Last updated 2026-11-08 · Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg · Punjab, India
20+ years | 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries | 1,000+ hernia repairs | Cashless insurance | OPD Mon to Sat 10 AM to 5 PM
Why Punjabi families abroad choose to operate in Punjab
If you live in Brampton, Surrey, Southall, Melbourne, Sydney, Dubai or California, you know the problem. A hernia is found, and the waiting list for a planned operation can be long. Some patients wait many months with a lump that keeps growing. Others find that a private operation abroad costs far more than they want to pay.
Many Punjabi families therefore combine hernia surgery with their yearly trip home. You are visiting parents anyway, the language is yours, and family cooks your food during recovery. A well-planned visit of 7 to 10 days is enough for most laparoscopic repairs.
That plan only works if the surgeon is experienced and the process is organised. Dr Raman Garg has performed 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs and 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries in 20+ years. Patients come to BGCI from all Punjab districts, Haryana, Rajasthan and abroad. This page shows you exactly how an NRI visit works, step by step, so you can book your flight with confidence.
Step 1, online pre-arrival consultation
You do not need to land in India to find out whether you need surgery. Before you buy a ticket, we do an online consultation.
- WhatsApp your reports to +91 82641-60001 (secondary +91 99885-03800). Send ultrasound, CT or MRI reports, your clinic letter, and a clear phone photo of the lump while standing and while lying down.
- Tell us your history. Mention diabetes, blood pressure, blood thinners, heart problems, earlier surgeries and allergies. Add your height and weight.
- Video call with Dr Raman Garg. He reviews your reports, asks questions, and tells you the likely type of hernia and whether keyhole repair suits you.
- Get a written plan. You receive the proposed operation, an expected cost range, the tests to bring or repeat, and a suggested date window.
This consultation saves you a wasted journey. If your hernia needs more tests, we tell you in advance. If it is a small hernia that can safely wait, Dr Raman Garg will say so honestly.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentStep 2, sharing reports on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the fastest tool for NRI families. Keep the files clear and named.
- Photos of the lump: three photos, standing, lying and coughing, with good light.
- Scan reports as PDF. If you only have a disc, ask your hospital for a PDF report as well.
- A short summary: age, work, past surgeries, medicines, flight window.
- Passport first page, if you want the desk to plan paperwork in advance.
Your reports stay with Dr Raman Garg and the care team for your treatment. If a family member in Punjab is helping, they can send the files for you. We reply the same working day in most cases.
Step 3, a 7 to 10 day India visit plan
Most laparoscopic groin and umbilical repairs fit inside a 7 to 10 day stay. This is a typical plan. Dr Raman Garg adjusts it after he examines you.
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before you fly | Online consultation, report review, tests list, dates agreed. Insurance papers checked if you hold an Indian policy. |
| Day 1 | Land in Delhi, Chandigarh or Amritsar and travel to Bathinda by road, or by train to Bathinda Junction. Rest at your family home. |
| Day 2 | OPD with Dr Raman Garg, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Examination, ultrasound if needed, blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray in our in-house lab. Surgery date confirmed. |
| Day 3 | Admission in the morning, spinal or general anaesthesia as advised, laparoscopic repair through 3 small cuts, about 45 to 90 minutes for groin and umbilical repairs. You walk within hours. |
| Day 4 | Discharge within 24 hours for most patients. Skin glue means no stitches to remove. Go home to rest. |
| Days 5 to 6 | Rest, short walks, light home food. Phone check by the team. |
| Day 7 | Review in OPD. Wound check and clearance for travel, if you are fit. |
| Days 8 to 10 | Buffer days for family time, then fly home with the doctor's travel advice. |
Open repair or larger repairs may need a day or two more. Hiatal hernia repair takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and incisional or complex repairs need a longer plan. If your leave is short, tell us at the first consultation so we plan around it.
Step 4, stitchless technique and discharge within 24 hours
The two features that matter most to NRI patients are the stitchless closure and the quick discharge.
At BGCI, Dr Raman Garg uses a stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue. The three small cuts are closed with medical glue, so you do not have to come back to remove stitches. That means no extra visit and no wound-care trips.
Most patients walk within hours of keyhole surgery and go home within 24 hours. A farmer would need eight to twelve weeks before heavy work, but a typical NRI with a desk or driving job can resume desk work in about one week, driving in one to two weeks, and no heavy lifting for four to six weeks. Remember that you must also clear the flight, so ask Dr Raman Garg at the review visit.
More: stitchless hernia surgery and day care hernia surgery.
Dubai Health Authority registration, for UAE families
Dr Raman Garg is registered with the Dubai Health Authority as Physician Specialist, Gastrointestinal Surgery. For families in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah this matters in a practical way. He understands the standards your doctors follow. Reports, operation notes and the discharge summary are written clearly so that your family physician in the UAE can read them and continue your care. He has also trained in advanced laparoscopy in Seoul, South Korea, and is a member of IAGES and AMASI.
Which hernia surgery can you plan on a short visit
| Hernia | Usual plan on an NRI visit |
|---|---|
| Inguinal (groin), one or both sides | Keyhole TAPP or TEP, 45 to 90 minutes, home within 24 hours. Both sides through the same cuts. See inguinal hernia surgery. |
| Umbilical or navel | Open with mesh or keyhole IPOM, home within 24 hours for most. See umbilical hernia surgery. |
| Hiatal hernia with reflux | Keyhole fundoplication, 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Plan a longer stay in India. See hiatal hernia surgery. |
| Incisional (after C-section or other surgery) | Keyhole or open with mesh, plan for a longer recovery window. See incisional hernia surgery. |
| Recurrent or complex | Needs detailed review, plan a longer stay. See recurrent hernia surgery. |
Not sure which one you have? Read types of hernia.
Cost for NRI patients
The costs below are the same for every patient. All figures are in Rs, and they help you compare with quotes from your home country.
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPD consultation | 500 | 700 | 1,000 |
| Ultrasound abdomen or groin | 600 | 1,000 | 1,800 |
| Pre-operative blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray | 1,500 | 2,500 | 4,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP or TEP), one side | 50,000 | 75,000 | 1,10,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, both sides | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Umbilical or paraumbilical hernia, laparoscopic (IPOM) | 55,000 | 80,000 | 1,20,000 |
| Incisional hernia repair | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication | 90,000 | 1,30,000 | 2,00,000 |
| Standard mesh (polypropylene), add-on | 3,000 | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| Composite, 3D or IPOM mesh, add-on | 15,000 | 25,000 | 40,000 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
Published ranges from Mohali and Chandigarh hospitals put laparoscopic repair at about Rs 45,000 to 1,20,000, and big-city metro hospitals often charge more. Laparoscopic repair costs more than open because of equipment and mesh, but patients return to work one to two weeks earlier. Full details: hernia surgery cost in Punjab.
Insurance for NRI families
If you or your parents hold an Indian health policy, cashless treatment may be possible. BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Digit Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Vidal Health TPA, ICICI Lombard, Raksha TPA, Future Generali, SBI General Insurance, Oriental Insurance, Liberty General Insurance, IFFCO Tokio, Cholamandalam MS, Medi Assist TPA and almost all other major insurers and TPAs. Our insurance desk arranges pre-authorisation, and you can send the card photo before you fly.
If your insurance is from the country you live in, you can pay at BGCI and claim from your insurer. The desk gives you a complete set of bills, discharge summary and reports. For Ayushman Bharat, call us with your card details and our insurance desk will tell you the same day how your card can be used. See hernia surgery insurance.
Documents to carry
- Passport, OCI or PIO card, and Aadhaar if you hold one
- All hernia reports and scan discs or PDFs
- Medicine list with doses and your allergy history
- Blood thinner details, if you take any, so the team can plan stopping them
- Insurance cards and policy documents
- Letters from your overseas doctor, if any
- Contact details of your family physician abroad, for follow-up
Before you fly: a checklist
- Complete the online consultation and get the plan in writing.
- Agree the date window and book flexible tickets with 10 to 14 days in India.
- Ask your family doctor about blood thinners, diabetes and BP tablets.
- Pack loose clothes, a pillow for the car, and your medicine list.
- Tell your employer the expected leave: about one week off desk work, and two to three weeks light duty if the job is physical.
- Arrange a family member to drive you from Bathinda on discharge day.
Follow-up by video after you go home
The care does not end at the airport. Dr Raman Garg follows you up by phone or video. Expect a check at around two weeks and again at six weeks, or sooner if you have a concern. You can send wound photos on WhatsApp. If you notice fever, increasing pain, redness or a swelling that grows, send a message at once and also see a local doctor or emergency department. Your reports and operation notes are handed to you so your doctor abroad has the full record.
Facilities at BGCI
- Modern laparoscopic operation theatre.
- Advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite.
- Fully equipped in-house diagnostic laboratory, so pre-operative tests are done in one day.
- Comfortable patient rooms with space for family.
- 24/7 emergency care support on +91 82641-60001.
- Cashless insurance desk.
- Stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue.
- Same-day walking and discharge within 24 hours for most keyhole repairs.
- One surgeon from consultation to follow-up.
- Online pre-arrival consultation for NRI patients, with reports shared on WhatsApp, and follow-up by phone or video.
Why NRI patients choose Dr Raman Garg
Dr Raman Garg is a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Laparoscopic Hernia Surgeon. He completed MBBS at Government Medical College, Patiala, MS General Surgery at Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, and DNB Surgical Gastroenterology at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, then a Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery. He was among the first surgeons in Bathinda to perform laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery and complex hiatus hernia surgery, and he is the first surgical gastroenterologist in the Malwa belt of Punjab. One surgeon sees you online, operates, and follows you up. You never meet a different doctor on the day. Read more at Dr Raman Garg.
Families we see from your home district
Many NRI patients belong to villages and towns around Bathinda, Punjab, India. Typical home districts include Mansa (about 50 km, 1 hr), Faridkot (about 65 km, 1 hr 20 min), Muktsar (about 55 km, 1 hr 10 min), Barnala (about 70 km, 1 hr 30 min), Sirsa (about 95 km, 2 hr), Patiala (about 125 km, 2 hr 30 min) and Amritsar (about 220 km, 4 hr 15 min). From Chandigarh, the road is about 200 km. See areas we serve for all towns.
How to book
- WhatsApp your reports to +91 82641-60001 or +91 99885-03800, or email bgcibathinda@gmail.com.
- Pick a date for the online consultation. OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and video calls are scheduled to suit your time zone where possible.
- Receive your plan, and book your flight.
- Reach Bathinda and visit OPD at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab 151001, India.
Emergency care support is available 24/7 on +91 82641-60001. Sunday is emergency only. Book an appointment.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentRelated pages
Hernia surgery in Punjab | Hernia surgery in Bathinda | Hernia hospital in Punjab | Laparoscopic hernia surgery | Hernia surgery recovery | Hernia surgery: Chandigarh or Bathinda
Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg. Last updated: 8 November 2026. This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get hernia surgery in India during a short visit from abroad?
Yes. Most laparoscopic groin and umbilical hernia repairs fit inside a 7 to 10 day visit. You see Dr Raman Garg online first, reach Bathinda, have tests and surgery, go home within 24 hours, and return for a review before you fly. Longer repairs need more days.
How does the online consultation work?
You send your reports and lump photos on WhatsApp to +91 82641-60001. Dr Raman Garg reviews them and holds a video call with you. You then receive the likely diagnosis, the suggested operation, a cost range and the tests to bring. It is done before you buy the ticket.
How soon can I fly home after hernia surgery?
Most patients are checked at a review visit around day 7 and Dr Raman Garg tells you whether you are fit to travel. Many fly within 10 days after a simple keyhole repair, but it depends on your hernia type and recovery. Ask for a travel-fitness check before booking the return.
Is hernia surgery in Punjab safe for NRI patients?
Yes, when done by an experienced surgeon in a hospital with a modern theatre and 24/7 emergency support. Dr Raman Garg has 20+ years of experience and 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs. As with any operation, there are risks, which he explains at your consultation before you decide.
Hernia ka operation India mein karwana sahi rahega kya?
Haan, kai NRI parivar chhutti mein India aakar hernia ka operation karwate hain. Pehle online consultation hoti hai, phir 7 se 10 din ka plan banta hai. Zyadatar patients 24 ghante mein discharge ho jaate hain. Dr Raman Garg ek hi surgeon hain, shuru se follow-up tak.
Do I need stitch removal before I fly?
No. BGCI uses a stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue, so no stitch removal visit is required. You only come for a wound check and review around day 7. This keeps your India schedule short and simple.
How much does hernia surgery cost for NRI patients?
Typical Punjab costs for 2026 are about Rs 50,000 to 1,10,000 for a laparoscopic inguinal repair on one side and Rs 70,000 to 1,60,000 for both sides. Mesh is an add-on. Consultation is Rs 500 to 1,000. The final cost is set after examination.
Can I use my overseas insurance?
You can pay at the hospital and then claim from your overseas insurer using the bills, discharge summary and reports that our desk provides. Cashless treatment applies to Indian policies with insurers and TPAs we are empanelled with. Send your policy details on WhatsApp and the desk will tell you the options.
Hernia da operation NRI layi Bathinda vich kiven hunda hai?
Pehlan WhatsApp te reports bhejo te Dr Raman Garg naal video call karo. Fer tusi Bathinda aao, tests te operation hunda hai, te 24 ghante vich ghar jaa sakde ho. Tuhanu stitch kadhwaun layi dobara aaun di lod nahi, kyunki skin glue vartiya jaanda hai.
What if I have a problem after I return abroad?
Send photos and a message on WhatsApp and Dr Raman Garg replies by phone or video. For fever, redness, a hard swelling or severe pain, visit a local emergency department at once and share the details with us. We give you full reports so your doctor abroad has the record.
Is Dr Raman Garg registered to practise outside India?
Dr Raman Garg is registered with the Dubai Health Authority as Physician Specialist, Gastrointestinal Surgery. His clinical practice for this service is at BGCI in Bathinda, Punjab, India, where he operates on overseas patients who travel here.
Can a family member handle the paperwork for me?
Yes. A relative in Punjab can send documents, collect reports and meet the insurance desk for you. You still speak to Dr Raman Garg in the online consultation, and you sign consent at the hospital. Many NRI patients arrive with most of the paperwork already done.