When Hamish Garae, 54, from Vanuatu, began experiencing persistent chest pain, he knew his health demanded urgent attention. However, with limited cardiac facilities in his home country, the search for trusted, quality care took him far beyond the shores of the Pacific island nation—all the way to India.
A Hunt For Quality Care in India
In Vanuatu, access to advanced cardiac care remains limited. While basic healthcare is available, complex cardiac diagnostics and treatments such as coronary interventions or bypass surgery often require highly specialized infrastructure and expertise that local hospitals simply do not have.
For weeks, Hamish had been struggling with chest pain, breathlessness and discomfort—a symptom that could signal life-threatening heart disease. But the uncertainty about the severity of his condition weighed heavily on him.
“There are not many options back home,” he reflected. “They’re not well equipped for these kinds of treatments. I wanted to be sure I was in safe hands.”
It wasn’t just about treatment—it was about the quality of care and the trust that his life would be placed in experienced, capable hands. That conviction fueled his decision to look beyond the borders of his island nation, despite the fears and unknowns of traveling alone to a distant country.
Discovering HOSPIDIO
Hamish’s journey toward hope took shape when he learned about Hospidio through social media and a referral from Mr. Jimmy Naura, a trusted contact in Port Vila. Intrigued, Hamish began speaking with Hospidio’s team virtually, seeking clarity and reassurance. From their very first video consultations, Hamish felt a connection. He described Hospidio’s team as patient, honest, and deeply committed to helping him understand his situation and options.
“They didn’t push me. They listened,” Hamish said. “They explained everything and made me feel like I wasn’t just another patient but someone whose life mattered.”
While exploring other medical travel facilitators, Hamish found Hospidio’s approach refreshingly different. For him, trust and cost transparency were decisive factors. He appreciated how Hospidio provided clear estimates, shared hospital details upfront, and patiently addressed every question he had—even the ones asked late at night. Above all, Hamish felt he wouldn’t be alone once he arrived in India. Hospidio promised support on the ground, and that promise gave him the courage to take the leap.
Arriving in India for Medical Treatment
Hamish eventually chose to travel to Shalby Sanar International Hospital in Gurgaon, India. His journey was long, both physically and emotionally, but as his plane touched down, a sense of relief began to replace the fear. The moment he stepped out into the arrivals hall, he spotted two smiling faces holding a placard with his name: Ashutosh and Nishant from the Hospidio team.
For Hamish, it was a moment he would never forget. “I felt safe right away,” Hamish recalled. “I came alone, and I was worried. But seeing them waiting for me made me feel like I was already among friends.”
Hospidio had meticulously arranged every detail:
- Visa processing done in advance
- Flight bookings carefully planned for medical travel
- Airport pick-up and private transfers
- Comfortable hotel accommodations close to the hospital
- Coordination with hospital staff for a seamless admission
On the drive to the hotel, Hamish couldn’t help but notice the bustling energy of Gurgaon—a city so different from his peaceful island home. Though initially overwhelmed by the traffic and noise, he soon found comfort in knowing that his journey was guided every step of the way.
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A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Once admitted to Shalby Sanar International Hospital, Hamish met Dr. Shushant Srivastava, a renowned cardiac surgeon. The team swiftly began comprehensive tests to evaluate his heart condition. What Hamish thought was a single coronary blockage turned out to be something far more severe—and potentially life-threatening.
In Vanuatu, preliminary reports had indicated one artery blockage for which stenting might suffice. But advanced diagnostics in India revealed that Hamish had five significant blockages across major arteries, severely compromising blood flow to his heart. Immediate intervention was crucial.
Instead of a simple stent procedure, Dr. Srivastava recommended coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with four grafts. The news was overwhelming for Hamish.
“It was a shock. I didn’t expect it to be this serious,” he said. “But Dr. Srivastava explained everything with such calmness that I felt I was in good hands.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Hamish faced his surgery with courage and faith, believing this was his best chance for a new lease on life.
Quality Care and Constant Support
The surgery went ahead as planned, with Dr. Srivastava and his skilled team performing the delicate procedure. Hamish remained under close observation in the Intensive Care Unit and, gradually, began his path to recovery.
“The quality of care I received was exceptional,” Hamish shared. “Everyone—from the nurses to the doctors—was kind, professional, and attentive.”
Hospidio was there every single day—checking in on him, liaising with hospital staff, translating medical information, and handling paperwork so Hamish could focus solely on healing. Whether it was helping Hamish navigate hospital corridors, adjusting his stay in the hotel, or ensuring dietary needs were met, Hospidio’s team operated quietly in the background, making sure everything flowed seamlessly.
“They guided me in every aspect,” Hamish said. “Without them, I would have felt lost.”
Also Read: Successful Diabetes Reversal in India for Patient from Vanuatu
Navigating Unexpected Challenges
Even after successfully recovering from major heart surgery, Hamish’s journey wasn’t entirely smooth. On the day he was scheduled to fly home, a twist of fate intervened. At the airport, Hamish encountered difficulties boarding his flight—an incredibly stressful situation for anyone, let alone a recent cardiac surgery patient traveling alone. But Hospidio didn’t miss a beat.
The team quickly connected with airline and airport staff, arranged a cab for Hamish to return safely to his hotel, and rebooked his flight for two days later. They also ensured he had continued medical supervision during his unexpected extra stay.
“Those were difficult hours,” Hamish said. “But Hospidio took care of everything. I never felt abandoned.”
Such moments highlighted just how vital it was to have a dedicated team ready to handle not just medical issues—but the countless unexpected challenges that can arise during medical travel.
A New Beginning After Successful CABG in India
Today, Hamish is back in Vanuatu, recovering steadily and connecting with his doctors via virtual consultations whenever necessary. He credits his life to the skilled surgeons, the compassionate hospital staff, and the tireless dedication of Hospidio, who stood by him like family. Watch out his patient testimonial below:
Hamish now shares his story to encourage others who might be afraid of seeking treatment far from home:
“My name is Hamish Garae who had travelled from my home country, Vanuatu to India seeking medical treatment for my heart condition that was not available back home. Having arranged by an agent, Mr. Jimmy Naura in Port Vila, through numerous video conferences with staff at Sanar hospital and agents in India, I had the confidence to travel. I came alone and was met by two gentlemen Mr. Nishant and Mr. Ashutosh who made me feel welcomed straight away. I had my operation and I am recovering well. Without the assistance of such nice professional people, I would not have felt at home. I would like to take this opportunity to thank God, Sanar hospital staff and hospital agents in India, my family and friends back home for all the support and prayers throughout my operation. I encourage everyone back home, if you have the means or support, please do come for treatment in India. God bless 🙏”
Hamish wholeheartedly recommends Hospidio, praising their “out of the box support and odd hours working.” His story stands as a powerful reminder that with courage, faith, and the right support team, patients can find hope and healing—even thousands of miles away from home.
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Dr. Basim Parvez
Author
Dr. Basim Parvez is a licensed physiotherapist and Senior Patient Consultant at HOSPIDIO, holding an MBA in Health Management. With extensive clinical experience and a compassionate approach, he assists patients navigating medical treatments. Dr. Basim also leverages his writing talent to simplify complex healthcare information, empowering patients to make informed decisions and fostering clarity and confidence in their medical journeys.
Guneet Bindra
Reviewer
Guneet Bhatia is the Founder of HOSPIDIO and an accomplished content reviewer with extensive experience in medical content development, instructional design, and blogging. Passionate about creating impactful content, she excels in ensuring accuracy and clarity in every piece. Guneet enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, enriching her perspective. When she's not working, she cherishes quality time with her family, enjoys good music, and loves brainstorming innovative ideas with her team.