World class quality of care, amazing service at all levels and brilliant value. In my home country of New Zealand I was told that I would need to wait 2.5 years for a hip replacement, with the first consult with a specialist at least 12-14 months away. Private care options were extremely costly and still an 8-12 months wait.
I had selected Rajagiri hospital, had received an initial quote for a full hip replacement and treatment plan, and amazingly also had a video consult with the surgeon (Dr Murukan Babu) who would undergo the procedure. I finalised my flights and visa there and then, and details were finalised and a dedicated WhatsApp group of my total care team was set up for all communications from that point forward. Once I arrived at the airport in Kochi, every single detail was taken care of by Rajagiri staff with full wrap around care they provide international patients. The hospital was world class, every staff member was friendly, professional, courteous, and every manager of each department I interacted with went out of their way to introduce themselves and took an interest in my procedure and my recovery. Within 1/2 a day I had all my tests / investigations completed and the next day I was in surgery. The next day in ICU I was given a programme by the Physiotherapist and was up walking on my new hip (aided by a walker)! Amazing! This exceeded all of my expectations. After 4 days in post op care being cared for by an extensive nursing team, which included daily visits by specialist and a follow-up / sign-out by Dr Babu and I was discharged to a beautiful hotel near the hospital for my final 9 days of recovery before my flight back to New Zealand. I cannot express how impressed and grateful I am to all the staff that had a role in my care journey at Rajagiri. I was treated with genuine warmth, respect, compassion and care by every person I encountered. Truly remarkable given the size and number of patients that flow through Rajagiri on a daily basis.
The cost of the surgery including my two weeks of care was several multiples more cost effective than I could have received in my home country or any other western medical service which was truly astounding and made the decision to go with Rajagiri, and orthopaedic surgery in Kochi a no-brainer. To be sitting here on the path to full mobility and quality of life again, and not be staring down the barrel of a 2.5 year wait is so relieving and I am so grateful and pleased I made this decision. I wish to personally thank the following people who played a role in my care journey, many who felt like friends by the time I left.
A special thanks to Dr Babu and his surgical team - anaesthesiologist etc. Hashim and Chris at the international desk who welcomed me to Rajagiri, navigated and supported me through my journey. The ICU team with a special thanks to Sara. The Post op team in the Globus centre who tolerated me wandering the halls at night on my walker looking for chocolate - Preethi (the manager), Ilin, Adona, Joicy, Arsha, Jerenna, Blessy, Shiny, Rose Mary, Ashly. And finally my bystander Blessen who for many days helped me in and out of bed and kept me company till I was discharged. To Rajagiri and all of your caregivers at every level, thank-you for an amazing experience. I will be back when the other hip needs replacing.
28-01-2026