India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [58]
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK AWAY FROM HOME
Don’t panic. Medicines are widely and easily available in India. You can even describe your problem to your hotel concierge or receptionist and he or she will arrange for the necessary medication to be dropped off, doing away with possible translation problems. Pharmacies and pharmacists hand out pills and antibacterial medication upon request—even those that would require a prescription back home. (This is not always a good thing; if possible, consult a physician before resorting to over-the-counter drugs. Also beware of being given incomplete courses of antibiotics.) There are hospital listings for major cities in each chapter, but it’s best to consult your hotel concierge regarding the best medical attention in town, particularly if you’re in a more remote area. In fact, do not solicit the assistance of anyone who is unknown to your hotel. Well-documented scams operating in certain tourist destinations involve prolonging your illness in order to attract large payouts from your insurance company. If you or someone you are traveling with needs hospitalization, shell out for a well-known private one, and if you’re able to travel, head for the nearest big city. Advise your consulate and your medical insurance company as soon as possible.
It’s likely you’ll have to pay all medical costs upfront and be reimbursed later. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage for medical costs outside the U.S. Before leaving home, find out what medical services your health insurance covers. To protect yourself, consider buying medical travel insurance (see “Insurance” in chapter 16).
We list hospitals and emergency numbers under “Fast Facts” in the individual chapters.
Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels—otherwise they won’t make it through airport security. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.
6 Safety
Considering its poverty and population size, India enjoys an amazingly low incidence of violent crime, and the vast majority of visits to India tend to be trouble-free. That said, the usual rules apply—no wandering around back alleys at night, for example, no flashing of valuables or wads of cash. Foreign visitors may be targeted by corrupt cops looking to get a handsome bribe or payoff, so you’d best steer clear of any suspicious behavior such as purchasing illegal drugs. If you’re caught, even with marijuana, there is a good chance that you could be thrown in prison. If you’re involved in a car accident, have your hotel manager report the incident immediately. Avoid provocative debates and arguments where alcohol may be involved. Exercise caution during festivals and religious processions, where crowds are usually overwhelming and can become unruly.
TERRORISM & CIVIL UNREST The ugly multipronged assault by Pakistani-trained gunmen on Mumbai in November 2008 (known in India as 26/11) devastated not only two of the city’s most celebrated luxury hotels, but also targeted several other key tourist spots, including the historic Victoria Terminus train station. Indian authorities have taken these attacks—and earlier incidents, such as the bombing of Mumbai commuter trains on July 2006, and the bombing of the Indian Parliament in December 2001—to heart, and security has been visibly beefed up not only in Mumbai but in key centers around the country. This has meant that India is in fact a great deal safer than before. The exception