When NRIs arrange healthcare for parents in Delhi, the first decision is usually government hospital or private hospital? Both have distinct advantages and trade-offs. Here is what you need to know to make the right call.
Government Hospitals in Delhi
Premier government hospitals include AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML, Lady Hardinge, and Lok Nayak. They offer world-class specialist care at a fraction of private hospital costs — OPD registration is typically ₹10–₹50, and most diagnostics and procedures are free or nominally priced.
- Pros: Renowned specialists, low cost, access to advanced research protocols.
- Cons: Massive queues (OPD registration starts at 8 AM but lines form by 5 AM), limited appointment booking, crowded waiting areas, and minimal hand-holding for elderly patients.
For government hospitals, a Corelatin OPD Companion is invaluable — the companion arrives early to secure a token, manages the queue, and guides your parents through every counter. We also offer an OPD Token Express service where our companion stands in line before dawn so your parents arrive just in time for the consultation.
Private Hospitals in Delhi NCR
Leading private hospitals include Apollo Indraprastha, Fortis, Max Saket, Medanta, BLK-Max, and Sir Ganga Ram. They offer appointment-based OPD, shorter wait times, comfortable infrastructure, and wide cashless insurance networks.
- Pros: Appointment-based, minimal waiting, air-conditioned comfort, cashless insurance, multilingual staff.
- Cons: Higher cost (OPD consultation ₹800–₹2,500+, diagnostics extra), some specialties may not match AIIMS depth.
Even at private hospitals, elderly parents benefit from a companion who navigates the multi-floor building, handles billing desk queues, collects pharmacy medications, and sends you live WhatsApp updates. Read our full hospital selection guide.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Government | Private |
|---|---|---|
| OPD Cost | ₹10–₹50 | ₹800–₹2,500+ |
| Wait Time | 2–5 hours | 15–45 minutes |
| Appointment Booking | Limited / walk-in | Online & phone |
| Insurance (Cashless) | No (OPD) | Yes (most chains) |
| Specialist Depth | Excellent (AIIMS) | Very Good |
| Elderly Comfort | Low (crowded) | High (AC, seating) |
How Corelatin Bridges the Gap
Whether your parents visit a government or private hospital, a Corelatin companion makes the experience smoother — queue management, wheelchair assistance, doctor consultation patch via WhatsApp, prescription scanning, and pharmacy pickup. Pricing starts from ₹249/hr with transparent all-inclusive rates. Explore all our services.