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Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Delhi: Why International Patients Choose It for Major Heart Treatment (2026 Guide)

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Why international patients from Africa, Middle East and UK choose Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Delhi for major heart treatments. Costs, doctors, treatments and guide.

When a patient is told they need open-heart surgery, a valve replacement, a heart transplant, or a complex cardiac procedure, two questions immediately follow: Where should I go? And can I trust this hospital with my life?

For thousands of patients every year from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq, Uzbekistan, the UK, and beyond, the answer to both questions is the same: Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi, India.

Established in 1988, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is not just a hospital. It is the largest private cardiac hospital in the Asia Pacific region. Over its 37-year history, the institute has performed more than 200,000 cardiac surgeries and over 350,000 catheterisation lab procedures, placing it in an elite category of high-volume cardiac centres worldwide. It holds JCI, NABH, and NABL accreditations and has been voted Best Heart Hospital in India multiple times by The Week Magazine, ET Healthcare Awards, Times Healthcare, and ICICI Lombard.

This guide explains exactly why Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is the number one choice for international patients seeking major heart treatment in India, what treatments are available, what they cost, and how Shifam Health connects you to this world-class center seamlessly.

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute at a Glance

Established: 1988

Location: Okhla Road, New Delhi, India (50 metres from Sukhdev Vihar Metro Station)

Beds: 310 beds dedicated to cardiac and multispeciality care

Cardiac Surgeries Performed: 200,000 and counting

Cath Lab Procedures: 350,000 successful interventions

Cath Labs: 5 state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratories

Accreditations: JCI (Joint Commission International), NABH, NABL, Green OT Certified

International Patients: Patients from 175 plus countries treated

Airport Distance: 19 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport (approx. 35 minutes by car)

Nearest Metro: Sukhdev Vihar Metro Station, 50 metres from the hospital entrance

Why International Patients Choose Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

International patients do not choose Fortis Escorts by accident. They choose it after careful research, comparison, and consultation. Here is what consistently brings patients from across the globe to this institute:

High-Volume Expertise – One of Asia Pacific’s largest cardiac centres, delivering strong outcomes through daily experience.
Leading Specialists – Renowned experts like Ashok Seth and a highly experienced surgical team.
Pioneer in Innovation – Among the first in India for advanced procedures like TAVR, MitraClip, and complex angioplasty.
All-in-One Cardiac Care – Complete diagnosis, surgery, and ICU care under one roof with advanced technology.
International Patient Support – Dedicated coordinators for visas, travel, and end-to-end assistance.
JCI Accredited – Meets global standards for safety and quality.
No Waiting Time – Fast access to consultation and treatment.
Cost Advantage – Save 60–85% compared to the USA, UK, and Europe without compromising quality.

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Major Heart Treatments Available at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute offers the complete spectrum of cardiac care, from advanced diagnostics to the most complex surgical interventions. Below are the major heart treatments that attract international patients from across the globe:

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG / Bypass Surgery)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is one of the most commonly performed major cardiac surgeries at Fortis Escorts. The procedure bypasses blocked coronary arteries using healthy blood vessels taken from the chest, leg, or arm, restoring blood supply to the heart muscle. The institute performs both conventional and minimally invasive bypass surgery, including off-pump (beating heart) CABG, which avoids the use of a heart-lung machine and reduces certain risks.

Heart Valve Replacement and Repair

Fortis Escorts has one of the most experienced valve surgery programmes in India, covering:

Aortic valve replacement (mechanical, tissue, or TAVR for high-risk patients)
Mitral valve replacement and repair (including Mitra Clip without open surgery)
Double and triple valve replacement
Redo valve surgery for patients whose previous valve replacement has failed

The institute was the first in India to perform TAVR and Mitra Clip, offering minimally invasive alternatives to open valve surgery for patients who are too high-risk for conventional surgery.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a revolutionary procedure where a new aortic valve is delivered through a catheter via the groin or chest, without opening the heart. It is designed for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high or intermediate surgical risk. Fortis Escorts pioneered TAVR in India and has one of the highest TAVR volumes of any centre in the country.

Heart Transplant

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has one of the highest volumes of heart transplant procedures in the private sector in India. The institute has a comprehensive heart failure and transplant programme with an experienced multidisciplinary team covering transplant cardiology, transplant surgery, immunology, and post-transplant rehabilitation.

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Implantation

For patients with end-stage heart failure who are waiting for a heart transplant or who are not transplant candidates, an LVAD is a mechanical pump implanted in the chest to assist the weakened heart. Fortis Escorts is one of very few centres in India with a fully established LVAD programme.

Congenital Heart Disease Surgery (Paediatric Cardiac Surgery)

Fortis Escorts is the only cardiac hospital in India with a fully dedicated paediatric cardiac surgery centre staffed by paediatric cardiologists, paediatric cardiac surgeons, paediatric anaesthesiologists, and paediatric intensivists working as a single integrated team. The institute treats the full range of congenital heart defects in newborns, infants, children, and adults with congenital disease.

Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

The institute has a dedicated Aorta Centre led by Dr. Shiv Kumar Choudhary, offering treatment for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms through both open surgical repair and endovascular stent grafting (EVAR and TEVAR).

Complex and High-Risk Angioplasty (PCI)

Fortis Escorts is a national reference centre for complex coronary interventions including:

Impella-supported high-risk angioplasty for patients with severely reduced heart function
Shockwave coronary lithotripsy for heavily calcified arteries
Laser angioplasty for chronic total occlusions
Rotational atherectomy for calcified lesions
Bifurcation stenting techniques

Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacemaker Implantation

The electrophysiology department at Fortis Escorts offers the full range of heart rhythm treatments including permanent pacemaker implantation (single, dual, biventricular, and leadless), ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) implantation, CRT-D for heart failure, and ablation procedures for arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Fortis Escorts was among the first hospitals in India to establish a minimally invasive cardiac surgery programme, performing valve surgery, CABG, and other procedures through smaller incisions for eligible patients, resulting in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter ICU stays, and faster overall recovery.

Cost of Major Heart Treatments at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (2026)

One of the most compelling reasons international patients choose Fortis Escorts through Shifam Health is the dramatic cost advantage over hospitals in the USA, UK, or Europe, with identical quality of care, devices, and surgical outcomes.

Cardiac Treatment Costs at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Treatment	Cost at Fortis Escorts (USD)	Cost in USA (USD)	Savings
Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG)	$5,500 – $9,000	$70,000 – $150,000	Up to 90%
Single Valve Replacement	$5,000 – $8,000	$80,000 – $160,000	Up to 90%
Double Valve Replacement	$7,000 – $12,000	$100,000 – $200,000	Up to 90%
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve)	$12,000 – $20,000	$80,000 – $130,000	Up to 85%
Heart Transplant	$25,000 – $45,000	$1,000,000+	Up to 97%
LVAD Implantation	$20,000 – $35,000	$200,000 – $300,000	Up to 90%
Complex Angioplasty (PCI)	$4,000 – $8,000	$30,000 – $70,000	Up to 88%
Pacemaker Implant (Dual Chamber)	$4,500 – $7,500	$30,000 – $100,000	Up to 85%
Congenital Heart Surgery (Paediatric)	$5,000 – $14,000	$80,000 – $200,000	Up to 92%
Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open)	$8,000 – $14,000	$100,000 – $200,000	Up to 93%
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery	$6,000 – $11,000	$80,000 – $160,000	Up to 92%

All cost estimates above are indicative all-inclusive ranges for international patients and cover surgery, hospital stay, ICU, standard diagnostics, and medications. Exact costs depend on the complexity of each individual case. Shifam Health provides a personalised written cost estimate before you travel, completely free of charge.

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International Cost Comparison for CABG (Bypass Surgery)

Country	Average Cost (USD)	Waiting Time
India (Fortis Escorts)	$5,500 – $9,000	Days (no waiting list)
Turkey	$15,000 – $25,000	1 to 4 weeks
Thailand	$18,000 – $30,000	1 to 3 weeks
United Kingdom (Private)	£25,000 – £50,000 (~$31k–$63k)	1 to 6 weeks
United States	$70,000 – $150,000	Varies
UAE / Dubai	$30,000 – $55,000	1 to 3 weeks

Technology and Infrastructure at Fortis Escorts

International patients often worry about whether hospitals in India have the same technology as those in their home countries. At Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, that concern is immediately put to rest. The institute is equipped with technology that matches or exceeds what is available at leading cardiac centres in the USA and Europe:

5 Catheterisation Laboratories: State-of-the-art digital flat panel cath labs for interventional cardiology and electrophysiology procedures
3.0 Tesla MRI with HIFU: High-field MRI with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound capability for advanced cardiac imaging
256-Slice CT Scanner: For detailed coronary CT angiography and structural heart imaging
Dual Head 6-Slice SPECT-CT: For nuclear cardiology and myocardial perfusion imaging
3D Electrophysiology Mapping Systems: For complex ablation procedures including atrial fibrillation ablation
Robotic Surgery Centre: For cardiac, spine, urology, and bariatric robotic procedures
Hybrid Operating Theatre: Combines a fully equipped operating room with a cath lab for complex structural heart procedures
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Impella Support: For high-risk angioplasty and cardiogenic shock management
24-Hour Cardiac ICU: Dedicated cardiac intensive care unit with round-the-clock intensivist cover and real-time remote monitoring
Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE): For intra-operative valve assessment and structural heart procedures

Accreditations and Awards: Proof of Excellence

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute’s reputation is backed by independent international and national accreditations and consistent recognition from industry bodies:

Accreditations

JCI (Joint Commission International): The most respected international healthcare quality accreditation. Only hospitals meeting the highest global standards of patient safety and clinical quality earn JCI accreditation.
NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals): India’s premier healthcare quality certification, equivalent to international standards
NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories): Certifying the quality and accuracy of all diagnostic laboratory services
Green OT Certification: Recognition of the hospital’s environmentally responsible and infection-controlled operating theatre standards
Newsweek World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2022: Recognized globally for specialty cardiac care

Awards and Rankings

Best Heart Hospital in India: The Week Magazine (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Best Hospital in Cardiology: Times Healthcare Achievers Awards
Best Cardiology Hospital: ET Healthcare Awards
Best Hospital in Cardiology: ICICI Lombard and CNBC TV18 Healthcare Awards
Excellence in Cardiac Care: ABP Healthcare Leadership Awards
Best Single Specialty Hospital: India Healthcare Awards 2012
Best Heart Care Centre in North India: Global Healthcare Excellence Awards 2013
Best Institution Award: Delhi Medical Association 2013

Leading Cardiac Specialists at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

The quality of a cardiac hospital is ultimately defined by the quality of its doctors. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is led by some of the most accomplished cardiac specialists in the world:

Specialist	Designation	Area of Expertise
Dr. Ashok Seth	Chairman, Cardiac Sciences	Interventional cardiology, TAVR, complex angioplasty, structural heart disease. Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan awardee. Trained in USA & UK.
Dr. Z.S. Meharwal	Director, Adult Cardiac Surgery	CABG, valve surgery, aortic surgery, heart transplant. 25+ years of cardiac surgical experience.
Dr. Shiv Kumar Choudhary	Executive Director, Adult Cardiac Surgery & Director, Aorta Centre	Aortic aneurysm repair, complex adult cardiac surgery, CABG, valve surgery.
Dr. Milind Hote	Director, Adult Cardiac Surgery	CABG, valve replacement, minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Dr. Aparna Jaswal	Director, Electrophysiology & Cardiac Pacing	Pacemaker implantation, CRT, ICD, ablation procedures for arrhythmias including AF.
Dr. Rajneesh Malhotra	Director, Cardiac Surgery	Complex adult cardiac surgery, CABG, redo valve surgery, paediatric cardiac surgery.
Dr. Krishna S. Iyer	Paediatric Cardiac Surgery	Congenital heart disease in newborns and children. Arterial switch, Fontan, tetralogy of Fallot corrections.

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All specialists at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute hold recognised postgraduate qualifications including FRCP, FACC, MRCP, FSCAI, and equivalent credentials from leading medical institutions in India, the USA, UK, and Canada.

What International Patients Say About Fortis Escorts

The true measure of any hospital is the experience and outcomes of its patients. Here is what international patients from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond have shared about their experience at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute:

“I wish the hospitals in my country (Kenya) could achieve such standards. Hospitalization is scary and traumatizing but Fortis Escorts made it friendly and pleasing. The surgeons are exceptional and the doctors are great with amazing personalities and high ethics. The nurses are kind and professional.”

Patient from Kenya

“Come and experience the service of FEHI. Best Cardiac Institute in Asia. Procedures like TAVR, Impella, PTCA happen here by renowned cardiologist Dr. Ashok Seth.”

International Patient Review

“From no hope of saving my father to having my father walking and smiling with me is possible only because of the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi. The life-changing CRT-D implant done by Dr. Aparna Jaswal and her team gave my father a new ray of hope.”

Family of patient treated at Fortis Escorts

How Shifam Health Connects You to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

At Shifam Health, we are your dedicated medical tourism partner for accessing world-class cardiac care at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute. We do not just give you information and leave you to figure out the rest. We manage every single step of your journey from the moment you first reach out to us until you are safely home and recovering.

Here is exactly what we do for you:

Step 1: Free Medical Case Review and Opinion

Send us your medical reports, echocardiogram, angiography, ECG, and any other relevant investigations through our website or WhatsApp. We share your case with the relevant specialist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, who reviews it and provides a medical opinion along with a recommended treatment plan. This service is completely free of charge and carries no obligation.

Step 2: Transparent, All-Inclusive Cost Estimate

We provide you with a detailed written cost estimate in your preferred currency (USD, GBP, EUR, or AED) that covers the procedure, hospital stay, ICU, standard diagnostics, and medications. No hidden charges. No surprises when you arrive. You plan your budget with complete confidence before you travel.

Step 3: Appointment and Surgery Scheduling

Once you decide to proceed, we coordinate directly with Fortis Escorts to schedule your pre-operative consultation, any additional diagnostics required on arrival, and your procedure date, all within the shortest possible timeframe. Most patients are scheduled within 3 to 7 days of confirming.

Step 4: Medical Visa Invitation Letter

We arrange the official hospital invitation letter required for your Indian Medical Visa (MED Visa) application for you and up to two accompanying companions. We guide you through the visa documentation process and answer all queries. Most patients receive their visa within 3 to 7 working days.

Step 5: Travel and Accommodation Support

We arrange your airport pickup, provide recommendations and booking assistance for accommodation close to Fortis Escorts (options range from budget guesthouses to premium serviced apartments), and ensure you are fully oriented from the moment you land in New Delhi.

Step 6: In-Hospital Coordination

Our team liaises with the Fortis Escorts International Patient Department on your behalf throughout your hospital stay. We attend consultations with you where needed, ensure smooth communication between you and your medical team, and handle any administrative needs that arise during your admission.

Step 7: Discharge Planning and Follow-Up

Before you leave India, we ensure you receive a complete discharge summary in English, a detailed post-operative care plan, medication prescriptions, and a schedule for follow-up investigations. We connect you with a local cardiologist in your home country for ongoing monitoring and remain available for any questions after you return home.

Shifam Health has helped patients from over 30 countries access cardiac care at India’s top hospitals. Our service is built on transparency, trust, and a genuine commitment to your wellbeing. We are not paid per referral by hospitals. We work for you.

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Practical Guide for International Patients Travelling to Fortis Escorts

Medical Visa for India

All international patients travelling to India for treatment require an Indian Medical Visa (MED Visa). The MED Visa allows the patient and up to two companions to enter India for the purpose of medical treatment. Shifam Health provides the official invitation letter from Fortis Escorts Heart Institute required as part of your visa application. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days through your nearest Indian embassy or high commission.

Getting to Fortis Escorts from the Airport

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is located on Okhla Road, New Delhi, approximately 19 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The journey takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes by cab. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs (Uber and Ola) are readily available at the airport. The hospital is also 50 metres from Sukhdev Vihar Metro Station on the Delhi Metro. Shifam Health arranges your airport pickup as part of our coordination package.

Accommodation Near Fortis Escorts

There are numerous accommodation options within 1 to 3 km of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, ranging from budget hotels and guesthouses (from approximately USD 20 per night) to 4-star and 5-star hotels. The hospital also has a tie-up with nearby serviced apartments that are ideal for patients and families staying for 2 to 4 weeks. Shifam Health can recommend and assist with bookings based on your budget and preferences.

Languages Spoken at Fortis Escorts

The International Patient Department at Fortis Escorts has dedicated staff who speak English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Russian, Uzbek, and Persian. All doctors communicate fluently in English. Shifam Health additionally provides Arabic-speaking, French-speaking, and Swahili-speaking coordinators for patients who require native language support throughout their journey.

Payment at Fortis Escorts

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute accepts international bank transfers, USD, GBP, EUR, and AED cash payments, and major credit and debit cards. Shifam Health provides a written cost estimate in advance and can assist with pre-authorisation documentation for patients with applicable international health insurance.

Who Travels to Fortis Escorts from Which Countries

Region	Countries	Common Treatments
East Africa	Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda	CABG, Valve Surgery, Congenital Heart Disease
West Africa	Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal	Heart Failure, Valve Surgery, CABG
Middle East	Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Jordan, Palestine	CABG, Valve Replacement, TAVR, Pacemakers
Central Asia	Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan	CABG, Valve Surgery, Paediatric Cardiac
South Asia	Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka	Congenital Heart Disease, CABG, Valve Surgery
UK and Europe	United Kingdom, Germany, France	TAVR, Complex PCI, Heart Transplant

Conclusion

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi is not simply a good hospital. It is a globally recognised centre of cardiac excellence with 37 years of history, 200,000 cardiac surgeries, the best specialists in the country, international quality accreditation, and the full range of cardiac treatments available under one roof at costs that are 60 to 90 percent lower than in the USA or UK.

For international patients facing a serious heart condition, the combination of quality, affordability, zero waiting time, and comprehensive international patient support makes Fortis Escorts Heart Institute the logical, trusted choice.

Shifam Health is here to make your journey to Fortis Escorts seamless, supported, and successful from day one. Contact us today and let us connect you with the right cardiac specialist for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Fortis Escorts Heart Institute truly one of the best cardiac hospitals in the world?

Yes. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is JCI accredited and NABH/NABL certified, consistently ranked among India’s best by The Week Magazine and listed by Newsweek among the world’s top specialized hospitals. It is one of the largest cardiac centres in Asia with over 200,000 surgeries performed.

Will the pacemaker or valve used at Fortis Escorts be a recognised international brand?

Yes. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute uses globally approved devices from brands like Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, and Biotronik the same used in the USA and UK.

How long will I need to stay in India for cardiac surgery?

Stay varies by procedure: 4–7 days (angioplasty/pacemaker), 10–14 days (CABG/single valve), 12–16 days (double valve), 3–6 weeks (transplant/LVAD). Shifam Health advises based on your case.

Can I bring a family member with me?

Yes. The Indian MED Visa allows up to two companions.

Is it safe to fly after major cardiac surgery?

Most patients can fly home within 10–14 days after minor procedures and 3–6 weeks after major surgeries like CABG or valve replacement.

What happens if there is a complication after I return home?

You’ll receive a detailed discharge summary and follow-up plan. Ongoing care can be coordinated with a local cardiologist, and teleconsultation with your treating team in India is available. For emergencies, always contact local emergency services.

What is the difference between going directly to the hospital and using Shifam Health?

Going directly means managing everything yourself. Shifam Health coordinates the entire process from specialist selection to travel and support—at no additional cost.

Does Fortis Escorts treat pediatric cardiac patients?

Yes, the institute has a dedicated pediatric cardiac center that treats children with congenital and acquired heart conditions, including complex cases.