Popular Hospitals in Kolkata: A Complete Guide

Kolkata, the city of joy, is the largest city in Eastern India. With a huge population of over 15.6 million, good medical facilities are necessary in this city. The pandemic proved to be a massive push for the primary health infrastructure in the city. From only 327 critical-care beds in state hospitals in early 2020, the number sharply increased to 4,585 during the pandemic. The Medical College & Hospital is Asia’s oldest active hospital block and has been functioning since 1835. In the private sector, hospitals like the Belle Vue Clinic were early trendsetters in premium multi-speciality healthcare in Eastern India. Woodlands Hospital, which has been functioning since 1946, is another renowned establishment. Recent developments include the opening of the Tata Medical Centre in 2011, marking the city’s expansion to its north, New Town.

Popular Hospitals in Kolkata

Cardiology

Gastroenterology

Neurology 

Pulmonology (Respiratory)

Orthopaedics

Paediatrics

Gynaecology 

Oncology 

Health Insurance and Network Hospitals

• Network hospitals are hospitals that are in agreement with health insurance companies to provide cashless treatment to policyholders. These hospitals are empaneled by the insurance company to provide top-notch treatment and medical facilities to its policyholders. The bill is taken care of by the insurance provider. A hospital is evaluated on various critical factors before getting listed.
• The network hospital system is quite beneficial. It helps the policyholder get the best medical care without worrying about upfront payments. Getting an insurance claim processed at a non-network hospital is a lengthy process. However, in a network hospital, you just have to provide your health insurance card at the time of admission and sign a few documents.
• A cashless hospitalisation facility is the biggest advantage of a network hospital. This facility is particularly helpful during medical emergencies. The policyholder doesn’t have to pay hospital bills on short notice. He can focus on treatment and patient care instead. The claim is processed by the insurer, and the approved claim amount is credited to the policyholder’s account. 

Finding a Network Hospital Near You

A few useful tips are:

• Insurance provider’s website: Visit the website, as it usually lists all its network hospitals.
• Mobile apps: Download the insurance provider’s mobile app, and locate the nearest network hospital.
• Insurance agent: Contact your local insurance agent to find the nearest network hospital.
• Friends: You can ask your friends and residents in your locality.
• Internet search: Use any reliable search engine and Google Maps to find a network hospital.

Benefits of Choosing a Network Hospital

• A network hospital offers cashless hospitalisation, which takes care of all monetary burdens. 
• The policyholder can solely focus on the treatment, medication, and convalescence.
• Cashless hospitalisation covers all expenses of the treatment and hospitalisation, except exclusions. 
• Network hospitals offer seamless care, and the processes are hassle-free.
• Immediate emergency services are available, making you stress-free during such times.

Making the Most of Your Hospital Visit

• Clarify all your doubts and questions with your doctor before admission.
• Carry your medicines, toiletries, clothes, and other everyday items that you need.
• Make sure your sum assured amount covers the hospitalisation cost estimates.
• Stay informed about any new changes in your policy or pending insurance payments.
• Prepare a list of all your medications, dosages, and allergies.

Key Takeaways

Apart from a rich heritage, Kolkata has an impressive medical infrastructure, too. Be it AIIMS, IPGMER, or Calcutta Medical College, public healthcare in Kolkata has a strong base. This makes Kolkata an ideal choice for medical treatments and related services. Make sure you choose a reputed medical insurance provider to get the maximum advantage. A reliable insurance partner like PhonePe makes access to healthcare more reasonable, easy, and quick.