Over the past few weeks, the internet has been set ablaze by a debate that refuses to settle down. Americans across the world are realising how most of their medicine is imported from India and while it costs them a hefty price in the country, back in India, they are sold for a minimal amount. Not just medicines, even treatment procedures in the South Asian country are cheaper and more affordable than in the US.Amidst this, a post made by an Indian senior citizen travelling to the US has gone viral online. Taking to X, the man shared that he and his wife had been staying in Seattle, Washington for the past two months.His wife had been suffering from a severe respiratory issue when they left India, but after using some medicines they had brought along to the states, she had “almost recovered.”But when their supply ran out, he asked his daughter to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist in Seattle. He explained how they had to consult a general physician first and were given an appointment a week later, that too, only via a video call.“We spoke to the doctor on the phone for about 10 minutes. He said he understood the issue and prescribed appropriate medicines, stating that we could pick them up from a pharmacy. We were told the medicines were not immediately available and would take 4–5 days to arrive,” he wrote.When they received the medicines on the fifth day, they were shocked to see that they had been manufactured by ‘Cipla’ and bore the label ‘Made in India’. Even after procuring a 50% discount through US medical insurance, they still had to pay an equivalent of Rs 21,000. The medicines that would have cost just Rs 2,500 in India cost a whopping Rs 42,000 in the US.“Consider yourselves to be fortunate to be living in India during your retirement years. We often look abroad in search of a “good life.” But if we pause to think… certain everyday conveniences—unavailable even to billionaires in London or New York—are easily accessible to the middle class in India.”Then, he went on to share 7 examples showing that even the life of a common person in India is a “VIP lifestyle”:
Data democratisation
India has the cheapest data in the world. While countries across the globe spend over $50 (approx. Rs 4,000) monthly for basic internet, Indians enjoy high-speed 5G data for just Rs300. “This is what has digitally transformed our economy.”
10-minute doorstep delivery
In Europe, one would have to put on a coat and walk 25 minutes in the cold to a store, possibly finding it closed.
“Run out of ginger for your tea or out of milk? Place an order on Blinkit, Zepto, or Swiggy Instamart, and the item is in your hands before the water even boils.” In Europe, one would have to put on a coat and walk 25 minutes in the cold to a store, possibly finding it closed.
Instant healthcare
Need to see a specialist? You can go straight to the hospital. Need a blood test? A lab technicians comes to your home as early as 6 AM to collect the sample and the report arrived on your WhatsApp by afternoon. “We don’t face the three-month waiting lists or the nightmare of “insurance approvals” common elsewhere even for trivial ailments.”
Human support system
In India, people have help with house cleaning, cooking and driving. It “isn’t a luxury reserved only for the wealthy here; it is the backbone of middle-class life. It offers something incredibly valuable: it saves **TIME**.”
UPI revolution
From a Rs5 roadside tea to a Rs50,000 laptop, everything is just a scan away.
From a Rs5 roadside tea to a Rs50,000 laptop, everything is just a scan away. People don’t need wallets, or excuses like the card machine is not working. “In this regard, the rest of the world lags far behind us.”
Free little joys
Another point the man made was that in India you were provided many things for free. “No matter which restaurant you visit, you get a glass of drinking water for free (whereas elsewhere, they’d charge you $5). There’s an ironing man / chai wallah right at the end of the street to take care of our instant needs. It is these little things that make life run so smoothly.”
Social bonds
“We don’t live in a culture of legal notices and courts; we live in a culture of relationships.” If one faces a problem, the neighbour does not send a court notice but would rather lovingly cook and send over some khichdi.“India is not merely a country; it is a wonderful world filled with conveniences at every turn,” he concluded.
Social media reactions
The man’s post received mixed reactions online. While some agreed that Indians needed to realise how positive living in India was, others pointed out problems like water and air pollution, traffic and more.“I agree a hundred percent with your views, if only we could rethink our ‘white skin supremacy and colonial mindset’ and see our country for what it really is- a beautiful peaceful and abundant haven!!!” wrote a user.“Maybe you should have asked them that if India is obviously so much better, why are their children living in Seattle?” commented one.“Agreed, if you are upper middle class, India is the best place. But, the country as a whole should focus on keeping surroundings clean, and also personal hygiene,” another added. “Do I have pollution-free water to drink, air to breathe, a trail I can walk in. I am not disagreeing on the points you made. I consider the ones I stated above more essential,” a user condemned.
