"Had it not been for The Taj Medical Group, we would not
have taken this leap of faith in coming to India, Excellent
service, thank you."
"We were referred to the Apollo Hospital by The Taj Medical
Group and our treatment both from them and everyone at the hospital
has been excellent. Dr Gulati was even here to see us when we
arrived at 2am! Everyone at the hospital are very friendly and
welcoming as well as dedicated and professional. Whatever you
require they are all very eager to please and even went to get
Elliot a McDonalds. The whole experience has been very good
and memorable."
I thought I would let you know how Elliot is doing. He has just
been for his 6 month check up at our local hospital where the
consultant said he was doing brilliantly well. He has now gone
back to swimming which he is building up gradually. He had an
x-ray 3 months after and everything was fine and he is going
to have an other one in 6 months time. He has had no pain at
all since leaving the hospital which is amazing. We have also
just had his school report which was excellent.
So all in all we could not be more pleased with how everything
has turned out and can not thank you enough for the brilliant
operation and care we received as Elliot would not have been
able to go back to school and get on with his life so quickly
if we had not come to you for the operation.
Thank you again for all your help.
Mrs. Karen and her son, Elliot Knott, UK
Spondylolisthesis (spinal surgery)
August 2005
Ms.
Susan Sargent
"Have immensely enjoyed my stay; the surgery was performed
with instant success & all kindness and care shown by the
staff & nursing team. From initial contact with The Taj
Medical Group to the day of my surgery was 19 days. Incredible
when you realize I was told to wait 13-16 weeks to even see
a consultant in UK & then expected 18 months wait for surgery.
For me to be pain free from the moment I woke after surgery
makes Dr. Yash Gulati a miracle worker in my mind. Many thanks
to all & you will be well recommended by me back in the
UK."
Mrs. Susan Sargent, UK
Spinal surgery to eleviate a trapped nerve
August 2005
Mrs.
Averill Dollery
Averill, who lives in Worcestershire, also can't get an operation
to fix her back. The National Health Service considers that
her weight problem would make the spinal surgery she requires
too dangerous.
Salvation is now here in the shape of the Taj Medical Group.
Agents who connect British patients with medical services in
India.
India saved Averill's life. Thank you is not enough - I mean
what can you say? You can't say anything except you saved our
life.
Roger Dollery
Letter of thanks to surgeon
Dear Dr Vaishya,
Averill and I would like to thank you and everybody else involved
in her recent operations and aftercare for the efforts you made
on her behalf.
"Thank You" is so inadequate an expression for our
gratitude but alas we can think of no other. Averill's progress
since our return has been remarkable; again thanks to the work
by the Physiotherapists on providing such a good grounding on
returning her muscles to work.
Our GP arranged for Physiotherapy as soon as we returned and
the first visit was about a week after our return. At that point
they said Averill's recovery was what they would have expected
at that time after a knee replacement in England. However at
their visit yesterday they considered her knee movement, muscle
strength etc was much further forward than other similar patients.
She is able to walk about 10 times further than she could before
the operations and is only limited by tiredness not by any pain.
She has not had any of the pain that she used to have because
of her back, she can feel her legs and feet and has much better
bladder control because she now knows when her bladder is getting
full. Again, we can't thank you enough for all that you have
done for Averill and I will keep you up to date with progress
at the next milestone.
Roger and Averill Dollery
Letter of Progress to Surgeon
Dear Dr Vaishya
The Physiotherapist visited Averill yesterday and said her progress
was so good that there was no need for them to come again. They
suggested that she continue using two sticks for about one more
week and then only use the left stick as this will help her
walk upright more so than using the right stick.
As she is now more mobile she is losing weight (about 3 inches
from her waist). The Physiotherapist suggested contacting her
GP because the support belt is getting too big and he may be
able to arrange for a better fitting belt to take her through
to February which is the time you suggested she should be supported
to.
The other bit of information I am more than pleased to be able
to pass on to you is the Physiotherapists comments on her operation
sites. She asked to check the sites and after seeing them pursed
her lips, shook her head slowly and said that you were a very
skilful surgeon. We knew that, but it was nice to have it confirmed
by another professional.
Again, very many thanks for all you have done for Averill.
Roger Dollery
Health and Safety Manager
West Mercia Constabulary
Mrs. Averill Dollery, UK
Spinal surgery to alleviate a trapped nerve
October 2005
Mrs.
Heidi Rogers
Dear Dipa,
Thank you for your Christmas message.
As you know, Heidi spent a week in Delhi diagnosing her problems.
She was very pleased with the arrangements and the attention
she received at the Apollo. They have diagnosed two problems,
a slipped disc and a frozen shoulder. The cost of the tests,
scans and consultations was minimal compared to the equivalent
cost in the UK, and all were conducted within the space of a
few days.
Unfortunately, despite being armed with the comprehensive results,
she has met the same wall of total indifference and inactivity
from the British medical system. She continues to suffer severe
pain and is quite desperate to find a resolution. We are perservering
to get effective treatment here, but I fear that this will probably
be to no avail. If this is the case then Heidi may well consider
returning to India again for treatment, probably early in the
New Year. We will be in touch again when we have decided what
to do.
Our best regards for the season to you and your colleagues in
Delhi.
Peter Rogers
Hello
Dipa & Rebecca
“Thanks for your e-mail. Please find feedback form and
note comments included. Heidi is doing really well and recovering
remarkably considering that it is still less than two weeks
since she underwent a major 5 hour spinal operation. Her original
back and leg pains have disappeared but she has difficult sitting
or standing still. However each day brings improvement and we
are confident that these problems will recede with time.
We can only commend Dr Yash Gulati for his skill, courtesy and
professionalism. The procedure he carried out, we believe is
generally not available in the UK. On our return, we have discovered
an American website http://www.spineuniversity.com/public/spinesub.asp?id=103
This shows the procedure which we believe was similar if not
identical to that received by Heidi, although we think that
the recovery times quoted are optimistic to say the least. Please
feel free to ring us at home if we can elaborate further”.
Regards
Peter & Heidi
Mrs Heidi Rogers, UK
Spinal Disc Replacement surgery
January 2006
Ms. Parry said she had been given a new lease of life by surgeons
5,000 miles away in Bangalore. The 59-year-old woman, who has
three sons and four grandchildren, flew to India after being
told by a clinic at Ysbyty Gwynedd that there was nothing they
could do for her.
Ms. Parry, who runs a garage with her husband in Glan Conwy,
was back home in North Wales on Monday night following a successful
operation in Bangalore where she was given VIP treatment.
She said, "It is absolutely fantastic. I just can't get
used to not being in pain anymore."
Her back troubles began two-and-a half-years ago. "I hadn't
any problems before and I went along to see my GP,'' she said.
" I was referred to the pain clinic at Ysbyty Gwynedd but
was told nothing could be done,'' she added.
The Parrys got in touch with The Taj Medical Group in Warwickshire.
"We sent them a copy of the scan and they referred my case
to surgeons at the Ramaiah Memorial Hospital in Bangalore, which
was set up as a trust. I was in e-mail contact with neuro-surgeon
Ravi Varma at the hospital,'' she said.
"The operation was carried out by Dr. Varma, and his father,
who is a renowned surgeon in India, on November 6, five days
after we arrived,'' she added.
We got in touch with Taj Medical and got to know about Apollo
Hospitals. No further searches were needed as Ms. Deepa Jethwa
and Ms. Rebecca Holt immediately provided initial information
on the hospital. Researching Dr. Gulati and Apollo showed a
level of professionalism we required to travel 10,000 Kms to
have surgery outside Canada. Numerous entries on Dr. Gulati
on the web gave us the confidence to have serious back surgeries
far from home. The Hospital's JCI Accreditation supplemented
by Dr. Gulati e-mail responses to over 15 enquiries showed that
India could give the same level of services (medical and other)
that Canada could. The difference was the speed in which the
operation took place after our very first contact with Taj around
6th November 2005. We arrive in India on 12th December with
surgery on the 15th a complication delayed our departure. The
standard of medical attention surpasses Canada's. Staff are
friendly courteous and efficient. Canada does not pay for out
of country pre-existing condition surgery but we have no regrets.
The costs to us are significantly less than if we went to the
USA and the wait time in Canada is 8 months to 2 years to just
to see a specialist. Then you wait another 3 - 12 months for
surgery. We anticipate significant improvement as all pre-operation
pain is gone and Marlene is starting to walk again. We come
to India for one reason - to stop Marlene's pain so she could
lead a normal life again. It appears we met that goal successfully
and met true professionals along the way. Thank you Ms. Dimple
Bali for smoothing the few rough spots, Dr. Gulati and associates
for restoring Marlene's health and Apollo staff for a healthy
clean environment.
Marlene Smith, Onterio, Canada
Spinal Surgery
December 2005
Master
Mohsin Ali
Dear Dipa,
Aploogies for the delay in responding but I have
only just returned to the UK and a computer which works!
The
following is what I wrote in the Apollo Comments Book when
we left and please feel free to use any of it on your web
page.
"Mohsin is an 8 year old Pakistani orphan from the SOS Village
in Karachi. He needed urgent spinal fusion surgery to give
him the chance of a normal life. The operation was not possible
in Pakistan but we heard about the Apollo Hospital and Dr
Yash Gulati through The Taj Medical Group. The care Mohsin
has received from Dr Gulati and his team has been exceptional.
The individual attention he has received has surpassed anything
I have experienced in the UK Health Service in the past 5
years, whether it be National Health or Private.
The operation appears to have been a success and the post-operative
care given to Mohsin has been meticulous but above all warm
and friendly. In spite of the discomfort Mohsin was able to
smile because he felt loved. Dr Gulati made a point of visiting
Mohsin at least once a day and Mohsin respected him and trusted
him absolutely. All the nurses made such a big fuss of Mohsin
that we love them all, particularly S/N Sherin who saw Mohsin
through the first difficult post - operative nights and gave
him the most wonderful soothing bed baths. The housekeeping
services were excellent. I wish the UK NHS was half as efficient
and clean and everything done with a smile!
The food was very good and Mohsin's dietician, Shadan, so
thoughtful, following up on everything he said. I also loved
the food though I can appreciate that those with a Western
palate might find the choice limited. Ravi, in Physiotherapy,
won Mohsin's confidence and eventually had him walking unaided
before discharge. The gentlemen who transported Mohsin to
Physio every day were just that - gentle men who took great
care of Mohsin.
As Mohsin's guardian, I was initially very apprehensive as
to whether I had made the right decision in bringing Mohsin
to Delhi but our experience proved that the decision to bring
Mohsin to the Apollo was correct. Our thanks go to Dipa and
The Taj Medical Group for introducing us to the Apollo Hospital
and Dr Gulati and our deepest gratitude to Dr Gulati and his
team for helping Mohsin to "walk tall". At the Apollo you
are treated as a VIP and not just another number in the system.
I will have no hesitation in recommending the Apollo and Dr
Gulati to everyone I know in the UK and Pakistan." Mohsin's
5 hour operation took place on 18th July and he was discharged
on 29th July. We then stayed at the Hotel Savoia until 2nd
August when we flew back to Karachi. The hotel was clean,
comfortable and very friendly. Mohsin has to wear a spinal
brace for 4 months, to be removed only for showering, and
then he will have an x-ray. I will send this to Dr Gulati
to see how things are progressing. I have arranged for Mohsin
to receive physiotherapy daily to strengthen his leg muscles.
As part of this exercise regime he has received a new bike
which he must ride every day!
Mohsin with Nurse Sherin, with whom he got on so well, S/N
Sherin saw Mohsin through the first difficult post - operative
nights and gave him the most wonderful soothing bed baths.
The care Mohsin has received from Dr Gulati and his team
has been exceptional. The individual attention he has received
has surpassed anything I have experienced in the UK Health
Service in the past 5 years, whether it be National Health
or Private.
Dipa, if there is anything else you need to know please
let me know. I will be away from the 5th- 20th September.
Thanks for everything. I will send a couple more photos separately.
Kay
Kay Lanes, UK (Mohsin's Guardian)
Spinal Surgery
July 2006
Mary
Crumley
Dear Dipa,
Mary and Noe are back in their home, and I in mine as of yesterday.
All is well, Mary is healing very well. We would like to know
of rehabilitation excercises that she can do which won't do
any harm. Mary is eager to get strong and fit and lose some
weight. Is that something Dr. Gulati could advise her on?
Thank you for all your gracious assistance; we are so glad
that Mary got her surgery done by Dr. Gulati. He and his team
were impressive and we are grateful to them all. Sincerely,
Janet McGahan for Mary Crumley
Hello Dipa,
I received your request for a testimonial from Mary; she does not have email, so I will forward this to Maggie and she can work with Mary there in Port Townsend.
These two photos I thought might be useful for the testimonial--The one of Mary in blue (sitting on bed) was taken one week after surgery. The other was taken two weeks after surgery when we visited the Taj Mahal. (I, sister Janet, in orange next to Mary.)
Thank you, Dipa. (I loved hearing your voice on the phone while we were at Apollo.)
Please give Dr. Gulati our regards.
Mary is doing fine and getting back into her working and exercising mildly.
Janet McGahan (Mary's Sister)
Mary Crumley, USA
2-level cervical disc replacement surgery (Keneflex disc)
July 2006
Mr.
Stephen Mobley
Stephen Mobley, 44 had been suffering with chronic back
pain for the last two years. He could not walk (more than
200m), stand or sleep very well and was prescribed high
doses of morphine for pain relief.
Shortly after contacting The Taj Medical Group, Stephen
underwent spinal surgery at their Specialist Clinic in Cologne,
Germany. The operation comprised placing a flexible Dorsal
Spacer Implant. Stephen, (left) is pictured here with his
parants.
Below is a short note from his father, David soon after
the operation.
Dear Dipa,
I thought that it is time I wrote to express our sincere
thanks for your kind assistance in arranging surgery for
our son Steve aged 44.
If I have worked it out correctly we first contacted you
around 20th November 2006 and Steve actually had his surgery
in Cologne on Tuesday 23 January 2007.
From our first contact with you we were provided with detailed
information about hospitals and surgeons around the world
and at one time we thought that we might go to India for
the surgery, after you had kindly arranged for us to speak
to the surgeon in India, but we felt that the long flight
would probably prove very painful for Steve with his Lumbar
Disc problem.
We were therefore, very pleased when you mentioned that
there was an excellent Dutch Surgeon at the MediaPark Klinik
in Cologne who could carry out the operation which Steve
needed, known as a Dorsal Spacer Implant, at a much lower
cost than the UK, had it been available in the UK, which
it is not.
We also want to thank you for helping us to find a suitable
hotel in Cologne for my wife and myself.
As you know, we flew to Cologne on Sunday evening with Easyjet
from East Midlands, and on the Monday morning a taxi picked
us up at the hotel and took us through Cologne to the Medserena
Clinic where Steve had an upright MRI scan, which was then
sent over to the MediaPark Klinik and we were taken over
there, again by taxi, where Steve was checked over and everything
arranged for his operation on the following day, Tuesday.
The Klinik was a very large and splendid place with every
modern facility and very clean and pleasant. The operation
was carried out early on Tuesday morning with no problems
at all and the treatment was first class in every respect.
On Wednesday we sat down with Doctor Simmons and he explained
and demonstrated with the aid of a model of the spine just
how and where the implant was fitted. It is very flexible
and light and moves with the spine, as opposed to the UK
version which we also saw, which was very rigid and tied
to the spine with tapes.
On Thursday evening we returned home and Steve has been
feeling much less pain from the Lumbar Region and the small
incision (just over one inch) has healed nicely.
To anyone who is thinking of using Taj Medical we would
say "Don`t hesitate, you will receive a first class
service, at no cost to yourself, and there is even a freephone
number to use when calling Dipa at Taj Medical in Coventry".
Please feel free to use this letter as yet another in a
long list of testimonials and if anyone wishes to ask us
about any aspect of your service we will be happy to speak
to them.
David
David Mobley, (Father of Stephen, 44)
Staffordshire, UK
Spinal Surgery, Dorsal Spacer Implant
January 2007
Mr.
Ted Grenier
Hey Sabina,
Here is a photo of a recent trip that I took to the
Gulf of Mexico.
I could not have taken this trip before my operation
as I would have been too concerned with being able to
deal with extreme pain and discomfort. I am extremely
grateful to Taj Medical and of course Dr. Rajakumar and
his entire staff at the Wockhardt hospital in Bangalore.
Hope to talk to you soon.
Ted Grenier.
Hello Sabina,
Thanks for the greeting. I am sorry it has taken me so
long to respond to your e-Mail. Since the day that I returned
to the U.S. I have felt a compelling need to relate my
experience to the people in my country as well as the
rest of the world.
There are many who feel the sense of hopelessness that
I experienced, who also believe they have no options and
that their life will lead to a never ending struggle with
chronic and debilitating pain. Nothing could be further
from the truth !!! The level of care that I received in
Bangalore was extremely professional and compassionate.
As I reflect back upon my experience several things have
become clear to me.
First of all I realize how truly lucky and blessed I
am for having come upon your website at Taj Medical. This
was the all important first step in my search for viable
options to address my significant medical condition. After
contacting Taj Medical through Dipa I was able to find
answers to my questions and concerns very quickly.
The cost for my particular spinal operation was clearly
and accurately communicated to me in a mater of a few
days. As a matter of fact it turned out to be completely
accurate. This made it possible for me to arrange the
finances to make it happen. Upon arriving at the Wockhardt
hospital in Bangalore, I was afforded the highest possible
level of medical care. The nurses were extremely attentive
and the facilities were better than I had ever imagined.
The medical staff in my opinion was world class. I was
greeted by the assistants of my surgeon the morning after
my initial arrival. They made me feel comfortable and
explained the schedule of medical tests that would be
performed before the operation. These tests were carried
out quickly and efficiently. After the tests were completed
I was paid a visit by my Surgeon. He is none other than
Dr. Rajakumar who happens to be one of the most accomplished
neurosurgeons in the world. Dr. Raj as I will call him
explained to me exactly what he would be doing in the
operating room.
The MRI and CT scans were shown to me and he illustrated
which disc would be replaced and how it would be done.
I was initially told that I may need to have two discs
replaced based upon the review of prior medical reports
and tests in the U.S. However after reviewing the tests
and images done in Bangalore, Dr. Raj determined that
I would need to have only one disc in my neck replaced.
This was significant as I was given a refund of over $4,000
dollars from the original quoted price of the operation.
I actually ended staying in the hospital four days longer
than was planned !!!
My spacious private room was equipped with a complete
computer setup. I did not need a laptop as all equipment
was in the room as well as a TV. The Internet connection
was very important and ended up being my umbilical cord
to the people in my life. I chose to go to Bangalore by
myself as I did not want to effect my family any more
than I needed to. I can truly and honestly say that it
was the absolute right decision. I never once felt isolated
or alone while I was there.
After my operation Dr. Rajakumar and his devoted assistants
came to my room to check on my condition every other day
until I was released. (four times) During these visits
Dr. Rajakumar encouraged me and was instrumental in my
mental recovery. He would arrive on these visits dressed
in his operating greens as he was obviously performing
his amazing craft each and every day. His cell phone would
ring several times as he was in my room. Dr. Raj is on
call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This man is no ordinary
human being. Just so you know Dr. Rajakumar is a neurosurgeon
who performs both brain and spinal surgeries. He has removed
hundreds of cancerous tumors in and around the brain and
performed numerous complicated spinal procedures. He is
I believe one of the first surgeons in the entire world
to successfully remove a tumor from the brain without
penetrating the skull by entering through the nasal cavity.
I relate these details to anyone who is reading this because
I believe you should know what type of professional doctors
are on staff in Bangalore.
I cannot say enough about the dedication and professionalism
exhibited by the entire staff including the nurses, lab
technicians, physical rehab director, his staff and all
the employees at the Wockfordt Hospital in Bangalore.
I was attended to each and every day during my time in
the hospital.
My refrigerator was stocked daily with fresh juice and
water. Three meals per day were delivered to my room.
I was allowed to choose each meal from a menu. Fresh coffee
and several newspapers were delivered each and every morning.
The room, shower and bathroom was extremely spacious and
clean. The hallways outside my room were always clear
of equipment and debris.The nurse stations were fully
staffed and professionally run. The hospital was very
modern and well equipped. The lobby floor which houses
the pharmacy, check-in and billing area was very comfortable
and efficient.
As I reflect upon my experience I can say that if you
choose to come to the Wockfordt Hospital in Bangalore
you should expect to be treated as an important human
being by people who are extremely caring, professional,
accomplished and dedicated to their patients.
If there are any who would like to contact my with their
questions I would be more than happy to furnish them with
whatever information I can regarding my experience before
during and after my operation in Bangalore.
Ted Grenier.
Ted Grenier (45)
Austin Texas, USA
Artificial Disc Replacement
November 2007
News Coverage of Ted Grenier's Surgery - Special
Health Feature on CBS 42 Medical Watch Texas, USA
Copyright
© The Taj Medical Group, All Rights Reserved
Master
Elliot Knott
Ms.
Susan Sargent
Mrs.
Averill Dollery
Mrs.
Heidi Rogers
Hello
Dipa & Rebecca
Mrs.
Ellen Parry
Mr.
Paul & Mrs. Marlene Smith
Master
Mohsin Ali
Mary
Crumley 
Mr.
Stephen Mobley 
Mr.
Ted Grenier
