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US native praises Indian healthcare after emergency room visit
Kristen Fischer, with over 255k followers on Instagram, had to go to the hospital after sustaining a deep cut on her finger.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Mon, 22, Sep 2025
- 02:24 EDT
- 18
Kristen Fischer / Kristen Fischer via Instagram
A post by an American woman who has been living in Delhi has gone viral for its commentary on the healthcare systems of the two countries.
Kristen Fischer, a web developer and social media influencer with over 255k followers on Instagram, shared how a bleeding finger led her to realize the accessibility and affordability of India's healthcare system. In a now viral post on Instagram, Fischer narrated that she had to seek medical help after she sustained a deep cut on her finger while chopping vegetables.
She cycled to a nearby hospital and was brought to the emergency room. The doctor informed her that stitches weren't necessary, her wound was bandaged and she was soon sent back home after paying $0.57 (Rs 50).
She was impressed by both the proximity of medical help and the affordability of that help.
Talking about the incident, Fischer highlighted the pervasive nature of India's healthcare ecosystem. She noted, "I had a hospital in my neighborhood that was close enough for me to ride a cycle to. I got to this emergency room and there was no wait."
She noted that unlike her home-country, USA, healthcare in India is usually just a cycle-ride away.
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Pointing out the cost gap, she noted, "I was there for about 45 minutes and at the end they only charged me 50 rupees."
She added, "In America, if you step foot into an emergency room, you'll be charged a minimum of $2,000 just right off the bat."
Fischer's claims are backed by World Bank data on health expenditures in different countries. As per its 2022 Global Health Expenditure database, the per capita health expenditure in the USA is $12,434.43. This gigantic expense lies in stark contrast to India's modest $79.52 per capita health expenditure.
The post drew largely positive reactions from the social media community. Instagram users narrated their experiences with hospital visits in India. One user commented about how there are doctors in the country who handle many cases free of charge.
Another user noted, "There is an abundance of help in India. And not just help but medical help. It's wonderful and it never feels like it comes with strings attached."
Another user commented about her healthcare experience in India from two decades ago and said, "20 years ago I spent a week in an Indian hospital for dysentery and the bill came out to $97 US.
She added, "thinking of the equivalent in the US is terrifying."
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