Best Gastroenterologists for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Delhi NCR, India

This page lists 15 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy doctors in Delhi NCR, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 15 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy doctors in Delhi NCR, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy doctors in Delhi NCR, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy doctors

Image not available Featured

Dr. Amarender Singh Puri

DM, MD, MBBS
Vice Chairman, Institute of Digestive & Hepatobiliary Sciences — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary · Specialty: Gastroenterologist & Hepatobiliary Specialist
Medanta - The Medicity Gurgaon, India34+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 34+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist & Hepatobiliary Specialist
  • Vice Chairman, Institute of Digestive & Hepatobiliary Sciences, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon — Present
  • Professor & Head of Medical Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, Delhi — 2010–2020
Expertise & Procedures
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Therapeutic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Endoscopic Hemostasis and Variceal Ligation
  • Advanced Polypectomy and Mucosal Resection
  • Colonoscopy with Therapeutic Interventions
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist & Hepatobiliary Specialist Experience: 34+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Medanta - The MedicityHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Image not available

Dr. Anando Sengupta

MBBS, DNB, DrNB, ACLS, BLS
Consultant — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences · Specialty: Gastroenterologist
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh New Delhi, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 10+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist
  • Consultant — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi (Present)
  • Consultant — Gastroenterology, Max Super Speciality Hospital Patparganj, New Delhi (Previous)
Expertise & Procedures
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Therapeutic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy and Advanced Polypectomy
  • Endoscopic Hemostasis for Gastrointestinal Bleeding
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-Guided Procedures
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Fortis Hospital, Shalimar BaghHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Image not available

Dr. Bir Singh Sehrawat

MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology), FIACM
Clinical Director and Head of Department — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary · Specialty: Gastroenterologist
Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist
  • Clinical Director and Head of Department — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, Present
  • Senior Gastroenterologist with specialization in advanced endoscopy and hepatology, over 15 years of clinical practice across tertiary-care centres in Delhi NCR region
Expertise & Procedures
  • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy with Advanced Polypectomy
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Marengo Asia HospitalsHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Image not available

Dr. M.A. Mir

MBBS, MD, FACG
Head of Gastroenterology — Liver & Digestive Diseases (Unit III) · Specialty: Gastroenterologist & Endoscopist
Artemis Hospital Gurugram, India17+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 17+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist & Endoscopist
  • Head of Gastroenterology – Liver & Digestive Diseases (Unit III), Artemis Hospital, Gurugram — Present
  • Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, New Delhi
Expertise & Procedures
  • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
  • Therapeutic Endoscopy
  • Advanced Polypectomy
  • Endoscopic Hemostasis
  • Endoscopic Dilatation
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist & Endoscopist Experience: 17+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Artemis HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Image not available

Dr. Manoj Yadav

DM, MD, MBBS
Consultant — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary · Specialty: Gastroenterologist
Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist
  • Consultant – Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad – Present
  • Clinical experience spanning 15+ years in management of complex gastrointestinal and liver conditions
Expertise & Procedures
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Esophageal Variceal Banding and Sclerotherapy
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with FNA
  • Management of Biliary and Pancreatic Strictures
  • Colonoscopy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Assessment
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Sarvodaya HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Image not available

Dr. Mohd Irtaza

MBBS, MD, DM
Specialist — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary · Specialty: Gastroenterologist
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, India11+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 11+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist
  • Specialist in Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India — Present
  • Clinical practice spanning 11+ years in gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, with focus on endoscopic and medical management
Expertise & Procedures
  • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
  • Therapeutic Endoscopy
  • Advanced Polypectomy
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
  • Esophageal Variceal Banding
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist Experience: 11+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indraprastha Apollo HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Image not available

Dr. Muzaffer Rashid Shawl

MBBS, MD, DNB
Senior Consultant — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary · Specialty: Gastroenterologist
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket New Delhi, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 10+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist
  • Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, Present
  • Consultant, Max Healthcare, New Delhi
Expertise & Procedures
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
  • Variceal Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy
  • Pancreatic and Biliary Stent Placement
  • Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Max Super Speciality Hospital, SaketHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Image not available

Dr. Narinder Tikoo

MBBS, MD
Senior Consultant — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary · Specialty: Gastroenterologist & Hepatobiliary Surgeon
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi, India36+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 36+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist & Hepatobiliary Surgeon
  • Senior Consultant — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, Present
  • Pioneer of minimally invasive endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques in gastroenterology and hepatobiliary surgery across three decades
Expertise & Procedures
  • Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Endoscopic Biliary Stenting
  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
  • Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)
  • Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist & Hepatobiliary Surgeon Experience: 36+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indraprastha Apollo HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Image not available

Dr. Pankaj Puri

MBBS, MD, DNB, DM, FRCP, FRCP
Director — Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences · Specialty: Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute New Delhi, India33+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 33+ years of experience in Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
  • Director, Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi
  • Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Fortis Escorts, New Delhi
Expertise & Procedures
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Therapeutic Endoscopy
  • Advanced Polypectomy
  • Endoscopic Hemostasis
  • Endoscopic Dilatation of Strictures
View all procedures →
Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist Experience: 33+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Fortis Escorts Heart InstituteHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Image not available

Dr. Sakshi Karkra

MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), MRCPCH (Part II), Fellowship in Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplant, GI Neurophysiology Training, Advanced Program in Critical Care Nutrition
Head of Department — Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology · Specialty: Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, India25+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 25+ years of experience in Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
  • Head of Department — Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, India (Present)
  • Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, India
Expertise & Procedures
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy and polypectomy
  • ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy
  • Endoscopic hemostasis and variceal ligation
  • Endoscopic dilatation of strictures
View all procedures →
Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist Experience: 25+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Artemis HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH

Hospitals where these doctors practise

Medanta - The Medicity🇮🇳 Gurgaon, India
Starting from$300

Medanta - The Medicity

Est. 2009
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.9
2150 reviews
1600+
Beds
17+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Amarender Singh PuriDr. Shubham Mehta
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh🇮🇳 Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, India
Starting from$300

Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh

Est. 2010
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.5
68 reviews
262+
Beds
16+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Anando Sengupta
Marengo Asia Hospitals🇮🇳 Faridabad, India
Starting from$300

Marengo Asia Hospitals

Est. 2007
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.4
54 reviews
450+
Beds
19+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Bir Singh Sehrawat
Artemis Hospital🇮🇳 Gurgaon, India
Starting from$300

Artemis Hospital

Est. 2007
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.9
64 reviews
750+
Beds
19+
Years Since Founded
Dr. M.A. MirDr. Sakshi Karkra
Sarvodaya Hospital🇮🇳 Faridabad, India
Starting from$300

Sarvodaya Hospital

Est. 2014
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.5
74 reviews
450+
Beds
12+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Manoj Yadav
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$300

Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road

Est. 1983
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.7
125 reviews
560+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Mohd IrtazaDr. Vishal Garg
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket🇮🇳 New Delhi, India
Starting from$300

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Est. 2005
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
3.8
49 reviews
539+
Beds
21+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Muzaffer Rashid Shawl
Apollo Hospitals🇮🇳 New Delhi, India
Starting from$300

Apollo Hospitals

Est. 1983
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
3+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.9
1240 reviews
1000+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Narinder TikooDr. Sanjay SikkaDr. Smita Malhotra
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute🇮🇳 New Delhi, India
Starting from$300

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Est. 1988
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyGastroenterologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
2+
Doctors for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
4.5
24 reviews
310+
Beds
38+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Pankaj PuriDr. Subrat Kumar Acharya

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for peptic ulcer disease treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGIE) is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is commonly used to diagnose peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, H. pylori infection, and to perform biopsies or treat active bleeding ulcers. The procedure is quick, usually done under sedation, and allows same-day discharge in most cases.

Who may be considered?

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

A standard endoscopic examination performed to visualize the upper digestive tract and identify ulcers, inflammation, or abnormal tissue, often including biopsy sampling.

2 approaches available for this procedure:

Diagnostic Upper GI Endoscopy

Most Common

A standard endoscopic examination performed to visualize the upper digestive tract and identify ulcers, inflammation, or abnormal tissue, often including biopsy sampling.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $100 - $300

CBC, coagulation profile, H. pylori test, ECG, blood group and crossmatch

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $300 - $700

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~1 day
Hospitalisation: ~1 day (day-care)
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~1-2 days recommended
Total stay: approx 2-3 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Consultation with gastroenterologist
  • Sedation/anesthesia during procedure
  • Biopsy sampling and histopathology
  • Day-care hospital charges
  • Post-procedure monitoring

Usually Not Included

  • Pre-procedure investigations
  • Airport transfer and accommodation
  • Medications after discharge
  • Follow-up visits after leaving India
  • Visa and travel costs

Recovery and follow-up

Most patients recover within a few hours after diagnostic endoscopy and can resume normal diet the same day, while therapeutic procedures for bleeding ulcers may require a short hospital stay with dietary restrictions and follow-up endoscopy. A follow-up consultation and repeat H. pylori testing are usually advised after 4-6 weeks.

Risks

Upper GI endoscopy is generally very safe, though rare risks include sore throat, mild bleeding at biopsy sites, perforation, or adverse reaction to sedation. Therapeutic procedures for active bleeding carry a slightly higher risk of rebleeding or need for repeat intervention.

Alternatives

Non-invasive alternatives include barium swallow X-ray studies or CT imaging, though these offer lower diagnostic accuracy and cannot obtain biopsies or treat bleeding. Capsule endoscopy may be considered for select cases but is not suitable for therapeutic intervention.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Recent upper GI symptoms history and referral letter
  • Previous endoscopy or biopsy reports (if any)
  • H. pylori test results (if done)
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile
  • Current list of medications, especially blood thinners
  • ECG report (for patients over 40 or with cardiac history)
  • Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan (if previously performed)

Patient information needed

  • Full name, age, and gender
  • Current symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, etc.)
  • Known allergies, especially to sedatives or anesthesia
  • History of peptic ulcer disease or prior GI surgeries
  • Fasting status confirmation before procedure
  • Any bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants
  • Emergency contact and attendant details

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) and procedure (Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Delhi NCR, India

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which the protective mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum breaks down, forming painful sores or ulcers that expose underlying tissue to stomach acid. It is most frequently associated with H. pylori infection or prolonged NSAID use, though other factors can also contribute.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Common symptoms include a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen that may improve or worsen with eating, nausea, bloating, and a feeling of fullness; in more serious cases, individuals may notice dark or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or unexplained weight loss, which can indicate bleeding or other complications. Some people with peptic ulcers experience minimal or no symptoms at all, particularly when ulcers are related to NSAID use. It is important to note that these symptoms overlap with several other digestive conditions, and symptoms alone are not sufficient to establish a diagnosis.
How is Peptic Ulcer Disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy), which allows a gastroenterologist to directly visualise the ulcer, assess its size and depth, take tissue biopsies if malignancy is a concern, and test for H. pylori infection. Non-endoscopic H. pylori testing (breath tests, stool antigen tests, or serology) and upper GI contrast studies may also be used in certain clinical contexts. Ulcers identified as bleeding are further classified using the Forrest classification system, which grades bleeding severity and helps guide decisions about endoscopic intervention.
How is Peptic Ulcer Disease treated?
Treatment approach depends on the underlying cause, ulcer severity, and whether complications such as active bleeding or perforation are present. The majority of uncomplicated peptic ulcers are managed successfully without procedures, using a combination of acid-suppressing medications and, where H. pylori is confirmed, antibiotic eradication therapy. When bleeding is identified endoscopically, endoscopic hemostasis techniques — such as injection therapy, thermal coagulation, or clip application — are performed during the same upper GI endoscopy procedure; surgical intervention is reserved for cases where endoscopic control is not achievable or perforation has occurred.
Can Peptic Ulcer Disease be treated without a procedure?
Most peptic ulcers are treated non-procedurally with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid, combined with H. pylori eradication regimens (typically a course of two antibiotics plus a PPI) when infection is confirmed. Lifestyle modifications — including stopping NSAID use where possible, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and dietary adjustments — form an important part of management and may significantly support healing. Follow-up testing to confirm H. pylori eradication and, where clinically indicated, repeat endoscopy to verify ulcer healing, are standard components of ongoing care.
When is Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy considered for Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic ulcer disease is primarily evaluated and managed by a gastroenterologist, who leads both diagnostic endoscopy and endoscopic treatment of complications such as bleeding. In cases involving perforation or surgical emergencies, a general or gastrointestinal surgeon becomes involved in the care team.
How do I choose a doctor for Peptic Ulcer Disease?
When selecting a provider, it is worth asking about the gastroenterologist's experience with upper GI endoscopy and endoscopic hemostasis, the facility's access to 24-hour emergency endoscopy for bleeding cases, and the availability of multidisciplinary support including surgery and pathology for biopsy review. Clear protocols for post-treatment follow-up and H. pylori eradication confirmation are also important indicators of comprehensive care.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.