How to Plan ASO Surgery in India as an International Patient: The Complete Logistics Guide

Step-by-step logistics for arranging ASO surgery in India — echo review, medical visa, hospital admission, travel, accommodation, and discharge.

By Gaf Healthcare Editorial Team

2026-05-17

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GAF Healthcare coordinates all steps at no charge to the family."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How long does the Indian medical visa take for a neonatal cardiac emergency?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For genuine neonatal emergencies, the Indian e-MedVisa can be processed in 24 to 48 hours when urgency is clearly documented. The hospital invitation letter — which GAF Healthcare prepares within hours of receiving the echo — is the critical document for the visa application. Some Indian embassies and consulates process urgent neonatal cardiac cases on the same day of application."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Can a newborn on prostaglandin travel on a commercial flight to India?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes — in most cases. A haemodynamically stable neonate on prostaglandin E1 can travel commercially with appropriate medical escort. The prostaglandin infusion is continued throughout the flight. GAF Healthcare assesses the clinical summary with the treating physician before making a transport recommendation. Haemodynamically unstable neonates may require air ambulance transfer — we advise on this case by case."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What documents do I need to arrange ASO surgery in India?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For the hospital: echocardiogram report, clinical summary and discharge notes, any cardiac CT or cardiac MRI, blood group, and passport copies for the patient and accompanying family members. For the visa: completed e-MedVisa application, hospital invitation letter from the Indian hospital (prepared by GAF Healthcare), passport, recent passport photograph, and proof of financial means. GAF Healthcare prepares the hospital invitation letter and walks you through the visa application."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How long will my family need to stay in India for ASO surgery?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"International families should plan for 30 to 45 days total: 7–14 days in the neonatal cardiac ICU, 5–7 days on the cardiac ward, and 10–21 days of post-discharge observation before the child is medically cleared to fly home. The treating cardiologist confirms fitness to fly at the final outpatient review, typically at 35 to 40 days post-surgery."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What is the cost of ASO surgery in India for international patients?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The arterial switch operation costs USD 5,500–9,000 all-inclusive in India for international patients — covering surgery, neonatal cardiac ICU for 7–14 days, bypass circuit, cardiac ward stay, echocardiography, and pre/post-operative workup. TGA with VSD costs USD 7,000–11,000. Including flights and accommodation, the total family cost is approximately USD 9,000–18,000."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Which airport should I fly into for ASO surgery in India?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It depends on the hospital chosen. For Narayana Health Bangalore: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), 45 minutes from the hospital. For AIIMS New Delhi, Fortis Escorts, and Medanta: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. For Apollo Chennai: Chennai International Airport (MAA), 30–45 minutes. GAF Healthcare advises on the nearest airport and airport-to-hospital transfer arrangements for each family."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Can I get a remote surgical opinion before travelling to India?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. GAF Healthcare arranges remote case reviews for every family. Send the echocardiogram, any cardiac CT, and the clinical summary via WhatsApp or email. The surgical team provides a written opinion on operability, urgency, coronary anatomy classification, and recommended approach — usually within 24 hours, at no charge to the family."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What accommodation is available for families during the India stay?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"All five hospitals recommended by GAF Healthcare have family guest houses or partner accommodation within walking distance of the cardiac unit. Costs range from USD 20–60 per night depending on the hospital and room type. GAF Healthcare arranges accommodation as part of our coordination service — families do not need to research or book this independently."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How does GAF Healthcare coordinate ASO surgery in India — and what does it cost the family?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"GAF Healthcare's coordination service is entirely free to the family. We are funded by our hospital partners. The service covers: remote echo review and surgical opinion, hospital and surgeon matching, itemised cost estimate within 24 hours, hospital invitation letter for visa, admission confirmation, transport advice, accommodation arrangement, and discharge planning. You pay the hospital directly at the international patient tariff — no markup, no hidden fees."}} ]} </script>

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<h1>How to Plan ASO Surgery in India as an International Patient: The Complete Logistics Guide</h1>

<div class="meta"> <span>Updated May 2026</span><span class="sep">·</span> <span>17 min read</span><span class="sep">·</span> <span>By GAF Healthcare Editorial Team</span><span class="sep">·</span> <span class="tag">Logistics Guide</span> <span class="tag">International Patients</span> </div>

<figure role="img" aria-label="Six-step process diagram showing how international families arrange arterial switch operation surgery in India — from sending the echocardiogram for remote review through medical visa application, hospital admission confirmation, travel to India, the surgery and ICU stay, and final discharge clearance before flying home — illustrating that the process is manageable and coordinated end-to-end by GAF Healthcare" style="margin:0 0 10px"> <svg viewBox="0 0 780 320" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width:100%;height:auto;display:block;border-radius:10px" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"> <defs> <linearGradient id="bgB3" x1="0%" y1="0%" x2="100%" y2="100%"> <stop offset="0%" style="stop-color:#eaf4ef"/><stop offset="100%" style="stop-color:#d4eddf"/> </linearGradient> </defs> <rect width="780" height="320" rx="10" fill="url(#bgB3)"/> <circle cx="700" cy="40" r="90" fill="#1e5c3a" opacity=".05"/> <circle cx="80" cy="280" r="70" fill="#1e5c3a" opacity=".05"/>

<text x="390" y="36" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="14" font-weight="700" fill="#1e5c3a">Planning ASO surgery in India — 6 steps from diagnosis to discharge</text>

<rect x="28" y="58" width="108" height="110" rx="8" fill="#fff" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1.5"/> <circle cx="82" cy="82" r="16" fill="#1e5c3a"/> <text x="82" y="87" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="13" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">1</text> <text x="82" y="114" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">Send</text> <text x="82" y="128" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">the echo</text> <text x="82" y="148" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">Via WhatsApp</text> <text x="82" y="161" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">or email</text>

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<rect x="152" y="58" width="108" height="110" rx="8" fill="#fff" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1.5"/> <circle cx="206" cy="82" r="16" fill="#1e5c3a"/> <text x="206" y="87" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="13" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">2</text> <text x="206" y="114" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">Case review</text> <text x="206" y="128" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">& cost est.</text> <text x="206" y="148" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">Within</text> <text x="206" y="161" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">24 hours</text>

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<rect x="276" y="58" width="108" height="110" rx="8" fill="#fff" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1.5"/> <circle cx="330" cy="82" r="16" fill="#1e5c3a"/> <text x="330" y="87" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="13" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">3</text> <text x="330" y="114" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">Medical</text> <text x="330" y="128" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">visa</text> <text x="330" y="148" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">24–48 hrs</text> <text x="330" y="161" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">for urgent</text>

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<rect x="400" y="58" width="108" height="110" rx="8" fill="#fff" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1.5"/> <circle cx="454" cy="82" r="16" fill="#1e5c3a"/> <text x="454" y="87" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="13" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">4</text> <text x="454" y="114" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">Travel</text> <text x="454" y="128" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">to India</text> <text x="454" y="148" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">Commercial</text> <text x="454" y="161" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">or air amb.</text>

<path d="M508,113 L524,113" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="2" marker-end="url(#arr)"/>

<rect x="524" y="58" width="108" height="110" rx="8" fill="#fff" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1.5"/> <circle cx="578" cy="82" r="16" fill="#1e5c3a"/> <text x="578" y="87" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="13" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">5</text> <text x="578" y="114" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">Surgery</text> <text x="578" y="128" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#1a1a18">& recovery</text> <text x="578" y="148" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">ICU + ward</text> <text x="578" y="161" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="#6b6b62">~21 days</text>

<path d="M632,113 L648,113" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="2" marker-end="url(#arr)"/>

<rect x="648" y="58" width="108" height="110" rx="8" fill="#1e5c3a" stroke="#1e5c3a" stroke-width="1.5"/> <circle cx="702" cy="82" r="16" fill="#fff"/> <text x="702" y="87" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="13" font-weight="700" fill="#1e5c3a">✓</text> <text x="702" y="114" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">Cleared to</text> <text x="702" y="128" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" font-weight="700" fill="#fff">fly home</text> <text x="702" y="148" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="rgba(255,255,255,.75)">Day 35–45</text> <text x="702" y="161" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="10" fill="rgba(255,255,255,.75)">post-surgery</text>

<defs> <marker id="arr" markerWidth="8" markerHeight="8" refX="6" refY="3" orient="auto"> <path d="M0,0 L0,6 L8,3 z" fill="#b5d9c5"/> </marker> </defs>

<rect x="28" y="192" width="224" height="100" rx="8" fill="#fff" opacity=".65" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1"/> <text x="140" y="222" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="26" font-weight="700" fill="#1e5c3a">24 hours</text> <text x="140" y="242" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#6b6b62">From echo received to cost estimate</text> <text x="140" y="270" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#2e2e2a">Hospital recommendation + surgeon</text> <text x="140" y="284" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#2e2e2a">matched · No charge to family</text>

<rect x="276" y="192" width="224" height="100" rx="8" fill="#fff" opacity=".65" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1"/> <text x="388" y="222" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="26" font-weight="700" fill="#1e5c3a">30–45 days</text> <text x="388" y="242" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#6b6b62">Total India stay for international families</text> <text x="388" y="270" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#2e2e2a">ICU · ward · post-discharge obs.</text> <text x="388" y="284" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#2e2e2a">before clearance to fly home</text>

<rect x="524" y="192" width="224" height="100" rx="8" fill="#fff" opacity=".65" stroke="#b5d9c5" stroke-width="1"/> <text x="636" y="222" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="20" font-weight="700" fill="#1e5c3a">$5,500–$9,000</text> <text x="636" y="242" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#6b6b62">All-inclusive ASO cost in India</text> <text x="636" y="270" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#2e2e2a">85–90% less than USA</text> <text x="636" y="284" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Georgia,serif" font-size="11" fill="#2e2e2a">Same published survival rates</text> </svg> </figure> <p class="img-caption">The six-step process from echocardiogram to discharge clearance — how GAF Healthcare coordinates ASO surgery in India for international families, step by step.</p>

<p class="lead">The arterial switch operation has a two-week surgical window from birth. For a family in Lagos, Nairobi, Dhaka, or Dubai, that window is not a reason to abandon the idea of India — it is a reason to understand the logistics precisely and start them immediately. This guide lays out every step, in the order it happens, with the specific documents, timelines, and decisions involved in each one.</p>

<p class="body-text">Most families who contact GAF Healthcare have spent the first 48 hours after their baby's diagnosis searching the internet and feeling progressively more overwhelmed. They are finding hospital websites in a language they do not read, visa information that assumes they already know India's visa system, and cost figures that range from comfortingly low to inexplicably high. This guide is designed to replace that confusion with a clear, sequenced picture of what the process actually looks like — from the moment you first send a WhatsApp message to the moment you board the flight home with your child.</p>

<p class="body-text">For a full clinical understanding of the arterial switch operation itself — what TGA is, how the surgery is performed, and what recovery looks like — read our <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/arterial-switch-operation-india">complete ASO surgery guide</a>. This guide focuses entirely on the logistics of getting there.</p>

<div class="cta-dark" role="complementary"> <h3>Start the process now — send the echocardiogram.</h3> <p>GAF Healthcare begins the case review, hospital matching, cost estimate, and visa process simultaneously the moment we receive your child's echo. For neonatal emergencies, we treat every hour as critical.</p> <div class="btns"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=I%20need%20to%20arrange%20ASO%20surgery%20in%20India%20for%20my%20baby.%20I%20am%20sending%20the%20echocardiogram%20now." class="btn-w"> <svg class="wa-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp +91 90443 46292 </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/cost-of-arterial-switch-operation-in-india" class="btn-gh">See Cost Breakdown →</a> </div> </div>

<nav class="toc" aria-label="Table of contents"> <div class="toc-hdr"> <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-hidden="true"><rect x="1" y="2" width="14" height="2" rx="1" fill="currentColor"/><rect x="1" y="7" width="10" height="2" rx="1" fill="currentColor"/><rect x="1" y="12" width="12" height="2" rx="1" fill="currentColor"/></svg> What's in this guide </div> <ol> <li><a href="#overview">The six-step overview — what the whole process looks like</a></li> <li><a href="#step1">Step 1 — Sending the echo and getting the case reviewed</a></li> <li><a href="#step2">Step 2 — Choosing the hospital and surgeon</a></li> <li><a href="#step3">Step 3 — The Indian medical visa — exactly how it works</a></li> <li><a href="#step4">Step 4 — Travelling to India with a newborn</a></li> <li><a href="#step5">Step 5 — Hospital admission and the surgery</a></li> <li><a href="#step6">Step 6 — The India stay after surgery</a></li> <li><a href="#costs">What it all costs — a complete family budget</a></li> <li><a href="#gaf">How GAF Healthcare coordinates the whole process</a></li> <li><a href="#faq">Frequently asked questions</a></li> </ol> </nav> </header>

<section id="overview"> <h2>The six-step overview — what the whole process looks like</h2> <hr class="rule">

<div class="qa" role="note" aria-label="Quick answer"> <div class="qa-lbl"><svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M8 1L10.09 5.26L15 6L11.5 9.4L12.18 14.28L8 12.08L3.82 14.28L4.5 9.4L1 6L5.91 5.26L8 1Z" fill="#c97d10"/></svg>Quick answer — optimised for AI, voice search and featured snippets</div> <div class="qa-q">How do I arrange arterial switch operation surgery in India from another country?</div> <p>Six steps: <strong>(1)</strong> Send the echocardiogram to GAF Healthcare for remote surgical review. <strong>(2)</strong> Receive a hospital recommendation and itemised cost estimate within 24 hours. <strong>(3)</strong> Apply for the Indian e-MedVisa using the hospital invitation letter we prepare — approved in 24–48 hours for urgent neonatal cases. <strong>(4)</strong> Travel to India — commercial flight for stable neonates, air ambulance if haemodynamically unstable. <strong>(5)</strong> Hospital admission, surgery, and ICU/ward recovery over approximately 21 days. <strong>(6)</strong> Post-discharge India stay of 10–21 days before the child is cleared to fly home. GAF Healthcare coordinates all six steps at no charge to the family.</p> </div>

<div class="stat-bar" role="region" aria-label="Key logistics statistics"> <div class="sc"><div class="sl">Case review to estimate</div><div class="sv">24 hrs</div><div class="sd">From echo received</div></div> <div class="sc"><div class="sl">Medical visa (urgent)</div><div class="sv">24–48 hrs</div><div class="sd">Neonatal emergency cases</div></div> <div class="sc"><div class="sl">Total India stay</div><div class="sv">30–45 days</div><div class="sd">ICU + ward + post-discharge</div></div> <div class="sc"><div class="sl">GAF service cost</div><div class="sv">$0</div><div class="sd">Entirely free to family</div></div> </div>

<p class="body-text">The instinctive fear about arranging surgery in a foreign country is that the process will be opaque, slow, and dependent on contacts you do not have. The reality, for families who go through it with proper coordination, is different. The steps are discrete and manageable. The timelines are faster than most families expect — particularly for urgent neonatal cases, which Indian hospitals and embassies treat with appropriate priority. And the infrastructure for international patients at India's top cardiac centres is specifically designed to handle exactly this situation.</p>

<p class="body-text">What makes the process work smoothly is running the tracks in parallel rather than in sequence. The hospital review, the cost estimate, the visa letter, and the admission booking do not need to happen one after another — they can happen simultaneously if you contact GAF Healthcare as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.</p> </section>

<section id="step1"> <h2>Step 1 — Sending the echo and getting the case reviewed</h2> <hr class="rule">

<div class="qa" role="note" aria-label="Quick answer"> <div class="qa-lbl"><svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M8 1L10.09 5.26L15 6L11.5 9.4L12.18 14.28L8 12.08L3.82 14.28L4.5 9.4L1 6L5.91 5.26L8 1Z" fill="#c97d10"/></svg>Quick answer</div> <div class="qa-q">What documents do I need to send for a remote ASO surgical review?</div> <p>The essential document is the <strong>echocardiogram report</strong> — the written report from the cardiologist, and ideally the echo images on CD, USB, or shared digitally. Supporting documents that help but are not essential at this stage: clinical summary and discharge notes from the diagnosing hospital, any cardiac CT or MRI if performed, blood group, gestational age at birth, and current weight. If the echo is not yet available, send a clinical description of the diagnosis — this allows us to begin the process while the formal documents are prepared.</p> </div>

<p class="body-text">The echocardiogram is the single most important document for the surgical team. It is what tells the surgeon the TGA type, the associated defects (VSD, ASD, PDA), and — critically — the preliminary coronary anatomy. The coronary anatomy is the variable that most influences which hospital and surgeon is most appropriate for your child's specific case. Not every surgeon has equal experience with every coronary pattern.</p>

<h3>How to send the documents</h3>

<p class="body-text">WhatsApp is the fastest and most reliable method for initial contact and document sharing. Send photographs of the echo report pages directly to <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292">+91 90443 46292</a>. If the documents are large files — echo images on CD that need to be digitised, or a cardiac CT — GAF Healthcare provides a secure file upload link. Do not let the format of the documents delay contact. A photograph of the echo report on a phone camera is sufficient to begin the review.</p>

<h3>What happens within 24 hours of receiving the echo</h3>

<div class="timeline" role="list" aria-label="What GAF Healthcare does within 24 hours of receiving the echo"> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Hour 0 — Echo received</div> <div class="tl-text">The echo and any accompanying documents are received by the GAF Healthcare medical coordination team. The case is categorised by urgency: neonatal D-TGA within the surgical window is treated as an emergency and prioritised immediately above all routine cases.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Hour 1–4 — Surgical team review</div> <div class="tl-text">The echo is sent to the paediatric cardiac surgeon at the most appropriate recommended hospital. The surgeon or a senior cardiologist reviews the echo and provides a written clinical opinion covering: TGA type confirmation, VSD/ASD/PDA assessment, preliminary coronary anatomy classification, urgency grading, and recommended surgical approach.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Hour 4–12 — Cost estimate prepared</div> <div class="tl-text">The hospital's international patient department prepares an itemised cost estimate covering every component of the hospital stay: surgery fee, bypass circuit, neonatal cardiac ICU daily rate, cardiac ward daily rate, echo fees, pre-operative workup, and post-operative echo before discharge. The estimate is transparent — no item is hidden in a general "hospital charges" line.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Hour 12–24 — Full package sent to family</div> <div class="tl-text">GAF Healthcare sends the family: the surgical team's written clinical opinion, the hospital recommendation with the reasoning, the itemised cost estimate, and the hospital invitation letter required for the medical visa application. The family is also assigned a personal case coordinator who is their single point of contact for all subsequent communication.</div> </div> </div>

<div class="callout-green"> <div class="callout-green-lbl">If the echo is not yet available</div> <p>Do not wait for the formal echo report before contacting GAF Healthcare. Send a description of what the diagnosing cardiologist has told you — "baby diagnosed with TGA at 2 days old, being stabilised on prostaglandin in [city], echo to follow." We begin the preparation process immediately and the formal documents are added as they become available.</p> </div> </section>

<section id="step2"> <h2>Step 2 — Choosing the hospital and surgeon</h2> <hr class="rule">

<p class="body-text">GAF Healthcare recommends only hospitals that meet strict criteria: a minimum of 50 neonatal cardiac operations per year, a dedicated neonatal cardiac ICU with 24-hour intensivist cover, intraoperative echocardiography capability, JCI or NABH accreditation, an established international patient programme, and ECMO capability for post-operative emergencies.</p>

<p class="body-text">The hospital and surgeon recommendation GAF Healthcare makes is not a generic "any of these five will do." It is a specific recommendation based on the coronary anatomy pattern in your child's echo, the budget, the family's country of origin and the nearest practical airport, and the current surgical team availability at each centre.</p>

<h3>How coronary anatomy influences the hospital recommendation</h3>

<p class="body-text">The standard coronary pattern in D-TGA — where both coronary arteries arise from the two sinuses that face the pulmonary artery — is encountered frequently at every high-volume centre and is technically straightforward to transfer. Unusual patterns — intramural coronaries (which run within the aortic wall), single coronary origin, or coronaries that loop behind the great arteries — require specific experience. A surgeon who has operated on 200 standard coronary cases and 20 intramural cases is not the same as a surgeon who has operated on 200 standard cases and zero intramural cases, even if their overall survival rates look similar.</p>

<p class="body-text">This is the matching that GAF Healthcare does — and it is why the case review precedes the hospital recommendation rather than following it.</p>

<div class="link-box" role="complementary"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/best-hospitals-for-arterial-switch-operation-in-india">Best hospitals for ASO in India — full profiles including surgeon credentials and annual volumes</a> <p>Individual profiles of Narayana Health Bangalore, AIIMS New Delhi, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Apollo Hospitals Chennai and Delhi, and Medanta – The Medicity Gurugram.</p> </div>

<div class="link-box" role="complementary"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/arterial-switch-operation-surgeons-india">ASO surgeons in India — credentials, training backgrounds, and case experience</a> <p>Fellowship training histories, annual case volumes, and coronary anatomy specialisations of India's most experienced neonatal cardiac surgeons.</p> </div> </section>

<section id="step3"> <h2>Step 3 — The Indian medical visa — exactly how it works</h2> <hr class="rule">

<div class="qa" role="note" aria-label="Quick answer"> <div class="qa-lbl"><svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M8 1L10.09 5.26L15 6L11.5 9.4L12.18 14.28L8 12.08L3.82 14.28L4.5 9.4L1 6L5.91 5.26L8 1Z" fill="#c97d10"/></svg>Quick answer</div> <div class="qa-q">How long does the Indian medical visa take and what documents are needed?</div> <p>For urgent neonatal cardiac cases, the Indian e-MedVisa is typically processed in <strong>24 to 48 hours</strong> — sometimes within hours at embassies and consulates that handle medical emergencies routinely. Required documents: completed e-MedVisa application online, <strong>hospital invitation letter</strong> from the Indian hospital (prepared by GAF Healthcare), valid passport, recent passport photograph, and proof of financial capacity. The patient (the baby) also needs a medical visa as a minor patient, and up to two accompanying family members can apply for a Medical Attendant Visa at the same time.</p> </div>

<p class="body-text">The Indian medical visa is not the same as a tourist visa. It is specifically designed for people travelling to India for medical treatment — and for genuine neonatal emergencies, the Indian government's visa infrastructure works faster than most families expect. The most important document in the visa application is the hospital invitation letter, which is the formal confirmation from a recognised Indian hospital that the applicant is a patient who requires specific treatment.</p>

<h3>The e-MedVisa application — step by step</h3>

<div class="big-table" aria-label="Indian e-MedVisa application process"> <table class="big-table"> <thead><tr><th>Step</th><th>What you do</th><th>What GAF Healthcare does</th><th>Timeline</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="key">1. Echo sent</td><td>Send echo to GAF Healthcare via WhatsApp</td><td>Begin case review and prepare hospital invitation letter simultaneously</td><td class="hi">Hour 0</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">2. Hospital letter</td><td>Wait for the invitation letter from GAF Healthcare</td><td>Hospital prepares the formal invitation letter with treatment details, cost estimate, and hospital accreditation details</td><td class="hi">Within 12–24 hours</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">3. Online application</td><td>Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and complete the e-MedVisa application form for each applicant (patient + attendants)</td><td>Guide you through the application and review the form before submission if requested</td><td>1–2 hours to complete</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">4. Upload documents</td><td>Upload: hospital letter, passport bio page, photograph, financial documents</td><td>Confirm the hospital letter format meets visa authority requirements</td><td>30 minutes</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">5. Pay visa fee</td><td>Pay the e-MedVisa fee online (USD 25–80 depending on nationality)</td><td>Advise on the fee applicable for your specific nationality</td><td>Immediate</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">6. Approval</td><td>Receive e-MedVisa by email</td><td>Confirm the visa is valid and correct before travel</td><td class="hi">24–48 hours for emergency cases</td></tr> <tr class="note-row"><td colspan="4">Some nationalities are not eligible for e-MedVisa and must apply in person at an Indian embassy or consulate. GAF Healthcare identifies this for your nationality and advises on the appropriate process.</td></tr> </tbody> </table> </div>

<h3>Documents needed for the medical visa application</h3>

<div class="doc-grid" aria-label="Medical visa document requirements"> <div class="doc-card"> <div class="doc-card-title">For the patient (baby)</div> <ul> <li>Completed e-MedVisa application</li> <li>Hospital invitation letter (from GAF Healthcare)</li> <li>Valid passport (or emergency travel document)</li> <li>Birth certificate</li> <li>Recent passport photograph</li> <li>Echocardiogram report copy</li> </ul> </div> <div class="doc-card"> <div class="doc-card-title">For each attendant (up to 2)</div> <ul> <li>Completed Medical Attendant Visa application</li> <li>Relationship document (birth certificate proving parent)</li> <li>Valid passport</li> <li>Recent passport photograph</li> <li>Copy of patient's visa application</li> <li>Proof of financial means</li> </ul> </div> </div>

<div class="callout-amber"> <div class="callout-amber-lbl">For families without a passport for the newborn</div> <p>A newborn can travel on a parent's passport in many countries, or on an emergency travel document. If your baby does not yet have a passport, contact GAF Healthcare immediately — we advise on the fastest available travel document pathway for your specific country and help draft the supporting letter for the emergency document application. <strong>The absence of a newborn passport is not a barrier. It is a logistics problem that has been solved for many families before yours.</strong></p> </div>

<div class="cta-light" role="complementary"> <h3>GAF Healthcare prepares the hospital invitation letter — the most important visa document.</h3> <p>Without the hospital letter, the visa application cannot proceed. We prepare this within hours of receiving the echo. Contact us now and we begin immediately.</p> <div class="btns"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=I%20need%20a%20hospital%20invitation%20letter%20for%20the%20Indian%20medical%20visa%20for%20my%20baby%27s%20ASO%20surgery." class="btn-g"> <svg class="wa-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp for Visa Letter </a> </div> </div> </section>

<section id="step4"> <h2>Step 4 — Travelling to India with a newborn</h2> <hr class="rule">

<div class="qa" role="note" aria-label="Quick answer"> <div class="qa-lbl"><svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M8 1L10.09 5.26L15 6L11.5 9.4L12.18 14.28L8 12.08L3.82 14.28L4.5 9.4L1 6L5.91 5.26L8 1Z" fill="#c97d10"/></svg>Quick answer</div> <div class="qa-q">Can a newborn on prostaglandin travel on a commercial flight to India?</div> <p>Yes — in most cases. A haemodynamically stable neonate on prostaglandin E1 can travel commercially with a medical escort carrying the prostaglandin infusion and appropriate emergency equipment. The decision is made based on the clinical summary and the treating physician's assessment of the baby's stability. <strong>Haemodynamically unstable neonates</strong> — those with dangerously low saturations or poor cardiac output despite prostaglandin — may require air ambulance transfer. GAF Healthcare assesses this for each case specifically and advises before any travel is booked.</p> </div>

<h3>Commercial flight vs air ambulance — the decision framework</h3>

<table class="big-table" aria-label="Commercial flight vs air ambulance decision framework for TGA neonates"> <thead><tr><th>Clinical status</th><th>Recommended transport</th><th>What this involves</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="key">Stable on PGE1, saturations 70–85%+, adequate cardiac output</td><td class="hi">Commercial flight with medical escort</td><td>Prostaglandin infusion continued via portable infusion pump; medical escort trained in neonatal resuscitation; incubator if available; advance notification to airline</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Marginal stability, saturations 60–70%, requiring vasoactive support</td><td class="warn">Air ambulance recommended</td><td>Dedicated medical aircraft with full neonatal intensive care equipment, ventilator, and experienced neonatal transport team</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Unstable, on ventilator, or requiring ECMO</td><td class="warn">Air ambulance essential</td><td>Full medical aircraft; discuss with GAF Healthcare and the Indian hospital whether air ambulance vs stabilisation first is more appropriate</td></tr> <tr class="note-row"><td colspan="3">Air ambulance cost ranges from USD 15,000–60,000 depending on origin country and distance. This cost is in addition to the hospital cost. GAF Healthcare advises on reputable air ambulance providers for each origin country.</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h3>Which airport to fly into</h3>

<table class="big-table" aria-label="Airport to hospital distances for India's top ASO centres"> <thead><tr><th>Hospital</th><th>City</th><th>Nearest airport</th><th>Airport to hospital</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="key">Narayana Health</td><td>Bangalore</td><td>Kempegowda International (BLR)</td><td class="hi">~45 minutes</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">AIIMS New Delhi</td><td>New Delhi</td><td>Indira Gandhi International (DEL)</td><td class="hi">~30–45 minutes</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Fortis Escorts</td><td>New Delhi</td><td>Indira Gandhi International (DEL)</td><td class="hi">~30–45 minutes</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Medanta – The Medicity</td><td>Gurugram</td><td>Indira Gandhi International (DEL)</td><td class="hi">~15–25 minutes</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Apollo Hospitals</td><td>Chennai</td><td>Chennai International (MAA)</td><td class="hi">~30–45 minutes</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Apollo Hospitals</td><td>Delhi</td><td>Indira Gandhi International (DEL)</td><td class="hi">~25–40 minutes</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h3>What to carry on the flight</h3>

<ul class="check-list" aria-label="What to carry on the flight to India for ASO surgery"> <li>All original medical records in a physical folder — echo report, clinical summary, discharge notes, blood group card</li> <li>The Indian medical visa printout (e-MedVisa must be printed)</li> <li>GAF Healthcare case coordinator's direct number in your phone — for any issue at the airport or on arrival</li> <li>Prostaglandin infusion with sufficient supply for the entire flight plus 24 hours buffer</li> <li>All current medications with prescriptions</li> <li>A letter from the treating physician in your home country summarising the clinical status</li> <li>Sufficient foreign currency for immediate expenses on arrival (transport, food)</li> <li>Contact details of the hospital's international patient department</li> </ul>

<div class="callout-red"> <div class="callout-red-lbl">On arrival at the Indian airport</div> <p>GAF Healthcare arranges <strong>airport pickup</strong> — either a private vehicle or medical transport depending on the baby's condition. Do not take a taxi or auto-rickshaw with a medically fragile neonate on an infusion pump. The hospital is notified of the arrival time and the admission process begins before you land. <strong>You should be inside the cardiac hospital within 60 to 90 minutes of landing.</strong></p> </div> </section>

<section id="step5"> <h2>Step 5 — Hospital admission and the surgery</h2> <hr class="rule">

<p class="body-text">By the time you arrive at the hospital, the surgical team already knows your child's case. They have reviewed the echo. They have discussed the coronary anatomy. They have scheduled the theatre. What happens on admission is not a diagnostic process — it is a confirmation and refinement of what is already known, followed as quickly as possible by the surgical intervention.</p>

<h3>What happens in the first 24 hours after admission</h3>

<div class="timeline" role="list" aria-label="First 24 hours after hospital admission for ASO"> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Admission and stabilisation</div> <div class="tl-text">The baby is transferred to the neonatal cardiac ICU. The prostaglandin infusion is continued. Lines are secured, monitoring established, and a postnatal echocardiogram performed. The postnatal echo provides the coronary anatomy detail that the prenatal or postnatal echo from the home country could not — this is the echo the surgeon will use for final surgical planning.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Surgical consent</div> <div class="tl-text">The operating surgeon meets the family, explains the procedure, the coronary anatomy findings, the surgical plan, and the specific risks pertaining to this child's anatomy. The consent form is signed. An interpreter is available if the family does not speak English fluently.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Pre-operative workup</div> <div class="tl-text">Blood tests, cross-matching, chest X-ray, and ECG are completed. For complex coronary anatomy, a cardiac CT angiogram may be performed under sedation to provide three-dimensional coronary mapping before surgery. The anaesthesiologist reviews the case and meets the family.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Theatre — the arterial switch operation</div> <div class="tl-text">The surgery takes 6–8 hours. Parents wait in the family area adjacent to the surgical suite. The GAF Healthcare coordinator remains available throughout — not just for emotional support but for practical questions, real-time updates, and any administrative matter that arises. After surgery, the surgeon speaks with the family directly in the theatre waiting area before the child is transferred to the ICU.</div> </div> </div>

<div class="link-box" role="complementary"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/treatments/arterial-switch-operation">What is the arterial switch operation — clinical overview, procedure steps, and outcomes</a> <p>Full clinical description of the ASO procedure — what TGA is, why the surgery must happen within two weeks, how the coronary transfer works, and what the recovery involves.</p> </div>

<div class="cta-dark" role="complementary"> <h3>We are with you throughout — not just at the start.</h3> <p>GAF Healthcare's coordinator is present during the admission process, reachable during the surgery, and on call throughout the entire India stay. This is not an email service. It is a personal coordination relationship from day one to discharge.</p> <div class="btns"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=I%20want%20to%20know%20more%20about%20how%20GAF%20Healthcare%20supports%20families%20during%20the%20hospital%20admission%20and%20surgery." class="btn-w"> <svg class="wa-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp to Discuss Support </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/arterial-switch-operation-india" class="btn-gh">Full ASO Surgery Guide →</a> </div> </div> </section>

<section id="step6"> <h2>Step 6 — The India stay after surgery</h2> <hr class="rule">

<p class="body-text">After the surgery, the family enters the phase of the India stay that most guides do not describe in sufficient detail: the 10 to 21 days between hospital discharge and being cleared to fly home. This is not a passive waiting period. It is a medically supervised transition during which the child gains weight, feeding is established, medications are refined, and the outpatient cardiology team confirms that the child is progressing correctly before being handed to a home-country cardiologist who has never seen this patient.</p>

<div class="timeline" role="list" aria-label="Post-discharge India stay timeline"> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Days 0–14 — Neonatal cardiac ICU</div> <div class="tl-text">Most uncomplicated ASO cases are extubated within 48 to 96 hours. ICU stay is 7 to 14 days. Vasoactive drugs are weaned, feeds are started, and the post-operative echo confirms the repair. Parents can be at the bedside throughout and are encouraged to be involved in the baby's care progressively as the child stabilises.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Days 14–21 — Cardiac ward</div> <div class="tl-text">Five to seven days on the cardiac ward before hospital discharge. Discharge medications established. Parents trained in wound care, medication administration, and warning signs. Pre-discharge echocardiogram performed. Discharge letter prepared in English for the home-country cardiologist.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Days 21–28 — First post-discharge outpatient review</div> <div class="tl-text">7 to 10 days after hospital discharge, the child attends outpatient cardiology. Echo repeated if clinically indicated. Medications adjusted for current weight. Wound inspected. GAF Healthcare accompanies the family to this appointment if they wish or provides translation and explanation support remotely.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Days 35–40 — Pre-departure review and flight clearance</div> <div class="tl-text">Final outpatient cardiology review. The cardiologist confirms fitness to fly — oxygen saturations, weight gain trajectory, wound healing, and cardiac function all assessed. A comprehensive discharge summary is prepared for the home-country cardiologist. The airline clearance letter is issued if required.</div> </div> <div class="tl-item" role="listitem"> <div class="tl-dot" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="tl-label">Day 40–45 — Flight home</div> <div class="tl-text">Most children are cleared for commercial air travel at 35 to 45 days post-surgery. The slight reduction in cabin oxygen at altitude is well tolerated in a child with normal cardiac function. GAF Healthcare arranges the airport transfer and provides a summary document for immigration if the family is travelling with medical equipment.</div> </div> </div>

<h3>Accommodation during the India stay</h3>

<p class="body-text">All five hospitals recommended by GAF Healthcare have family guest houses or partner accommodation within walking distance of the cardiac unit. This is not hotel-standard accommodation — it is purpose-built accommodation for families of cardiac patients, priced accordingly. Costs range from USD 20 to USD 60 per night depending on the hospital and room type.</p>

<table class="big-table" aria-label="Accommodation options near India's top ASO hospitals"> <thead><tr><th>Hospital</th><th>Accommodation option</th><th>Approx cost per night</th><th>Distance from hospital</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="key">Narayana Health, Bangalore</td><td>Narayana Hrudayalaya guest house + nearby hotels</td><td class="hi">$20–$40</td><td>On campus / 5 min walk</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">AIIMS New Delhi</td><td>AIIMS Trauma Centre guest rooms + Safdarjung colony hotels</td><td class="hi">$15–$35</td><td>On campus / 10 min walk</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Fortis Escorts, New Delhi</td><td>Fortis family stay + Okhla area hotels</td><td class="hi">$25–$50</td><td>Adjacent / 5–10 min</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Medanta, Gurugram</td><td>Medanta guest house + Sector 38 hotels</td><td class="hi">$30–$60</td><td>On campus / 5 min walk</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Apollo Hospitals, Chennai</td><td>Apollo Health City guest house + Greams Road hotels</td><td class="hi">$25–$50</td><td>Adjacent / 10 min</td></tr> </tbody> </table> </section>

<section id="costs"> <h2>What it all costs — a complete family budget</h2> <hr class="rule">

<div class="qa" role="note" aria-label="Quick answer"> <div class="qa-lbl"><svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M8 1L10.09 5.26L15 6L11.5 9.4L12.18 14.28L8 12.08L3.82 14.28L4.5 9.4L1 6L5.91 5.26L8 1Z" fill="#c97d10"/></svg>Quick answer</div> <div class="qa-q">What is the total cost for an international family arranging ASO surgery in India?</div> <p>The total cost including surgery, flights, accommodation, and living expenses for a family of two is approximately <strong>USD 9,000–18,000</strong> depending on origin country, hospital choice, and length of stay. The surgery itself is USD 5,500–9,000 all-inclusive. Accommodation for 30–45 days costs USD 1,500–4,000. Return flights for two adults cost USD 800–3,000. Daily living costs for 35 days average USD 1,000–2,000. This compares to USD 160,000–380,000 for the same family going to the United States.</p> </div>

<table class="big-table" aria-label="Complete family budget for ASO surgery in India"> <thead><tr><th>Cost component</th><th>Estimated range (USD)</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td class="key">ASO surgery and hospital (all-inclusive)</td><td class="hi">$5,500 – $9,000</td><td>Covers surgery, ICU 7–14 days, ward, echo, workup. TGA+VSD: $7,000–$11,000</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Medical visa (patient + 2 attendants)</td><td class="hi">$75 – $250</td><td>e-MedVisa fee per applicant; varies by nationality</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Return flights (2 adults)</td><td>$800 – $3,000</td><td>Depends on origin country and airline; book flexible tickets</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Airport transfer in India (both ways)</td><td>$40 – $120</td><td>GAF Healthcare arranges; medical vehicle for arrival</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Accommodation (35 days × 1 room)</td><td>$700 – $2,100</td><td>Hospital guest house or adjacent hotel at $20–$60/night</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Daily food and living expenses</td><td>$700 – $2,000</td><td>India's cost of living is very low; $20–$60/day for 2 adults</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Medications after discharge</td><td>$100 – $300</td><td>Diuretics and aspirin for 3–6 months at Indian pharmacy prices</td></tr> <tr><td class="key">Miscellaneous (SIM card, laundry, transport)</td><td>$100 – $300</td><td></td></tr> <tr><td class="key"><strong>Total estimated family cost</strong></td><td class="hi"><strong>$8,015 – $17,070</strong></td><td>For straightforward D-TGA; complex cases at the higher end</td></tr> <tr class="note-row"><td colspan="3">This is approximately 5 to 10% of the equivalent total family cost for ASO surgery in the United States (USD 160,000–380,000 including hospital, travel, and stay).</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<div class="link-box" role="complementary"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/cost-of-arterial-switch-operation-in-india">Full hospital cost breakdown — by hospital tier, city, and TGA type</a> <p>Hospital-wise pricing at Narayana Health, AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis, and Medanta. City-wise variation across Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Factors that increase the cost and a 7-country comparison table.</p> </div>

<div class="cta-light" role="complementary"> <h3>Get a personalised cost estimate for your child's specific case within 24 hours.</h3> <p>TGA type, coronary anatomy, VSD, and hospital choice all affect the final hospital cost. Send the echo and we give you an itemised estimate specific to your child — at no charge.</p> <div class="btns"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=I%20need%20a%20cost%20estimate%20for%20ASO%20surgery%20in%20India%20for%20my%20child." class="btn-g"> <svg class="wa-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp for Cost Estimate </a> </div> </div> </section>

<section id="gaf"> <h2>How GAF Healthcare coordinates the whole process — and what it costs</h2> <hr class="rule">

<p class="body-text">GAF Healthcare exists because the process of arranging neonatal cardiac surgery in a foreign country is genuinely complex — not because the individual steps are difficult, but because running six simultaneous tracks while managing a medical emergency with a two-week deadline is more than any family should be expected to do without support. We are the support.</p>

<p class="body-text">What we do is not a checklist service. It is a relationship. The coordinator assigned to your case knows your child's echo, your budget, your family's location, and the hospital team that will perform the surgery. They are the person you call at 2am when you cannot reach anyone at the hospital. They are the person who knows whether the delay in the surgical schedule is administrative or clinical. They are the person who translates the discharge summary into plain language before you board the flight home.</p>

<h3>The complete list of what GAF Healthcare does at no charge</h3>

<ul class="check-list" aria-label="Complete list of GAF Healthcare's free coordination services"> <li><strong>Remote echo review</strong> — case sent to surgical team within hours of receipt</li> <li><strong>Surgical opinion</strong> — written clinical opinion from the surgeon on operability, urgency, and recommended approach</li> <li><strong>Hospital matching</strong> — specific recommendation based on coronary anatomy, budget, and family location</li> <li><strong>Itemised cost estimate</strong> — transparent, line-by-line, within 24 hours of echo receipt</li> <li><strong>Hospital invitation letter</strong> — the critical visa document, prepared within hours</li> <li><strong>Visa guidance</strong> — country-specific advice on the e-MedVisa application process</li> <li><strong>Admission confirmation</strong> — ICU bed, surgical team, and admission date confirmed before travel</li> <li><strong>Transport advice</strong> — commercial vs air ambulance recommendation based on clinical status</li> <li><strong>Airport pickup coordination</strong> — arranged for arrival</li> <li><strong>Accommodation arrangement</strong> — confirmed near the hospital before arrival</li> <li><strong>In-hospital coordination</strong> — coordinator available throughout the admission and surgical period</li> <li><strong>Discharge planning</strong> — follow-up plan, discharge summary, and fitness to fly documentation</li> <li><strong>Post-return contact</strong> — available for questions from the family and the home-country cardiologist after discharge</li> </ul>

<blockquote> <p>"We contacted five hospitals directly and got five different responses, none of which answered the questions we were actually asking. The moment we contacted GAF Healthcare, within two hours, someone knew our baby's case and was telling us exactly what would happen next. That was everything."</p> </blockquote> </section>

<section id="faq"> <h2>Frequently asked questions</h2> <hr class="rule">

<div class="faq-wrap"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">How do I arrange arterial switch operation surgery in India from another country?</div> <div class="faq-a">Send the echocardiogram to GAF Healthcare via WhatsApp (+91 90443 46292). Within 24 hours you receive a hospital recommendation, an itemised cost estimate, and the hospital invitation letter for the medical visa application. The visa is applied for online — approved in 24–48 hours for urgent neonatal cases. You travel to India with a medical escort, are admitted to the hospital, have the surgery, recover for approximately 21 days in hospital, and spend a further 10–21 days post-discharge before being cleared to fly home. GAF Healthcare coordinates all steps at no charge to the family.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">How long does the Indian medical visa take for a neonatal emergency?</div> <div class="faq-a">For genuine neonatal emergencies, the Indian e-MedVisa is typically processed in 24 to 48 hours. Some Indian embassies and consulates process urgent neonatal cardiac cases on the same day of application. The hospital invitation letter — prepared by GAF Healthcare within hours of receiving the echo — is the critical document that establishes urgency for the visa authority.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">Can a newborn on prostaglandin travel on a commercial flight to India?</div> <div class="faq-a">Yes — in most cases where the baby is haemodynamically stable. A stable neonate on prostaglandin E1 can travel commercially with a medical escort carrying the infusion and appropriate emergency equipment. Haemodynamically unstable neonates may require air ambulance transfer. GAF Healthcare assesses this based on the clinical summary before any travel is booked.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">What documents do I need to arrange ASO surgery in India?</div> <div class="faq-a">For the hospital: echocardiogram report, clinical summary and discharge notes, blood group, and passport copies. For the visa: completed e-MedVisa application, hospital invitation letter (from GAF Healthcare), valid passport, and recent passport photograph for each applicant. GAF Healthcare prepares the hospital invitation letter and guides you through the visa application process step by step.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">How long will my family need to stay in India for ASO surgery?</div> <div class="faq-a">International families should plan for 30 to 45 days total: 7–14 days in the neonatal cardiac ICU, 5–7 days on the cardiac ward, and 10–21 days of post-discharge observation before the child is medically cleared to fly home. The treating cardiologist confirms fitness to fly at the final outpatient review, typically at 35 to 40 days post-surgery.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">What is the cost of ASO surgery in India for international patients?</div> <div class="faq-a">USD 5,500–9,000 all-inclusive for uncomplicated D-TGA, covering surgery, neonatal cardiac ICU for 7–14 days, bypass circuit, cardiac ward stay, echocardiography, and pre/post-operative workup. TGA with VSD costs USD 7,000–11,000. Including flights and accommodation for a family of two staying 35 days, the total family cost is approximately USD 9,000–18,000.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">Which airport should I fly into for ASO surgery in India?</div> <div class="faq-a">It depends on the recommended hospital: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) for Narayana Health Bangalore (45 minutes); Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for AIIMS New Delhi, Fortis Escorts, and Medanta (15–45 minutes); Chennai International Airport (MAA) for Apollo Chennai (30–45 minutes). GAF Healthcare advises on the nearest airport and arranges the airport-to-hospital transfer.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">Can I get a remote surgical opinion before travelling to India?</div> <div class="faq-a">Yes — this is the first step in the process. GAF Healthcare arranges a remote case review for every family. The surgical team provides a written opinion on operability, urgency, coronary anatomy, and recommended approach — usually within 24 hours of receiving the echo, at no charge to the family.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">What accommodation is available near the hospitals?</div> <div class="faq-a">All five recommended hospitals have family guest houses or partner accommodation within walking distance of the cardiac unit. Costs range from USD 20–60 per night. GAF Healthcare arranges accommodation as part of our coordination service — families do not need to research or book this independently.</div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-q">How does GAF Healthcare coordinate ASO surgery — and what does it cost the family?</div> <div class="faq-a">GAF Healthcare's coordination service is entirely free to the family. We are funded by our hospital partners. The service covers: remote echo review, surgical opinion, hospital and surgeon matching, cost estimate, visa invitation letter, admission confirmation, transport advice, accommodation, in-hospital coordinator support, and discharge planning. You pay the hospital directly at the international tariff, with complete cost transparency before you commit.</div> </div> </div>

<div class="cta-light" role="complementary"> <h3>Have a logistics question not answered here?</h3> <p>GAF Healthcare's coordinators answer specific country, visa, and transport questions every day for families from Nigeria, Kenya, UAE, Bangladesh, Iraq, and beyond. WhatsApp us — we respond within hours.</p> <div class="btns"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=I%20have%20a%20logistics%20question%20about%20arranging%20ASO%20surgery%20in%20India." class="btn-g"> <svg class="wa-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> Ask Us on WhatsApp </a> </div> </div> </section>

<section aria-labelledby="related-heading"> <h2 id="related-heading">Related guides</h2> <hr class="rule"> <div class="link-box"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/arterial-switch-operation-india">Arterial switch operation in India — complete procedure, hospitals, and recovery guide</a> <p>Full clinical guide covering the ASO procedure steps, surgical team requirements, ICU recovery timeline, risks and long-term follow-up.</p> </div> <div class="link-box"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/best-hospitals-for-arterial-switch-operation-in-india">Best hospitals for ASO in India — individual profiles of all five recommended centres</a> <p>Surgeon credentials, annual case volumes, survival rates, NICU capacity, international patient services, and cost ranges at Narayana Health, AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis Escorts, and Medanta.</p> </div> <div class="link-box"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/cost-of-arterial-switch-operation-in-india">Cost of arterial switch operation in India — full breakdown by hospital, city, and country</a> <p>Hospital-tier pricing, city-wise variation, what the all-inclusive cost covers, factors that increase the cost, and a 7-country comparison table.</p> </div> <div class="link-box"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/treatments/arterial-switch-operation">What is the arterial switch operation — clinical overview and procedure steps</a> <p>What TGA is, why surgery must happen within two weeks of birth, how the coronary transfer works, and what the recovery looks like.</p> </div> </section>

<div class="final-cta" role="complementary"> <h2>The logistics are manageable. Start them now.</h2> <p>Send the echocardiogram to GAF Healthcare. We review the case, match the hospital, give you the full cost estimate, prepare the visa letter, and begin coordinating the admission — all within 24 hours, at no charge to your family.</p> <div class="btns"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=I%20need%20to%20plan%20ASO%20surgery%20in%20India%20for%20my%20child.%20I%20am%20sending%20the%20echo%20now." class="btn-w"> <svg class="wa-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp +91 90443 46292 </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/cost-of-arterial-switch-operation-in-india" class="btn-gh">Full Cost Breakdown →</a> </div> </div>

<p class="sources">Sources: GAF Healthcare Clinical Intelligence Database 2026 · Indian Ministry of External Affairs e-MedVisa Guidelines 2025 · Indian Embassy Medical Visa Processing Times (Nigeria, Kenya, UAE, Bangladesh) · Narayana Health International Patient Services Documentation · AIIMS New Delhi International Patient Department · DGCA India — Aircraft Operations for Patients on Medical Equipment · Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database 2024 · GAF Healthcare Family Case Coordination Records 2023–2026</p>

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