Milaap, India’s leading medical crowdfunding platform, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest healthcare resource, “Making Healthcare Accessible in Bengaluru: A Caretaker’s Handbook.” This essential guide is designed to support patients and caregivers traveling to Bengaluru for medical treatment, providing them with vital information to navigate the city’s extensive healthcare network with ease and confidence. The handbook was officially launched by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, in the presence of esteemed experts from the city’s medical community and non-profit organizations.
Bengaluru has become a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting over lakhs of patients annually from across India and abroad due to its affordability, world-class healthcare facilities, and specialized treatments. Medical procedures in Bengaluru can cost up to 90% less than in Western countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality, cost-effective care. The city’s hospitals are equipped with the best doctors in the country, advanced technology, highly skilled professionals, and offer a range of specialized treatments, including cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Bengaluru’s reputation for integrating cutting-edge technology in healthcare, such as telemedicine and robotic surgeries, further enhances its appeal.
Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, while addressing the audience, said, “We would like to congratulate Milaap for having decided to come out with healthcare handbook which can be of great assistance to people to get various information regarding health facilities and many other allied information needed – whether it is the hospitals, pharmacy, ambulances or places of stay close to hospital.
Milaap is doing a lot of work for helping people. We all know the cost of healthcare, especially tertiary healthcare and also cutting-edge technology used for medical fields which can become expensive. It is a question of a person’s life and well-being and people always want to get the best available treatment for their beloved ones and go beyond their affordability. Many people go into financial crises because of that. I commend Milaap on the wonderful job they have been doing to help for the last 10 years.”
Anoj Viswanathan, Co-Founder of Milaap, stated, “Bengaluru’s rise as a hub for medical care is driven by its unique combination of affordability, quality, and specialization. This handbook is a step towards making healthcare more accessible and less daunting for everyone involved. We believe that healthcare support goes beyond hospital walls, and this resource is our contribution to making the journey smoother and more confident for patients and caregivers alike.”
He further added, “We are honored to have Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao with us today; his support adds immense value to the initiative and reinforces the importance of accessible healthcare for all.”
Dr. Sonal Asthana, “The handbook is a very important piece of information for patients. As you know patients travel within India for healthcare needs since healthcare needs are inadequately addressed across the country. In a place like Bangalore which is unfamiliar to many traveling for treatment, people end up often spending more money than healthcare expenses. The guidebook launched by Milaap will be very helpful to patients in their own languages.”
The event began with an insightful panel discussion titled “Navigating Healthcare Away from Home,” featuring distinguished experts from the medical community and non-profit organizations. The panelists, including Dr. Sonal Asthana, a renowned transplant surgeon, Anoj Viswanathan, Co-Founder of Milaap, Valli Narasimha from Samiksha Foundation, Dr. Shalini Nalwad from ICATT Ambulance Services, and Rizwan Ahmed of Gubbachi Learning Community, shared their expertise and experiences. They painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by patients and caregivers—from the initial shock of a diagnosis to the difficult decision of traveling to a new city for treatment. The discussion highlighted the daily struggles, emotional turmoil, and the pivotal role the community can play in supporting individuals throughout their healthcare journeys.
In addition to logistical support, the handbook ensures access to reliable resources. It includes information on trusted blood banks, medical centers, and other essential services, helping patients and their families connect with the right providers during their stay in Bengaluru. Designed with the caregiver in mind, the handbook aims to empower them by providing the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions during stressful times in an unfamiliar environment. The handbook, available in multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, and Bengali, can soon be accessed on Milaap’s platform and will be distributed through hospitals, NGOs, and support groups across Bengaluru.
Bengaluru is rapidly becoming a leading medical hub in India, with a high concentration of top-tier hospitals and internationally trained doctors, catering to a growing number of domestic and international patients. A recent study found that Bengaluru’s healthcare system is capable of accommodating more than 500,000 medical tourists each year, boasting an impressive 95% satisfaction rate among patients. Additionally, the city’s vibrant research institutions and healthcare startups are revolutionising service delivery. The city is projected to be a premier destination for medical tourism in the coming decade.
About Milaap:
Milaap is India’s most trusted, free crowdfunding platform for personal and social causes, particularly healthcare and related needs. It empowers individuals facing financial hardship to raise funds for essential needs, including tertiary healthcare, education, and community initiatives. Milaap leverages technology to ensure a seamless and transparent giving experience. Anyone in India can create a fundraiser, connecting with a vast online community to raise funds efficiently and securely. Milaap has funded over a million projects across India, with the support of donors from over 130 countries. It has become the preferred platform for individuals to raise and contribute funds towards their cherished causes in India.
