A diagnostic colonoscopy in Punjab typically costs Rs 4,500 to 12,000, with an average of Rs 7,000. If a biopsy or polyp removal is done during the test, the range moves to Rs 7,000 to 18,000. Dr Raman Garg performs colonoscopy at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda, Punjab, India, with cashless insurance support.
What a colonoscopy is
A colonoscopy is a test where a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera goes through the back passage, so the doctor can see your whole large bowel (the colon) on a screen. Many patients just call it the bowel dooRbeen test. It finds piles, ulcers, colitis (swollen bowel lining), polyps (small growths) and cancer. If the doctor sees something suspicious, a small tissue sample (a biopsy) can be taken in the same sitting. That one fact explains most of the price difference you will hear about.
Colonoscopy cost in Punjab, 2026
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonoscopy, diagnostic | 4,500 | 7,000 | 12,000 |
| Colonoscopy with biopsy or polyp removal | 7,000 | 10,000 | 18,000 |
| Biopsy report (histopathology), per sample | 800 | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Stool routine test | 100 | 150 | 300 |
| CEA tumour marker (if cancer is suspected) | 500 | 650 | 1,000 |
OPD consultation Rs 500 to 1,000.
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on whether a biopsy or polyp removal is done during the test, the type of anaesthesia, the number of tests needed, and your age and health.
Why two patients pay different amounts
Two people can walk in for the same test and leave with different bills. These are the usual reasons:
- Biopsy or polyp removal. A plain look costs less. Taking tissue or removing a polyp adds time and materials.
- Biopsy report. Each tissue sample goes to the lab as a separate sample, and the report is charged per sample.
- Anaesthesia type. Light sedation is the usual choice. A heart patient or an elderly person may need closer monitoring.
- Age and other illnesses. Sugar, blood pressure or heart disease can mean extra checks before the test.
- Extra tests. Blood tests, a stool test or a CEA marker are added only when your symptoms call for them.
How Punjab compares with Mohali and Chandigarh
Published ranges from Mohali and Chandigarh hospitals put colonoscopy at about Rs 4,000 to 10,000. Metro hospitals often charge more. So the price you see in Bathinda is in the same band, but you save the long drive. A farmer from Rampura Phul, 30 km away, reaches us in about 40 minutes and is home the same day. A trip to Chandigarh can eat a full day and a lot of diesel.
Who needs a colonoscopy
- Anyone with blood in the stool (potty me khoon), whatever the colour, that lasts more than a few days.
- A change in bowel habit, new kabz or loose motion, that does not settle in three weeks.
- Unexplained weight loss or low blood count (anaemia).
- A parent, brother or sister who had bowel cancer or polyps.
- Age 45 and above, even without symptoms, as a screening check.
- Long-standing colitis or Crohn's disease that needs regular review.
A 52 year old shopkeeper from Goniana Mandi who has had 'piles' for six months and now sees dark blood mixed in the stool should not keep applying creams. He needs the test. Many such patients turn out to have simple piles, and that is good news. But the test is how you know.
Preparation in four steps
- Day before: eat light, low-fibre food such as dal water, khichdi without skin, clear soup and curd rice. Stop seeds, salad and fruit with skin.
- Evening before: take the bowel-cleaning solution exactly as the team instructs. A clean bowel is what makes the test accurate.
- Medicines: tell us about blood thinners, sugar tablets and insulin. Do not stop them on your own.
- Test day: come with a companion. Most patients go home the same day after the sedation wears off.
For full preparation steps read colonoscopy: who needs it and how to prepare.
Cashless insurance for colonoscopy
BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Care Health Insurance, ICICI Lombard and Medi Assist TPA. Cover for a colonoscopy usually depends on the reason for the test and your policy terms. Our insurance desk arranges pre-authorisation, so you do not have to chase forms. Send your policy card on WhatsApp and the desk will tell you the same day.
When to see a doctor
Book an OPD visit with Dr Raman Garg if you have blood in the stool, black stool, a bowel habit change beyond three weeks, weight loss without trying, or a family history of bowel cancer. See the blood in stool page for causes. Red flag: heavy bleeding, fainting, or severe belly pain with vomiting and no passing of stool or gas needs same-day hospital care. Call +91 82641-60001, 24/7.
Where to get it done
The advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite at BGCI, colonoscopy in Bathinda, is run by one surgeon from consultation to follow-up. Patients also come from Goniana Mandi and Rampura Phul. Read more in early signs of colon cancer and our full gastro treatment overview.
This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.