An Indian citizen working in the USA shared his experience interacting with the healthcare systems of both countries, noting a colossal difference in the cost and quality of medical care during emergencies. This experience prompted him to consider returning to India instead of staying in the USA permanently.
Videos comparing life in America and India frequently appear on social media. While some aspects of life in the USA may seem more appealing, there are also areas where India surpasses America. One such example is demonstrated by Yuvan Ibanedj, whose video sparked widespread discussion.
In his video, he compared two cases of emergency medical care in India and the USA. He recounted that he had previously lost consciousness several times in India. His family immediately took him to the hospital, where, according to him, he was quickly provided with a private room without unnecessary bureaucracy.
In India, he underwent a series of examinations, including ECG, MRI, and CT scans. Yuvan noted the ability to consult a doctor when necessary. Within a few days, he was informed of the diagnosis and treatment plan. The total cost of this treatment in India was approximately $500, equivalent to about 47,000 Indian rupees.
Problems at the American Hospital
Next, Yuvan described a medical incident that occurred in the USA. During a basketball game, he experienced severe chest pain that made even normal walking difficult. He decided not to call an ambulance because it could cost thousands of dollars, and drove himself to the hospital.
Upon arriving at the hospital, he had to wait over an hour and a half in the reception area while documentation was processed. Later, doctors diagnosed him with a mini-infarction. Following this, numerous additional tests were conducted.
He also faced difficulties communicating with the attending physician, as he was constantly told that the doctor was busy and would return later.
Despite acknowledging the good infrastructure and favorable climate in the USA, he found the country's healthcare system extremely unsatisfactory.
High Costs Despite Insurance
The total bill for the treatment in the USA reached $23,000, which is about 22 lakh rupees. Furthermore, despite having high-level insurance, for which he paid thousands of dollars monthly, Yuvan had to pay out of pocket around $7,000, or approximately 6.67 lakh rupees.
By sharing this experience, he sharply criticized American healthcare, asserting that illness in the US turns a person into a financial burden.
Change in Perspective After Comparison
Comparing his experience in India with the incident in the USA, Yuvan stated that his worldview has changed. He believes that healthcare is one of the key reasons why he is considering returning to India.
Commentators on social media also shared their stories related to medicine and hospitals. One user expressed sympathy for India, while another recounted their experience in an American emergency department where they were given large bills, but doctors could not determine the cause of the problem. A third user noted the high quality of doctors and medical services in India.
In the comments, Yuvan clarified that he is Indian, lived in Pune for 16 years, and is currently in the USA only for work. However, he emphasized that his stories are personal experiences and cannot reflect the entire healthcare system of either country; the cost of treatment, insurance coverage, and hospital conditions vary greatly depending on the patient's condition and the specific medical institution.
