Bengaluru techie moved to Europe for better life but still flying to India for doctor appointments: 'Indian healthcare 10x better'

A Bengaluru techie who relocated to Amsterdam in search of a better quality of life has sparked debate online after revealing that she still flies back to India for medical treatment. While praising various aspects of life in the Netherlands, the software professional highlighted serious issues with the local healthcare system — calling it "broken" and far less efficient than India's private medical services. Her viral social media post has now prompted widespread discussion on the realities of European healthcare, especially for migrants.

Healthcare Concerns in the Netherlands

Six months after her move, Pratim, a techie from Bengaluru, shared on X a detailed thread about her experiences living in Amsterdam. While she noted several positives — including improved public transport, clean air, and better civic infrastructure — her harshest criticism was directed at the healthcare system.

“Broken AF… Been 6 months, but no GP yet. I will be going to India for all my treatments. You can find help ONLY if you're dying or seriously injured,” she wrote. The techie pointed out that general practitioners (GPs) are difficult to access, and patients often face long waiting times or a lack of appointments.


She added, “No concept of preventative healthcare and checkups… Insurance is much more expensive… Insanely slow.” As a result, she plans to continue relying on India for medical care, stating, “Indian private healthcare is 10x better as long as you reach the hospital on time and don't get stuck in traffic.”

Frustration With Systemic Delays

The thread also included further complaints about how difficult it is to even register with a GP. “No GP wants to accept us right now. We are still trying. Our insurance said, ‘You have to apply on the GP's website and wait’,” she shared. Some of her friends in Amsterdam, she added, have been advised to “exaggerate” symptoms to be taken seriously for specialist referrals.

Routine checkups, especially those related to preventive care, are often overlooked. “My female friends tell me you can't go in for regular breast cancer checkups,” she noted.

Indian Healthcare Seen as More Reliable

Despite moving to Europe for a better lifestyle, the techie made it clear that India still provides better healthcare experiences — at least in the private sector. “Private Healthcare is very good in India as long as you have money and good insurance, and contacts,” she added in response to a question from another user.

Her post has triggered similar responses from others online, with many agreeing that the EU’s public healthcare system — though affordable — often lacks speed, accessibility, and the personal care found in India’s private hospitals.

One commenter dryly noted, “Let me save you the trouble of a GP. If you have something, just take a paracetamol.” Another added, “Pretty common all around EU, including UK. Some worse than others but same same.”

Renowned Indian cardiologist Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy also retweeted the techie's post, highlighting growing concerns even among medical professionals about the practical challenges of accessing timely care in the West. His engagement with the thread helped draw more attention to the issue, particularly among those in India’s medical and tech circles.

A Wake-Up Call for Many Considering Relocation

The techie’s account has reignited an important conversation about the trade-offs of moving abroad. While countries like the Netherlands offer better infrastructure, safety, and work-life balance, healthcare remains a weak link for many migrants — especially those used to the speed and efficiency of private hospitals in India.

As one commenter pointed out, “People realise this only when they go out of India. In India they only abuse doctors.” Another added, “Abroad is good for sometime but you would get bored after a period. India has life teeming, which I think is sometimes missing there.”