New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) What was once a short walk or a quick auto-rickshaw ride to the hospital has suddenly become a costlier daily journey for several foreign patients and attendants in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.
In the aftermath of the Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people, many international visitors staying in budget accommodation in the area have shifted to other parts of the city, pushing up their living expenses at a time when they are already coping with medical bills and treatment-related costs.
For years, budget hotels and guest houses around Malviya Nagar and Saket have served as a preferred base for foreign patients, particularly from African countries, who come to Delhi seeking affordable healthcare while staying close to major hospitals.
Ben, a translator from Congo who has lived in Delhi for the past 10 years and works closely with international patients, said the fire has prompted many people to look for alternative places to stay.
“People who were staying around Malviya Nagar and Saket have shifted to places like East Kailash and nearby areas that are far more expensive. But accommodation there is much more expensive,” he told PTI.
“Earlier, some people could get rooms for around Rs 1,000 a night. In many places now, they are paying almost double, around Rs 2,000 per night. Some people are going to the international lounge in nearby hospitals,” he said.
Stakeholders from the medical tourism sector said international patients contribute significantly to the business of several private hospitals in Delhi and any incident involving foreign patients inevitably attracts global attention.
They said many patients from African and Middle Eastern countries travel to Delhi for treatment and often choose budget accommodation near internationally accredited hospitals such as Max, Fortis, Apollo and Artemis in Gurugram to reduce their overall expenses.
Ben said some affected foreign nationals are spending time at the International Patient Lounge of a private hospital while agents and facilitators assisting them in Delhi arrange alternative accommodation.
Another foreign patient who recently shifted to a south Delhi locality while moving his luggage said the relocation had increased both his living and transportation expenses.
“I am staying in south Delhi now. Earlier, I was much closer to the hospital. The room is more expensive and I spend more on transport every day,” he said.
“We come here for treatment and already spend a lot on medicines and hospital bills. Now accommodation and travel costs have also gone up. It is becoming difficult for many families,” he added.
Another foreign national from Mozambique said the relocation was particularly challenging for those undergoing intensive treatment.
“When you are undergoing treatment, even a short journey can feel very long. We already go through hours of painful treatment and hospital visits. Now the extra travel is adding to both the stress and the expense,” he said.
“They are waiting there for some time while the people assisting them sort out rooms and other arrangements. Everyone is trying to find a place that is affordable and close to the hospital,” Ben added.
The financial strain is not the only concern. Steve, a family member of a patient, said many foreign nationals had chosen to stay in Malviya Nagar because of its proximity to hospitals and comparatively affordable accommodation.
“My brother has to visit the hospital almost regularly. Earlier, it was just a few minutes away. Now we have to spend much more time and money travelling,” he said.
Another Iraqi national said the tragedy had disrupted the arrangements of several patients and attendants who had planned their stay around nearby budget hotels.
“For people coming from another country, every extra expense matters. We budget carefully for treatment, food and accommodation. Now many are paying much more for rooms than they expected,” he said.
A fourth foreign national said discussions about the fire have become common among patients and attendants staying near hospitals.
“Everyone is talking about it. Some people knew those who were staying there. There is sadness, but there is also fear because nobody expects a place where they sleep to become unsafe,” he said.
Several international patients and attendants are temporarily spending time in hospital lounges while searching for rental accommodation and hotel rooms.
Max Hospital in Saket, which has an International Patient Lounge, said it was extending support to affected patients and attendants.
“Our teams are in constant touch with the relevant embassies regarding the status of their nationals receiving treatment at our hospitals and are extending all necessary support to patients and attendants throughout their care journey,” a hospital spokesperson said.
However, the hospital said it had not witnessed any significant increase or decrease in the number of international patients or attendants visiting its International Patient Lounge.
“The lounge serves as a dedicated space to welcome and support international patients and attendants while undergoing treatment, offering them a comfortable environment to rest, complete necessary documentation and seek assistance from our support teams,” the hospital said. PTI SGV SGV APL APL
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.