There were no further referrals or assistance on how to go about the entire process.
After a botched medical procedure —one of three — to restore my dislocated arm, earlier this year, I got the shock of my life when the responsible doctor yielded and told me: “We do not have the required technology to help you locally”.
The sad news was quickly followed by a suggestion that I ought to swiftly consider flying to India, a favoured destination for complicated operations due to its advanced medical facilities and lower costs, for help.
He suggested that I travel to India and advised me that I should not apply online in my desperate quest to find legit agents.
There were no further referrals or assistance on how to go about the entire process.
I got scared, given the stories we hear nowadays about people being scammed and going to places that they later discover are not proper hospitals or completely losing contact with people they would have paid.
An alarming number of Zimbabweans seeking medical treatment in India have fallen prey to bogus agents who promise to facilitate their travel and treatment, only to disappear with their money.
The unscrupulous agents, often posing as medical travel/tourism facilitators, have been targeting vulnerable patients and their families, taking advantage of their desperation and lack of knowledge about the industry.
According to reports, the scammers typically get in contact with patients or their families through social media, online forums or word of mouth, promising to arrange everything from flights and accommodation to hospital appointments and treatment.
However, once the patients pay the required fees, which can range from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars, the agents vanish, leaving the patients stranded and without the medical care they desperately need.
With this information in mind, I told my family about the advice and luckily I have a relative who once travelled to India for medical purposes so she referred me to the agent we ended up using. (I will place my contact details below for those who may want to follow the same route).
However, as a precautionary measure, I had to take quotations from other agents to compare at least three of them in terms of prices.
That is when I stumbled upon an entire world of underhand dealings by bogus agents shortchanging desperate patients.
Surprisingly the one I was referred to by my relative was very low and he did not want money upfront unlike the other ones who specifically wanted to be paid prior to starting the entire process.
We did not have money yet, they wanted about US$1 000 as some sort of consultation before we factored in other costs — the most important ones.
Everything seemed dubious and one could tell from the quotation which was not in detail and only mentioned the surgery without including the fee to see the doctor, transport as well as counselling sessions, among other things and I could feel that something was wrong.
To cut the long story short, I travelled to India with all of my costs factored into one bill which I got to pay directly to the hospital where I got my treatment.
Moreover, my detailed invoice proved to be comparatively cheaper than the other two quotations I had been given, which in one instance was more than double the amount I paid in the end.
In addition to providing more details and facilitating the process for other patients that may need to travel to India for medical purposes, I have also noted below, how ordinary Zimbabweans can avoid falling prey to scammers and bogus agents.
- Research thoroughly
Before engaging with any medical travel agency, patients should conduct comprehensive research. Look for agencies that have been in business for several years and check their credentials. Reviews and testimonials from credible sources can provide insight into their reputation.
- Verify affiliation with medical institutions
Legitimate travel agencies will have partnerships with accredited hospitals and clinics. Before paying for any services, verify the agency’s claims by contacting the hospital directly or searching for it online.
- Watch out for red flags
Be cautious of agencies that pressure you to make quick decisions or make guarantees of successful treatment. Many reputable agencies will offer consultations and time to reflect on your options. Additionally, ensure that there is an explanation of costs and transparency regarding the costs to be paid.
- Avoid upfront payments
No legitimate medical travel agency will require upfront costs. None whatsoever. Legitimate agents will often require deposits, but be wary of those demanding full payment upfront. Establish a payment plan and use secure methods of payment. Credit cards can offer some level of protection against fraud. If at all any money is to be paid, it has to be done directly to hospital accounts, verifiable and should match the quoted hospital amounts.
- Consult healthcare professionals
It is advisable for patients to consult their local healthcare providers for recommendations on trustworthy medical travel agencies. Doctors often have networks and can offer guidance based on other patients’ experiences.
- Avoid getting a raw deal
Every medical travel agency should be patient and empathetic. The costs never go up. Once ready to travel, the agency should inform you about the weather conditions and other arrangements that are needed for your safe arrival, like photographs for easy identification and authentication. Remember, all agents should be able to communicate with the family during each step of the journey.
Conclusion
Scammers are capitalising on the dire need for medical treatment among Zimbabweans and it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant in the face of these fraudulent tactics.
By conducting thorough research, verifying claims and being cautious with financial transactions, patients can better protect themselves from falling prey to con artists.
- The author is a Zimbabwean road traffic accident survivor. She can be contacted on [email protected] and 0711925773
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