'I am blown away': American vlogger raves about Indian healthcare system. Watch

"I'm blown away, this is incredible," Mackenzie remarked, praising the Indian healthcare system.

In a recent Instagram video that has gone viral with over five million views, American vlogger Mackenzie from the duo UNSTUK with Mac & Keen expressed her amazement at the ease and affordability of accessing high-quality healthcare in India. Her British boyfriend, Keenan, fell severely ill during their trip, and Mackenzie’s initial apprehensions about obtaining timely and affordable medical care were quickly dispelled by the local healthcare system.

Mackenzie detailed her experience, revealing her anxiety about securing a doctor’s appointment and the potential costs involved. However, a friend’s advice transformed her understanding of the Indian healthcare system. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that patients in India can schedule lab tests at their convenience, a stark contrast to the United States, where securing an appointment can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Further astonishment followed when Mackenzie realised that instead of visiting a clinic, a nurse could come to their location to collect samples, with test results being delivered later the same day. Her concern about the expense was also alleviated when she found out the entire process cost only $14 (approximately Rs 1,100). "I'm blown away, this is incredible," she remarked, praising the Indian healthcare system.

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A post shared by UNSTUK with Mac & Keen (@macnkeen)

Mackenzie highlighted the stark differences between the healthcare systems of India, the UK, and the US. Her video has garnered widespread attention and sparked a discussion on social media about the benefits and drawbacks of various healthcare systems.

"There is a reason all my friends from India go back to India to get their root canals, new glasses, contacts, and annual check-ups," commented one viewer. "Healthcare here in the US is so expensive. I pay $470 a month for insurance and yet I can’t find a doctor that is in-network and taking new patients. I haven’t been to the eye doctor in 2 years, Gyno in 3 years, dentist in 4 years, and PCP in 8 years."

Another Instagram user shared their own positive experiences: "Not just blood tests, I can get an appointment with a doctor within 10 minutes on my phone, get an online consultation via video, and also buy the medicines the doctor prescribes on the same app. The medicines will be delivered to my doorstep in 10 minutes and I can pay for all of it with my phone. As someone who’s travelled all over the world, India is leagues apart in terms of services."

"Went to India last year and got my full body test in my hotel room where the person in charge came to my room and took samples and the report ready after few hours online. Amazed and amused," a user remarked.

However, not all reactions were positive. One user stated, "Indian healthcare for those who have money is phenomenal. Indian healthcare for those who live below the poverty line is abysmal."

A counterpoint was raised by another user who highlighted the disparities within the Indian healthcare system: "Sorry to break your bubble. Over 800 million out of them cannot afford a meal a day. So this is not the healthcare they can afford. And to have a look at public healthcare please go to a government hospital near you. Except a couple of southern states, it is disappointing."