This is a living document last updated in June 2017. Please contribute with your recommendations to make this resource even more useful for other families. Send your email to WBFNIndia@gmail.com and WBFNworldwide@worldbank.org. The recommendations are provided solely by WBFN members. The Family Network or the WBG do not endorse any of the services and providers mentioned. The document is primarily meant for WBFN members and cannot be shared publicly or in non-WBFN repositories.
1. What to bring
- Indoor toys and books to keep the children occupied. If you arrive in July, it will be hot and humid outside. Used toys and other items can be purchased through Delhi networks mentioned in point 3.
- Dengue repellant. July-December is dengue season. Repellant with/without Deet can be found in Delhi, but WBFN members prefer US and UK products.
- Mosquito nets for beds. Be prepared from day 1.
- 3M pollution masks for children. Pollution masks are available in Delhi but NOT in the small size. Choose the reusable masks; they are less fancy but more effective.
2. Short term housing/accommodation
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3.Temporary furniture
- Short term rental of basic furniture is possible.
- Use networks mentioned in point 4 and 5 to purchase used furniture.
4. Family Network
- Make sure that you get in contact with the Family Network in Delhi. WBFN members share advice and experiences. You can make new friends and learn how other members navigated through the first time. Join gatherings and the Facebook group for Delhi members.
- Members may also be able to point to leaving families who recommend hiring the household staff they have employed, and to used vehicles and household items for sale.
5. Other recommended networks
- Delhi Dish. This Facebook Group is for expat newcomers and veterans helping each other in learning how things work and finding the best parts of Delhi. No advertising, no apartment listing, no contacting individual members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/674116349345030/
- Yuni-net. This Facebook Group has many thousands of members – expats and Indians. Rentals, accommodation, buying and selling furniture. https://www.facebook.com/groups/expathelplinedelhi/
- Delhi Babies. Delhi Babies has a Yahoo group and a smaller Facebook group. It is a community of families in Delhi providing support and information sharing on navigating the world of parenting in Delhi. https://sites.google.com/site/delhibabiestest/
- New Delhi NCR Kids and Babies. A large Facebook group for mutual support, information sharing, buying and selling etc. Also private advertisements for nannies. https://www.facebook.com/groups/delhikids/
6. Contacts in the WBG office
Senior Administrative Assistant Vinita Verma in the WB office has lots of contacts. Members have enjoyed Vinita’s great support in the past; sourcing household staff, furniture rentals, temporary housing, housing etc. However, Vinita’s role has changed. If you have relocation support through Metrica, the destination service provider contracted by the WBG, Metrica’s agents should be able to help you identify such options.
This list of healthcare providers and facilities is made by administrative office staff, and is based on staff experiences and other recommendations. It is not an official publication and serves as guidance. The list can be obtained from the relocation focal points in the WBG offices in Delhi. The list is also uploaded in the WBFN Facebook group for Delhi. Members use this list for reference, and also identify doctors in Delhi by word of mouth from trusted individuals.
2. Medical Directories
The US Embassy in Delhi has a medical directory that some members would use for reference.
3. Healthcare Providers
The recommended, or somewhat recommended, providers are:
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General Practitioner: Dr. Dhillon
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Pediatrician: Dr. Kumar
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Dentist and orthodontist: Dr. Giroti and Dr. Bhagat in Sterling Dental Clinic
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Dentist and orthodontist: Dr. Siddharta Mehta
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Gynecologist: Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja at Apollo
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Chiropractor: Dr. Shiv Bajaj
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Physiotherapy: Aktiv Ortho
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Ophthalmology: Dr. Samir Sud (when he treats you directly, or overseas every step of his colleagues)
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American Embassy School has a Health Center which takes care of minor medical problems in students (playground scrapes, fever, minor sports injuries etc).
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However, most healthcare providers are not as reliable, and most facilities are not as clean, as members would wish. Members use healthcare providers in Delhi for the most basic medical problems, and would seek medical attention elsewhere for serious medical problems, if possible. Some members would not recommend any of the providers/facilities they have been to in Delhi. In particular, the concern is about hygiene and that procedures are not followed properly/timely.
4. Emergencies and Ambulances
Members advise that:
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There is no real 911 equivalent; the emergency response center often doesn’t answer or doesn’t speak English.
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Ambulances often don’t come when called, and they are not equipped with medical equipment or medically trained personnel. It is unlikely that drivers speak English.
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Don’t waste time waiting for emergency response; get in your own car or take an auto rickshaw (which can go where cars can’t) and go straight to the hospital.
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Have protocols in place for household staff, so everybody can work together in handling an emergency situation, especially if you have a baby or young children.
5. MERC Card
The MERC card is a little card with contact numbers for WBG Emergency Response Coordinator,
the WBG Security, and other important WBG roles to contact in case of medical and safety
emergency, urgent care, evacuation and similar. Have the MERC card in your purse, in the car, in
the home and put the MERC phone numbers in your phone. Staff can print it from the WBG
Intranet at http:/merccards
Note: WBG encourages staff and families to report accidents and emergencies.