Pediatric & Neonatal

Neonatology cares for premature/high-risk newborns in advanced NICUs; pediatrics spans general & subspecialty care (cardiology, neurology, GI, oncology, orthopedics) and pediatric surgery. India offers modern NICU/PICU capability with costs far below Western systems and coordinated support for visas, lodging, and follow-ups via MediHeal International.

• Newborns with prematurity, low birthweight, respiratory distress, sepsis, jaundice, or congenital anomalies needing NICU support.
• Infants/children requiring pediatric surgery (hernia/hydrocele, pyloric stenosis, appendectomy, biliary atresia, hypospadias) or minimally invasive thoracoscopic/laparoscopic procedures.
• Children with cardiac defects (ASD/VSD/TOF, PDA) needing pediatric cardiology or cardiac surgery in specialized programs.
• Complex medical conditions needing PICU (severe infection, respiratory failure, seizures, metabolic crises) or multidisciplinary subspecialty input.

• Advanced NICU/PICU capability (ventilators, surfactant therapy, TPN, neonatal surgery) with multidisciplinary teams.
• Costs significantly lower than Western systems with transparent, itemized packages and shorter waits.
• International programs coordinate rapid referrals, tele-consults, quotes, visas, accommodation, and post-discharge follow-ups.

• Match families to networked NICU/PICU and pediatric subspecialty centers (neonatal surgery, pediatric cardiac, minimally invasive pediatric surgery).
• Provide transparent, itemized quotes (ICU level, ventilator days, devices/lines, step-down plan) with clear inclusions/exclusions.
• Coordinate visas for child and up to two attendants, airport transfers, nearby lodging, interpreters, and structured tele-reviews.

• Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)— Prematurity, RDS, sepsis, jaundice, NEC, congenital anomalies; peri-operative NICU for cardiac & GI surgery.
• Pediatric Surgery— Hernia/hydrocele, pyloric stenosis, appendectomy, Hirschsprung’s, biliary atresia, hypospadias; thoracoscopic/laparoscopic options.
• Pediatric Cardiology/Cardiac Surgery— ASD/VSD/TOF repairs, PDA ligation, staged single-ventricle palliation in specialized programs.
• Pediatric Subspecialties— Neurology, GI/hepatology, oncology/hemato-oncology, orthopedics, nephrology; coordinated PICU support when needed.

1. Pre-arrival

   • Share prenatal/birth records, discharge notes, imaging/labs, growth charts, and current medications for triage and a provisional plan.
   • Receive itemized estimates and likely ICU level (NICU/PICU), ventilator probability, and anticipated length of stay.

2. Admission & Stabilization

   • Triage to NICU/PICU; respiratory/hemodynamic stabilization; infection screening and nutrition/lactation planning.
   • Consent, anesthesia assessment (if surgical), and family orientation to ICU protocols.

3. Procedure / ICU Course

   • Surgery or targeted therapy as indicated; ventilator/TPN as needed; daily multidisciplinary rounds.
   • Parent education on kangaroo care, hygiene, feeding plans; counseling on expected milestones.

4. Discharge & Follow-up

   • Criteria: feeding, temperature stability, weight gain, and caregiver readiness; vaccination & medication plan provided.
   • Scheduled tele-follow-ups; growth & neurodevelopmental clinic visits; cardiology/surgery reviews as applicable.

1. NICU Course

   Days to weeks based on gestation, birthweight, and complications; discharge when feeding, temperature, and weight milestones are met.

2. PICU/Surgical

   Median PICU stay ~5 days in tertiary settings; longer with severe illness/ventilation; pediatric surgery inpatient stays vary by procedure.

3. Outpatient

   Ongoing growth, neurodevelopmental, immunization, and specialty clinics; caregiver education continues post-discharge.

• Access to specialized NICU/PICU teams, pediatric anesthesiology, and comprehensive subspecialties under one roof.
• Minimally invasive pediatric surgical options where appropriate, supporting shorter stays and faster recovery.
• Structured international support reduces logistics stress for families.

• Request itemized quotes for ICU level, ventilator days, device use (PICC/central lines), and step-down plans to avoid surprise costs.

• India’s medical visa covers child treatment and typically allows up to two medical attendants on linked visas.
• Documents: passport, medical reports, hospital invitation, proof of funds; minors require additional paperwork per consular guidance; FRRO/FRO registration may be required for longer stays.

• Compile antenatal/birth records, imaging, vaccine history, medication lists, and allergy information.
• Plan for extended stays near the hospital; arrange caregiver rotation; prepare for lactation support and specialized feeding equipment if advised.
• Clarify coverage/TPA requirements and bring digital copies of all documents.

• Lactation and nutrition counseling; kangaroo care and safe-sleep practices.
• Neurodevelopmental follow-up, physiotherapy/OT/speech as indicated; immunization catch-up where applicable.
• Scheduled tele-reviews and local pediatrician handover for continuity.