Medical tourism triumph: Kenyan woman undergoes low-cost surgery at KGMU

Lucknow: A Kenyan woman received life-changing treatment at KGMU in Lucknow, where she underwent a minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery for just Rs 30,000. The same procedure would have cost her Rs 8-10 lakh in Kenya.The patient, Beldina Morra Nyakundi, was suffering from persistent lower back pain due to an L5-S1 intervertebral disc herniation, a condition that can severely impair mobility and quality of life. After exploring treatment options in Kenya, she opted for advanced yet affordable care in India.The surgery was conducted on July 2 by Prof Chhitij Srivastava from the neurosurgery department, along with his team — Dr Vishnu Vardhan and Dr Sahil Garg. Anaesthesia was administered under the supervision of anaesthesia department HOD Prof Monika Kohli.The endoscopic discectomy involved minimal incisions, resulting in less post-operative discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Within hours of the surgery, Nyakundi was reported to be stable and mobile.Expressing her gratitude, Nyakundi said, "I was living in pain for years. What I experienced here — both in terms of care and cost — was beyond what I imagined. I feel hopeful again."Prof B K Ojha, HOD of neurosurgery department, said such successful cases underscore India's position as a preferred destination for medical tourism and its capability to offer advanced care to international patients.