How sad is this…..

Desperate Australian patients head to Thailand for hip and knee elective surgery

LINDA SILMALIS THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH OCTOBER 12, 2014 12:00AM

Ellen travelled to Thailand for a knee replacement, where the procedure cost her half of the quoted amount in an Australian hospital.

DESPERATE patients are looking to Thailand and other Asian nations for hip and knee replacements rather than languishing on State elective surgery waiting lists.

Once the domain for cheap breast enhancements and facelifts, local medical travel agencies say inquiries for surgery for non-cosmetic procedures have soared.

Five Australians over the age of 45 have undergone hip and knee replacements in Thailand organised through Sydney-based agency Medi Makeovers.

The most recent patient — 56-year-old Ellen — is recovering post-surgery in Thailand after undergoing knee surgery.

She said she decided to go overseas to avoid having to suffer in pain while waiting in Australia.

The option was also cheaper than the $35,000 she was quoted in Australia, costing her $11,500 with flights and accommodation included.

Full article here: Desperate Australian patients head to Thailand for hip and knee elective surgery | dailytelegraph.com.au.