Peter Tremain, a carpenter by profession from Auckland, suffering from the problem for the last four years, was advised by doctors there but had to wait a few years for getting treated under the Government health system, Dr Balasubramanian, Chief at the private Bragathi Hospital told reporters today.
Also he could not have the surgery in private hospitals because of the very high cost, some USD 30,000 (about Rs.20 lakh) and contacted the hospital through internet, he said.
Tremain, who was at the press meet, said coming to India, as part of medical tourism, was a good option and one could save lot of money, as the surgery cost was Rs three lakh here. Besides the treatment was on par with International standards.
"The replaced hip will stand good for another 25 years and he can do any work, as he is fit man now, Balasubramanian said, adding, Tremain is the fourth New Zealand national to undergo hip replacement surgery at the hospital.