Paediatric Treatment in India

Paediatric Treatment in India | Cost, Hospitals & Specialists

A Paediatric is a medical procedure used to diagnose, manage or treat conditions related to childhood diseases, congenital conditions, or developmental disorders. It is commonly recommended for patients experiencing various childhood illnesses, birth defects, or developmental delays and is considered one of the most effective approaches for long-term recovery and functional improvement in children. Every year, India receives thousands of international patients from countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, the UAE, Oman and neighbouring Asian regions for advanced medical care, including Paediatric treatment. With experienced specialists, structured treatment programs and cost-effective medical care, India has become a preferred global destination. India is a major centre for Paediatric treatment due to experienced specialists, advanced diagnostics, regulated clinical protocols and cost-effective care pathways.

1. Indications for Paediatric Treatment

Paediatric treatment may be recommended in the following situations:

• Congenital heart defects
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, cerebral palsy)
• Gastrointestinal anomalies
• Orthopaedic conditions (e.g., clubfoot, scoliosis)
• Oncological conditions (childhood cancers)
• Urogenital abnormalities
• Progressive symptoms not responding to medication
• Structural or functional abnormalities
• Advanced-stage disease
• Failure of previous treatment or procedures

2. Types of Paediatric Treatment in India

2.1 Paediatric Cardiology Procedures

These procedures address congenital heart defects, such as atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) closures, and more complex repairs for conditions like Tetralogy of Fallot.

2.2 Paediatric Neurosurgery

This includes treatments for hydrocephalus, brain tumours, spina bifida, and craniosynostosis. These interventions aim to correct structural abnormalities affecting the brain and spinal cord.

2.3 Paediatric Orthopaedics

Treatments focus on musculoskeletal conditions like clubfoot, developmental dysplasia of the hip, scoliosis, and fractures unique to growing children. Corrective surgeries and non-surgical methods are employed.

2.4 Paediatric Oncology

This specialized field manages various childhood cancers, including leukaemia, brain tumours, lymphomas, and solid tumours. Treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal.

2.5 Neonatal and General Paediatric Surgery

Surgical interventions for newborns with congenital anomalies such as intestinal atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, or gastroschisis. Also covers general surgeries for conditions like appendicitis or hernia in older children.

2.6 Advanced or Minimally Invasive Procedures

Many Paediatric treatments now utilize minimally invasive techniques. These include laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgeries. Robotic-assisted procedures are also emerging in specific complex cases for reduced recovery times and smaller scars.

3. Pre-Treatment Evaluation

Before performing Paediatric treatment, patients undergo a complete evaluation, often tailored to the child’s age and specific condition:

3.1 Laboratory Testing

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Kidney/liver function tests
• Coagulation profile
• Disease-specific markers, such as genetic tests or tumour markers

3.2 Imaging Studies

• X-ray / CT / MRI / Ultrasound (based on the treatment and area of concern)
• Echocardiogram for cardiac issues
• Specialized scans like PET CT for oncology cases

3.3 Functional Assessment

• Cardiac evaluation, including ECG
• Pulmonary evaluation, if respiratory issues are present
• Condition-specific functional scoring, developmental assessments for younger children

3.4 Infection Screening

HIV, HBV, HCV, TB and other infections are screened to ensure patient safety and prevent complications.

4. Paediatric Treatment Procedure Overview

The procedure typically includes steps carefully adapted for children:

• Pre-operative planning, involving a multidisciplinary team
• Anesthesia assessment by a paediatric anesthesiologist
• Step-by-step execution of the treatment procedure, often using specialized instruments
• Monitoring vital parameters, including heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature
• Completion and closure (for surgeries), with attention to delicate tissues
• Transfer to recovery or Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

The exact steps depend on the type and complexity of the Paediatric treatment.

5. Recovery & Post-Treatment Care

After Paediatric treatment, patients receive specialized care:

• Vital monitoring, with continuous observation in a child-friendly environment
• Pain management, using age-appropriate medications and techniques
• Medication protocol, adjusted for a child's weight and metabolism
• Nutrition and mobility guidance, ensuring healthy growth and development
• Scheduled follow-up visits with paediatric specialists
• Imaging and lab tests to evaluate progress and recovery

Recovery duration varies significantly according to the type of Paediatric treatment.

6. Risks & Complications

While generally safe, Paediatric treatment carries potential risks:

6.1 Early Complications

• Infection at the surgical site or general sepsis
• Bleeding, requiring further intervention
• Anaesthetic reactions, unique to paediatric patients
• Procedure-specific risks, such as shunt malfunction in neurosurgery

6.2 Late Complications

• Developmental delay or neurological sequelae
• Long-term organ dysfunction or structural complications
• Medication-related side effects from prolonged treatment
• Growth issues or skeletal deformities in orthopaedic cases

7. Success Rates of Paediatric Treatment in India

Success rates depend on the severity of the childhood disease or condition, the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s overall health. Paediatric success rate in India is comparable to global standards in leading centres.

• 1-year outcome: 85% – 95% for many common procedures
• 5-year outcome: 70% – 90% depending on the underlying condition
• Improved functional recovery for most patients, enhancing quality of life
• Lower complication rates in high-volume centres due to specialized expertise

8. Cost of Paediatric Treatment in Major Indian Cities (2025)

City-wise cost range for Paediatric treatment:

• Delhi — ₹2,00,000 – ₹15,00,000
• Mumbai — ₹2,50,000 – ₹18,00,000
• Bangalore — ₹2,20,000 – ₹16,00,000
• Chennai — ₹1,80,000 – ₹14,00,000
• Hyderabad — ₹1,90,000 – ₹15,00,000
• Kolkata — ₹1,50,000 – ₹12,00,000
• Pune — ₹1,70,000 – ₹13,00,000
• Gurgaon — ₹2,30,000 – ₹17,00,000

Costs vary due to procedure type, hospital category and specialist expertise. The cost of Paediatric in India is significantly lower than Western countries.

9. India vs USA Cost Comparison

This table illustrates the comparative cost of Paediatric treatment components.

Component	Cost in India (USD)	Cost in USA (USD)
Pre-Procedure Evaluation	500 – 1,500	2,000 – 5,000
Standard Procedure	3,000 – 15,000	20,000 – 60,000
Advanced Procedure	8,000 – 30,000	40,000 – 150,000
Medications	200 – 800	1,000 – 3,000
Follow-Up Care	300 – 1,000	1,500 – 4,000

10. Condition-Wise Success & Treatment Options

Condition	Success Rate	Treatment Options
Congenital Heart Disease	90%	VSD/ASD Closure, Tetralogy of Fallot Repair
Hydrocephalus	85%	VP Shunt Insertion, Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
Clubfoot	95%	Ponseti Method, Corrective Surgery

11. India vs Global Cost Comparison (USD)

Region	Cost (USD)
India	3,000 – 30,000
USA	20,000 – 150,000
UK	15,000 – 80,000
Canada	18,000 – 90,000
Turkey	7,000 – 40,000
Thailand	6,000 – 35,000
Middle East	10,000 – 60,000

12. International Patient Services

Hospitals in India offer comprehensive services for international patients:

• Specialist consultations and second opinions
• Remote medical report review by top paediatric specialists
• Personalized cost estimate for Paediatric treatment
• Medical visa support and documentation assistance
• Assistance with accommodation for patient and family
• Airport transfers and local transportation
• Interpreter support for various languages
• Pre-treatment evaluation coordination
• Post-treatment follow-up planning and remote consultations
• Digital access to medical records

13. Required Documentation

Patients planning Paediatric treatment in India will require:

• Identity proof for the child and guardian
• Passport (for international patients)
• Detailed medical reports, including previous diagnoses and treatments
• Lab results and blood work
• Diagnostic images (X-rays, CT, MRI scans)
• Treatment consent forms, signed by legal guardians

14. Pre-Treatment Guidelines

To prepare for Paediatric treatment, guardians should ensure:

• Complete all evaluations and recommended diagnostic tests
• Avoid infections by maintaining good hygiene and limiting exposure
• Follow all medication instructions given by the doctor
• Follow fasting guidelines carefully (if surgery is planned)
• Disclose all ongoing medications, supplements, and allergies
• Prepare the child emotionally for the procedure, if age-appropriate

15. Post-Treatment Guidelines

After Paediatric treatment, adherence to guidelines is crucial:

• Follow prescribed medications strictly as advised
• Attend scheduled follow-ups with paediatric specialists
• Maintain excellent hygiene to prevent infections
• Follow dietary recommendations for optimal recovery and growth
• Avoid strenuous activity until advised by the doctor
• Monitor for any warning signs or complications and report immediately

16. Why India for Paediatric Treatment?

Choosing India for Paediatric treatment offers several distinct advantages:

• High-volume specialist centres with dedicated paediatric facilities
• Internationally trained doctors and leading specialists for Paediatric in India
• Advanced diagnostics and technology tailored for children
• Regulated treatment protocols adhering to global standards
• Higher success rates in major centres for complex conditions
• Cost-effective medical care compared to Western countries, without compromising quality

DivinHeal supports international patients in accessing reliable, well-guided and specialist-driven Paediatric treatment in India through safe and structured medical pathways.