Kolkata - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
This is a hard question to answer given the pandemic. As we stayed in our apartment most of the time due to quarantining/curfews/bad air quality, the biggest issue we found was the lack of socialization. However, air quality is a big issue here for people as well as the poor water quality. Street food is not recommended to eat due to the lack of clean water to wash plates and cooking utensils off with. Additionally, the stomach issues are no joke. They say you get Delhi Belly, but here you get Kolkata Squatta; dysentery is real. The quality of available medical care seems okay. The Consulate Med Unit is great, however there is only so much they can do. Mid to major issues will result in a medevac to Singapore, but his is not possible right now due to the pandemic. This is not a place to come if you have recurring mid to serious medical needs. Medications can be ordered via pouch and many meds can be found on the local market. The med unit is very helpful is supporting that. - Aug 2021
Dengue was going around. - Dec 2020
Pollution in the winter has been a growing concern recently. The new indoor air filters have helped. At least one person had a baby delivered at Post so medial facilities appear to be adequate. - Sep 2015
Kolkata is extremely unhealthy and medical care is below average. The air quality is very poor and public urination/defecation are common. Stomach and respiratory ailments are very common. - Dec 2010
You will get sick. Medical care here is sketchy, despite what people think about medical tourism. Hygene is a problem, so food poisoning, giardia, amoebas, etc. are common. Get used to it. - Jun 2009
Yes. Lots of stomach/intestinal distress, medical care is iffy in Kolkata, medevac in Singapore. You can get decent basic care, pediatricians, etc. If you have something serious get out because the standard of care is not high. - Mar 2009
The pollution is atrocious and many foreigners have an intermittent cough/breathing problems. You have to be careful with the food and produce, but experienced household staff will take care of that for you. The medical care here is generally sub-par. I've found the doctors to be excellent, but the nurses seem to be only trained to take blood pressure and your temperature. So you're 100% reliant on your doctor. - May 2008
