Dubai: Dr Rajesh Garg, Delhi's once well known knee replacement surgeon, is completing 8 years of his practice in Dubai. Currently orthopaedic surgeon in HMS Garhoud Hospital, rated as one of the best, his numbers of knee replacement would be 500 at most. Compared to number of over 3500 in nearly 16 years of his stint in Delhi as knee replacement surgeon in Max hospitals, his Dubai tally may seem miniscule. But, if you count in terms of quality of outcome and satis- faction to patients, it is huge, far excelling what he felt back home.
Once a well entrenched orthopedic Surgeon in Delhi, Dr Garg flaunts Dubai number with élan because for this UAE city where knee replace- ment surgeries are only about10 percent of what takes place in Delhi, it is quite an impressive number. On scale of quality of outcome of sur- gery, he has come off as a perfect 10. In Delhi days, Dr Rajesh Garg had earned much spotlight because of his 'iconic' 93 year old lady patient who did Bhangra in a marriage party after her knee replacement by Dr Garg. Ever since, Dr Garg wears her as a badge of honor on his sleeve. Talking to this writer on phone, Dr Garg nostalgically remembered her.
Dr Garg's current ribbon of fame is 62 year old Liberian patient MrsTupi, niece of about 80 years old President of the country Joseph Nyumah Boakai. Mrs Tupai returned back to Dubai after 5 years to get another knee replacement surgery at HMS Gahoud Hospital by Dr Rajesh Garg. Yes, of course, she got her first knee replacement done by Dr Garg 5years back when he was at Thumbay Hospital in 2019. She did not worry a bit about 1.5 times cost difference because she believed that when it comes to skilled surgery like knee replacement cost should not be much of a consideration.
A skilled and experienced surgeon is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome for any medical procedure. Their expertise can signifi- cantly impact the success of the surgery, recov- ery time, and overall results. High-quality care often leads to fewer complications, better results, and a smoother recovery process. Absolutely, when it comes to medical procedures, the expertise of the surgeon often takes prece- dence over factors like distance and cost as is amply exemplified by MrsTupi. Dr Garg is now a name to reckon with for such high profile clien-
tele as Mrs Tupi from India and other countries choosing Dubai for knee replacement. Mostly high profile patients choose Dubai for the knee replacement procedure.
Delhi experience of course came handy for Dr Garg in easily getting license for medical practice in Dubai as it is preceded by due diligence by health authorities there. Talking to Medicare News, Dr Garg says, 'As a surgeon, I never sweated about number surgeries I got to do. Dubai proved a perfect fit for me to hone my skills of knee replacement to near perfection. I came to Dubai in search of perfect setting for best outcome in knee replacement. This UAE city provided me that. On that score, I found Dubai much better place compared to Delhi. For me numbers were always secondary. What I yearned for was best outcomes and 100 percent patient satisfaction. If distance and cost does not consti- tute your major concern, I would rather you much choose Dubai for Knee replacement because the setting and the regulation here ensures faultless outcomes in all medical proce- dures including knee replacement.'
Giving Dubai Health Authority (DHA) a fair share of credit for excellent treatment outcomes, Dr Garg further adds, 'no nonsense DHA is a stick- ler for best medical practice. The healthcare reg- ulator here keeps you on toe. If you think such monitoring by medical mandarins is a tall order in Delhi, you may be spot on. For Knee replace- ment to be successful spot on Dubai is certainly a go to place if you can afford a little more. Dubai is a perfect setting for seamless and care contin- uum in healthcare. Botched up surgeries are few and far between in Dubai.'
Dr Garg adds, 'for a flawless knee replacement surgery, there needs to be a perfect OT and a perfect team. In Dubai, you cannot wish other- wise. In case of any mishap, which is a rarity, every member of the team has to be answerable be it doctor or nurse or technician. DHA is so vig- ilant that cutting corners is not at all an option. You do it at your peril. If you are thriving in Dubai as a clinician, it simply means you do not need any certificate of good practice. '
If you take Dr Garg's perspective as a surgeon, Dubai is nirvana for people with somewhat deep pocket in search of world class healthcare com- bined with unparalleled luxury. Dubai bling justi- fies itself in terms of quality of outcome of healthcare especially surgeries, knee replace- ment surgery included. Dubai's burgeoning medical tourism sector is a testament to its com- mitment to providing world-class healthcare combined with unparalleled luxury. The city's advanced facilities; skilled professionals and exceptional patient experience make it a leading destination for those seeking medical treatments abroad. As the industry continues to grow, Dubai is poised to further solidify its position as a glob- al hub for medical tourism, attracting patients from all corners of the world. According to Dr Garg Medical tourism in Dubai is a growing industry, attracting patients from around the world due to the city's advanced healthcare facil- ities, skilled professionals, and luxurious servic- es. Many of these facilities are accredited by international organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring high standards of care. Patients and their families can enjoy high-end accommodations and services, as Dubai offers a range of luxury hotels and resorts. Some hospitals also provide concierge services to assist with travel and accommodation arrange- ments. Dubai's central location makes it easily accessible from many parts of the world. Dubai adheres to strict legal and ethical standards in healthcare and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and other regulatory bodies oversee the quality and safety of healthcare services, ensuring that international standards are met.
In summary, while distance and cost are impor- tant factors, the qualifications, experience, and reputation of the surgeon are paramount in ensuring successful outcomes and overall satis- faction with the medical procedure. Prioritizing these aspects can lead to better results and a more positive healthcare experience, with a Dubai bling.