That's insane. At most it would have cost just a few thousand in many countries in Asia with comparable medical competencies. So is there a new strategy of going to non-western countries to deliver babies and have expensive surgeries?
Of course I don't need to mention that in Canada and most countries in Europe this wouldn't have even been an issue. That would be pedantic. /s
Not entirely true any more, unfortunately. Many (Western) Europeans go to countries like Poland, Hungary, Turkey for treatments that are typically not (fully) covered by health insurances, like manydental or laser eye surgery.
There are private clinics specialized on Western European patient with staff speaking fluent English, German etc.
Pole here. Recently my friend gave birth at 27 weeks to two boys, 700g (1.5 pound) each. Premature newborns spent over 3 months in the hospital (pediatric ICU), were unable to breathe by themselves. Parents got vaccinated in January against corona and the official "early birds" vaccination process for the population started about 3 months later (for public service). Everything was free of charge. I can't imagine having to pay for a visit in the hospital.
EDIT: Also, I know a guy from Denmark who flies to Poland just to fix his teeth.
Of course I don't need to mention that in Canada and most countries in Europe this wouldn't have even been an issue. That would be pedantic. /s