‘Didn’t charge me one cent’: American tourist shocked by free treatment at rural Odisha government hospital

An American tourist visiting India was astounded by the free healthcare he received at a government hospital in rural Odisha. Filmmaker Mike Noone detailed his experience on Instagram, recounting his ordeal that began five days into his trip when he started vomiting excessively after indulging in local cuisine. He was promptly admitted to a rural government hospital, where he underwent treatment involving IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and two injections.

Despite his discomfort, Mike jokingly remarked on the hospital staff treating him with "two booty injections." He emphasized that he was not a victim of food poisoning, attributing his illness to overeating. Reflecting on the cost of such treatment in the US, Mike expressed astonishment at the potential expense, noting that the same treatment could have easily run into thousands of dollars in his home country.

What truly surprised him, however, was the fact that he was not required to pay for any of the medical services. "Instead, these damn socialists didn't charge me one cent. It made me sick," he added with a touch of humor. Mike's post went viral, sparking reactions from netizens. While some praised India's healthcare system, others criticized similar remarks made by some of their own countrymen.