India - Health
India Health for Visitors
There are some very good, skilled medical professionals in India. Good hospitals are typically found in major cities.
Cochin has its fair share of clinics, dentists, and specialist healthcare professionals. Prices are very economical and in the main first world standard. However, some places like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai have state-of-the-art medical facilities, but at a cost.
Many hospitals require patients (even emergency cases) to buy necessities such as medicines, plaster casts and vaccines, and to pay for X-rays, before procedures are carried out.
Pharmacies can usually advise on minor medical problems and most medications are available without a prescription, but always check the sell-by date.
Travel insurance is recommended.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Vaccination for Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B are recommended for travelers going to India.
Other vaccinations to consider are Japanese Encephalitis and rabies.
For Yellow Fever vaccination requirements, see the Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website.
Food and Water Concerns:
Water must be treated everywhere.
Drinking tap water in India is not recommended. The general advice is to stick to bottled water instead.
Another tasty and hydrating option is to sip from fresh young coconuts, which are widely available and reasonably priced.
Leptospirosis – Avoid contaminated water and soil.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Malaria risk is present throughout the year. The CDC recommends that travelers visiting certain areas of India take malaria-prevention medication.
There is a risk of dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika virus in India so take all precautions against mosquito bites.
Because of the pregnancy risks, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
- Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.
Other Diseases:
Animals:
Rabid dogs are common in India, which has the highest global rabies rate. Consider rabies vaccination if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers should take precautions to avoid being bitten by snakes, especially if they are visiting rural areas. They should wear sturdy shoes or boots and carry a flashlight when going outside at night.
Tuberculosis – Avoid sick people to prevent breathing in TB bacteria that are in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.
Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.
24 hours medical stores (Delhi)
Useful links:
Last updated: February 2024
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We cleared in at Kochi after sending pre-arrival notification (PANS). First Port (Harbor) Control came to see us, but they asked questions without coming on board. Then Health, who came on board, did a temperature check but no masks required (and he did not ask about our vaccination status) and finally Port Marina and Immigration.
They all had 3 copies of questionnaires and wanted to know the last 10 ports visited(one wanted to know the last 10 countries visited). They wanted to see the ships papers, number, port registration, etc. etc. They wrote everything down on all 3 copies.
The day after the visits on board, we had to visit the office of immigration. They entered some of the data into a computer. Then we had to go to the Port Marina office and answer some more questions. We had to pay (me and 1 crew) around 1200 rupies (approx. $15). We got a statement that we would be allowed to leave the anchorage and move to the marina. Then we had to go to customs .. which by mistake were not informed. A questionnaire was prepared and a Customs officer went with us in the dinghy back to the boat. He inspected the boat and put the Iridium Go phone in a compartment and sealed it. Then he wrote down some food we had .. white beans 3 cans, red beans 2 cans, fruit peach 2 cans … and so forth.
Back at the Customs office he guided us to another Customs department where my ships papers were taken as a deposit. We then had to wait around 30 minutes while that guy then got some other departments informed. Then we could leave.
There is a local guy that helps you. He and his brother took over the “service” from their father. He contacts sailors and offers help. He is not a clearing agent nor an approved importer, but he knows his way around all the offices. He’s called Nisam – phone +91 97464 62686.
27 hours after arrival we could proceed to the marina.
In general India (or at least the state of Kerala), probably doesn’t understand the cash / income they could make with yachts visiting. Maitenance of the marina is bad.
What comes first? Infrastructure for boats or the boats? I would not recommend others to stop here.
E-Visa normally processed in 72hours not 60days. Took 12 hours for our visas to be granted.
Lakshadweep Islands: Update received from Indian boat owner who was granted a permit to visit these islands for a period of 9 days in February 2015. He reports that the process is difficult and one must push to get an answer from the Island Administrator. See RESTRICTIONS above in the Formalities section for details of how to apply for a permit.
Posted on behalf of Brian Thurlow from Cochin, India:
It is difficult, or nearly impossible for foreign boats to visit the Lakshadweep Islands. We have one Indian owned catamaran in the marina who did the trip last year with at least one European crew. I will contact him for details. He said it was difficult, but not impossible. Waiting for an update.
Does anyone have any info on visiting the Lakshadweep islands?
Was in Kochi (Cochin) at the end of February 2014 on s/y Anima. Stay in International Marina. You must anchor off near Port Control for clearance. Port security comes onboard to check the boat, after that you will go ashore with a security officer for customs and immigration. Be ready to spend a whole day (or more, if you come on Sunday). After clearance, you’ll go to the Harbourmaster office to take permission to go to Marina. Channel to the marina is good markered, but not so good dragged – there was 1.8 minimal depth at MHWS, take care! Marina is empty but still works. Maybe you will meet Bebe – tuk-tuk driver. You can solve almost any problem with his assistance.