Siniwike Notando From Zimbabwe Gets ASD Closure In India
Siniwike Notando from Zimbabwe was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. To add on, she also developed asthma later in life and begin the required treatment to relieve her asthmatic symptoms. On the other hand, she was advised to undergo a surgery called ASD closure for the hole in her heart. Later while doing research, she found out that the cost in South Africa was twice as much the cost in India. This was when she decided to visit India for her treatment. Read the complete story to know her entire experience.
“ The entire team was excellent. They took good care of me and assured that everything would be alright “

Choice of doctor and getting the quote
After getting to know about Vaidam Health, she posted a query on their website. Soon after, she received a phone call by one of the case managers, Heena Mehta. The case manager took her reports and shared them with some of the best cardiac surgeons in India. After receiving a list of opinions and quotes, she decided to go to Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon. This led to the initiation of his process to visit India.
Getting a medical eVisa to India
Siniwike was thoroughly assisted by Vaidam in getting a medical visa to India. To begin with, she needed a Visa Invitation Letter from the hospital to apply for a visa, which was arranged by the case manager. The team also helped her in the application of visa and getting a “fit to fly” certificate. The accommodation was arranged near the hospital as per her requirements for a comfortable stay. After the completion of all the paperwork, she finally arrived in India on 24th March.
Siniwike’s experience in India
The patient was received by a team member from the airport and dropped to the hotel. Her appointment was booked with the doctor. Dr. Murtaza Ahmed Chishti had a detailed conversation with the patient and took a medical history asking about any past medical illness or related family history. This was followed by a clinical examination after which she was sent for further investigations. After the revelation of the reports, the doctor confirmed that Siniwike needed the surgery, which was later conducted on a scheduled date. She stayed in the hospital for a few days. Before the discharge, the doctor explained everything about the kind of changes she needed to make after going home.
“ A few months ago, I could not sit up straight on a chair, as I do now. “
The feedback
“ The entire team was kind and caring. Before coming to India, I was not sure of Indian Citizens, but after visiting I realized that they are very good people. I would recommend anyone who has a heart problem to come to India. Everything will be taken care of. Vaidam is a trustworthy friend if you want to get treatment in India. Thank you for arranging everything with perfection. “
Written by
Dr. Kavreen Arora
Vaidam Health · Updated 25 Sept 2026
Content meets the Vaidam Policy and is medically reviewed

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Murtaza Ahmed ChishtiCardiac SurgeonDr. Murtaza Ahmed Chishti, or Dr. Murtaza A Chishti, is a cardiac surgeon and heart-lung transplant surgeon with 34+ years of experience. He has bagged many awards, including award by the Society of Heart Failure and Transplant at Kochi and award by Heart Failure 360 at 3rd Annual Conference. Additionally, he has been honored by CM Vasundra Raje with the “Certificate of Excellence” for his work in Organ Transplantation. Dr. Chisthi has completed his MBBS and MS from University of Kashmir; MCh from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. He has done cardio thoracic fellowships in St. Mary's hospital, Milwaukee, USA; Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia and Prince Henry and Prince Wales Hospitals in Sydney, Australia. He specializes in Heart and Lung Transplantation, Total Arterial Re-vascularisation, complex and re-operative coronary Surgery, and Surgery of the Aorta. He is member of Rajasthan Medical Council.
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