.7 lakh) in the US.

In a video on Instagram, Kristen Fischer, who moved to India in 2021 and runs a design agency with her husband in Delhi, recounted how a routine kitchen accident turned into a moment of revelation about affordability and access in Indian hospitals.

“Okay, let me tell you a story about my experience with healthcare in India,” Fischer begins in the video, describing how she cut her thumb while chopping vegetables. “It was bleeding a lot, and I tried everything I could to stop it. Finally, I turned to Tim and said, I think I need to go get some stitches.”

She said she cycled to a nearby hospital with her finger wrapped in a bandage. “They brought me into their little emergency room, and I showed them the bandage covered in blood. Nurses and doctors tried to stop the bleeding, and eventually one nurse wrapped it in a way that worked. They told me I might not even need stitches.”

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A post shared by Kristen Fischer (@kristenfischer3)

No wait time, no paperwork, no shocking bill 

What surprised Fischer most was the bill. “I went to the reception to pay, and they only charged me 50 rupees. The whole ordeal took about 45 minutes,” she said. In her caption, she added: “For those who don’t know, that is like 60 cents. Healthcare is so much more affordable in India than in the USA where most insurance premiums cost $1–2k/month!”

Fischer highlighted three aspects that stood out: proximity to the hospital, zero wait time, and negligible cost. “Just another reason why I love Indian healthcare so much,” she concluded.

‘It never feels like it comes with strings attached,' say foreign travellers to India

The post drew responses from other foreigners who had similar experiences in India," Instagram user Leslie Sears (@lesliesearssm) wrote: “20 years ago I spent a week in an Indian hospital for dysentery and the bill came out to $97 US. (My traveller’s insurance policy deductible was $100) thinking of the equivalent in the US is terrifying."

“Agree," commented a third user, Penelope (@nyap4112). "There is an abundance of help in India. And not just help but medical help. It’s wonderful and it never feels like it comes with strings attached." she said.

“I had to see a physician in India and it was a great experience and affordable. So many of the docs and residents are Indian in the American healthcare system which goes to show the quality of their Indian medical education," added Paula Dixon Carter (@duckyrva).

Not the first time: American vlogger's praise for Indian healthcare in viral 2024 video

Fischer’s post follows a similar viral moment in 2024 when Mackenzie, an American vlogger from the duo UNSTUK with Mac & Keen, praised India’s healthcare system after her British boyfriend fell ill during their travels. In a video that garnered over five million views, Mackenzie described her initial anxiety about finding timely and affordable care, which was quickly dispelled.

She was surprised to learn that lab tests could be scheduled at convenience, and that a nurse could visit their location to collect samples. The results were delivered the same day, and the entire process cost just $14 (approximately Rs 1,100). “I’m blown away, this is incredible,” she said in the video.