Ties between Britain and India remain something of a wonder. While relations with some of Britain’s former colonies have grown weak, or disintegrated, the bond with the world’s biggest democracy flourishes. Perhaps it’s the cricket. Perhaps it’s the large Indian population in Britain, many of whom – doctors, nurses and others – keep the NHS afloat.

But how is health provision in the subcontinent?

“Mixed” is the kindest answer. For while India has skilfully promoted itself as a medical tourism centre, attracting patients from the Middle East, Africa and Europe, services for the majority of the billion-plus population are poor. The smart private hospitals are out of reach.

Only a quarter of the population can afford Western medicine, with the rest relying on traditional remedies or alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine (which can at least boast fewer adverse reactions).

Eighty-one per cent of health care across India is paid from private funds, mainly individual pockets. To compound the problem, the booming economy has attracted millions into the cities and away from the country’s rural network of hospitals.

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