Jump NHS Waiting Lists with Treatment in India; HEALTH: 'Urgent' Surgery Can Be Obtained Far More Quickly by Opting to Be Treated in New Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore, Where the Standards Are High and the Prices Are Low

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Byline: By Karen Hambridge

FOUR years ago Jagdish Jethwa's 96-year-old grandmother broke her hip. She hadn't fallen or bumped herself, the break occurred simply as she walked around her home, an unfortunate consequence of ageing and osteoporosis.

Maa, as her family affectionately called her, was taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary and her family was told she needed an urgent operation.

Despite the "urgency" of the surgery it was eight days before the frail old lady, who spoke little English, went under the knife. Eight days of excruciating pain dulled by large doses of morphine and the indignity of being lifted on and off a bedpan if she needed the toilet.

Jagdish, who was born in Kenya, and educated in Loughborough, Durham and London before work brought him to Coventry, was thankful she finally received attention but wondered if there was a better or faster way.

The …