Kolkata Health

Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city?
The following vaccinations are recommended prior to entering the country:
All children should be up-to-date on routine childhood immunizations
  • Hepatitis A - for all travelers over the age of two
  • Typhoid - for all travelers
  • Polio - for all travelers
  • Japanese encephalitis - for long-term (1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially in the evening, or during shorter trips
  • Hepatitis B - for travelers who will have intimate contact with local residents or potentially need blood transfusions or injections while abroad, especially if visiting for more than six months
  • Rabies - for those at high risk for animal bites, such as veterinarians and animal handlers, and for long-term travelers who may have contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
  • Tetanus-diphtheria - for all travelers who have not received an immunization within the last 10 years
  • Measles - for any traveler born after 1956 who do not have either a history of two documented measles immunizations or a blood test showing immunity
  • Varicella (chickenpox) - for any international traveler over one year of age who do not have either a history of documented chickenpox or a blood test showing immunity.
  • Yellow fever - for all travelers arriving from a yellow fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas
  • Additionally, it is advised to get the Covid vaccine and carry your vaccination certificate. At certain airports it is mandatory to produce a negative RT-PCR test to enter in India. 
For more information on requirements or recommendations please check with your local embassy or consulate.
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Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat?
Health facilities in Kolkata are amongst the best in India. The top hospitals in the city offer a range of medical and health services to suit emergency needs and general health concerns. All provide both inpatient and outpatient services.
Cash payment on the spot is the norm for medical care. Having an insurance policy that covers treatment outside of your home country and with medical evacuation coverage will be extremely valuable and you will be welcomed at any hospital. For more information on medical care, please contact your local consulate or Crown Kolkata.
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What is the word for "doctor" in the local language?
"Doctor" is a universally understood word in Kolkata.
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What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider?
When selecting a doctor in Kolkata, it is best to get recommendations from friends. Additionally, it is essential to identify a good hospital for emergency treatment. Some of the better-known hospitals are:
  • Apollo AMRI
  • Assembly of God Church Hospital
  • Research Centre
  • Bellevue Nursing Home
  • B.M.Birla Heart Research Centre
  • Apollo Duncans Gleneagles Hospital
  • Ruby General Hospital
  • Woodlands Hospital and Medical Research Centre
Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go?
Not really, as medical facilities in Kolkata are amongst the best in India.
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What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police.
Depending on the emergency, dial 102 for an ambulance, 101 for the fire department and 100 for the police.
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What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable?
If an emergency occurs in the middle of the night, either call one of the numbers above and wait for an ambulance or have a family member or friend drive you to the closest major hospital in your area. Major hospitals have 24-hour emergency clinics, so identifying the closest 24-hour emergency clinic from where you live is an important first task once you have had a chance to settle in.
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How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language?
In the local language it is called "pharmacy." All hospitals and clinics will have pharmacies adjoined or have a few shops nearby. Some are day and night chemists, others are open only during the daytime. Some medications are available under different names and many prescription drugs are offered over the counter.
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Is the water safe to drink?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Also, do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked. It is recommended that you drink only bottled water.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.