West Asia airspace closure hits patients seeking treatment in Bengaluru hospitals

Bengaluru: The closure of key West Asia airspace amid the escalating tension has hit critical patients seeking treatment in hospitals in India. 

Many tertiary care hospitals in Bengaluru, that routinely receive referrals from Gulf countries, say surgical interventions, patients scheduled for transplant procedures, and follow-up treatments are facing some delay. However, some hospitals are offering online consultations.  

The hospitals in the city have the highest number of patients coming in from Oman, followed by Saudi Arabia, Dubai and other countries.  

Speaking to DH, Dr Deepshika Raj, Group GM - International Healthcare Services, Sparsh Hospital, said, “Oman is where we get the maximum number of patients, followed by other countries. Patients mainly come here for Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and cancer and cancer-related treatments.”

“It is still too soon for us to decide whether delaying the procedures scheduled is ideal; we will continue to monitor the situation,” she added.

The international wing Aster CMI, Hebbal, said, “We regularly receive patients from Iran, UAE for consultations and treatment. Currently, however, all our international patients have returned to their home countries. We continue to offer online consultations for international patients. If, after the online assessment, the doctor determines that an in-person visit is medically necessary, we will advise the patient accordingly.” 

“We regularly receive international patients for treatment related to Paediatrics, Cardiology, Urology, Gynaecology, and Gastroenterology,” they added.

A senior medical practitioner with Narayana Health City in Bommasandra said, “There are temporary disruptions or delays in the patient’s planned visits, particularly if they were scheduled for time-sensitive or advanced procedures. However, our teams remain in close coordination with patients and facilitators to reschedule consultations and treatments as required, ensuring continuity of care wherever possible. “ 

“Historically, patients from countries such as Iraq, Yemen, and the UAE have primarily sought advanced cardiac care with us, while those from Oman, Yemen, and Iraq have travelled for specialised treatments, including BMT and oncology services,” the hospital authorities said.