Why families in Sierra Leone look to India for treatment
Sierra Leone has a small number of specialist units, so complex cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, transplants and advanced neurosurgery usually mean travelling abroad. India is the option most families settle on: accredited private hospitals, surgeons with decades of sub-specialty experience, and prices typically 60–80% below United States or United Kingdom levels.
Arodya takes the guesswork out of it. We review your reports, present verified hospital and doctor options, obtain hospital-confirmed cost estimates before you commit to travel, and give you one coordinator from first contact through to your follow-up call at home. The service is free for patients - hospitals pay us, you never do.
60–80%
Lower than US and UK prices
1 day
Typical case review turnaround
60+
JCI-accredited hospitals in India
English
Care delivered in English throughout
Travelling from Freetown
Freetown Lungi International (FNA) has no direct service to India, so patients connect through Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Istanbul, Nairobi or Dubai. Plan on 16–22 hours in total, and allow time for the ferry or road transfer between Freetown and Lungi airport. Mumbai and Delhi are the usual arrival cities.
| Planning detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Departure airport | Freetown Lungi International (FNA) |
| Common connecting hubs | Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Istanbul, Nairobi, Dubai |
| Typical journey time | 16–22 hours with one or two stops |
| Arrival cities in India | Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad |
| Visa route | India e-Medical Visa, usually issued in 2–5 business days |
| Currency note | Treatment is quoted in US dollars |
| Language support | Care is delivered in English; Krio-speaking assistance on request |
Airline schedules, fares and visa processing times change. We confirm the current position with you before anything is booked.
What treatment costs in India
| Procedure | Cost in India (USD) | Typical cost in the US or UK | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac bypass or valve surgery | $5,000 – $8,000 | $80,000 – $150,000 | 4–6 weeks |
| Cancer treatment (comprehensive) | $6,000 – $15,000 | $40,000 – $150,000 | Varies by type and stage |
| Knee replacement | $4,000 – $7,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 | 6–8 weeks |
| Hip replacement | $5,000 – $8,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 | 6–10 weeks |
| Spine surgery | $5,000 – $14,000 | $60,000 – $110,000 | 6–16 weeks |
| Neurosurgery | $5,000 – $18,000 | $50,000 – $150,000 | 4–12 weeks |
| Kidney transplant | $13,000 – $20,000 | $250,000+ | 3–6 months |
| Liver transplant | $28,000 – $50,000 | $500,000+ | 3–6 months |
| Bone marrow transplant | $25,000 – $40,000 | $300,000+ | 3–6 months |
| IVF cycle | $2,500 – $4,000 | $12,000 – $25,000 | 1–2 weeks per cycle |
Ranges are indicative of accredited private hospitals and exclude flights, visas and accommodation. Treatment is quoted and settled in US dollars, so the leone rate on the day of transfer is worth checking with your bank. A hospital-verified estimate follows once a specialist has reviewed your reports. Browse the full treatment directory for detail on each programme.
Your medical visa, step by step
Send your reports
Share scans, discharge summaries and test results by WhatsApp or email. A short case summary is enough to begin.
Get doctor options
Specialists review the case and we return with hospital choices, proposed treatment plans and indicative costs.
Receive the hospital invitation letter
Once you choose a hospital, it issues the invitation letter needed for the Indian e-Medical Visa application.
Apply for the e-Medical Visa
Apply online with your passport, photograph, the hospital letter, proof of funds and your travel plan. Up to two family members can apply for e-Medical Attendant visas.
Travel and treatment
We arrange airport pickup, accommodation near the hospital, admission and interpreters, then stay in contact through discharge and follow-up.
Have ready: a passport valid for at least six months, the hospital invitation letter, a passport-size photograph, proof of funds and confirmed return tickets.
What your coordinator handles
Hospital and doctor shortlists
Verified options showing the surgeon's experience, the hospital's accreditation and realistic timelines. You make the final choice.
Costs before you fly
Hospital-confirmed estimates and treatment timelines, so there are no surprises after admission.
Travel and stay
Visa paperwork, airport pickup in India, accommodation for attendants and help with long multi-stop itineraries.
Start with a free case review
Send your reports today and receive doctor options with a hospital-verified estimate within one business day.
