"The Clinic" Malakkara.
A Speciality Centre for restoration of health & Integrated management of Neurological & Spinal diseases.
"The Clinic" is a unique place which helps you to heal in a atmosphere of love and care. We have created an environment here to make you feel at peace and at home. You can focus entirely on your healing experience, while we take care of all your essential needs so you can devote all your time and effort to getting well.
I established "The Clinic" in 1995 to help Individuals with complicated, chronic and unusual health problems, for which they have not been able to find answers elsewhere, to get well. There are many facilities available world wide which provide good crisis management for acute illnesses. Unfortunately few facilities offer effective treatment for people with chronic health problems. This clinic works with people with chronic problems and helps them to restore their health. Over the years I have seen that often healing needs to take at many levels, not only the physical level but also the level of the mind and soul. During the treatment and in many informal interactions I assist you in understanding your issues and resolving them.
My multi disciplinary, integrated approach, analyses your problems and health in detail, and works out effective answers. This allows you an opportunity to resolve complicated and long standing problems in an environment of understanding, love and care.
My approach is both scientific and logical, and is based on finding out and treating the cause of your problems. This relies on the fact that if we treat the cause of a problem, the symptoms will resolve as the body heals. The resolution of the symptoms is proof that the correct causes have been diagnosed and correctly tackled.
I offer an individualized and intensive approach to your problems, in an integrated and holistic manner in a clean, harmonious environment which is ideal for healing. "The Clinic" is equipped and designed to help you to get well as soon as possible. I encourage you to explore and understand your problems and work towards healing yourself and growing in the direction you wish to go.
We offer individuals with complicated health problems, high quality and exclusive attention.
"The Clinic" is a place for anybody who wishes to improve their health
We help people who are well, to assess and improve their health and
put them on a program which can help them maintain good health.
Many people do have minor health problems and have been unable to
find answers to their problems and a few days stay at the clinic can help them find answers.
5-10 days of stay at the clinic is usually adequate for this purpose
Dr. Hiranandani treats a wide range of conditions, with special
expertise in Neurological & Spinal problems, allergies,
gastro-intestinal problems, arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Most
patients who seek admission at the clinic are suffering from long
standing, complicated and often interrelated problems for which they
have been unable to find answers elsewhere in the world.
Treatment approach
Dr. Hiranandani's treatment approach is both scientific and logical. It
is based on finding out why each individual has his unique problems.
This begins with an initial in depth diagnostic evaluation. A treatment
program is then formulated and discussed with you to tackle the causes
of each problem in the most effective fashion. This is followed by
intensive treatment to tackle both the causes and effects of your
problems. Daily discussions with Dr. Hiranandani can help you explore
your illness fully and help you understand the factors which have led
to your illness. These discussions are useful for you to learn how to
and maintain that good health and be happy, well and contented
in the years to come. Our approach here is geared up to help you as an
individual to get well as soon as possible. This approach involves
helping you at many levels.
Our scientific approach relies on the fact
that if one treats the causes of a problem the symptoms will resolve as
the body heals. The disappearance of the symptoms is proof that the
correct causes have been diagnosed and correctly tackled. You are made
aware of the causes of your problems, and advised how you can best help
yourself to get well. Dr. Hiranandani advises that patients with
complicated problems, plan an initial stay for 6 to 8 weeks for the
recovery process to begin. He then advises a follow up readmission
after 6 months for a period of 2-3 weeks and at periodic intervals
thereafter till maximum recovery is achieved.
The treatment of such
patients is both time consuming and complicated. To allow each patient
the opportunity to have quality time and personal care from the doctor,
in-patient accommodation is restricted to three suites and one well
equipped special care room. Treatment is also available on an
out-patient basis subject to availability of appointments.
At "The Clinic" we offer a unique treatment which is often the best you
can find anywhere in the world, which is given with love, care and wisdom,
at prices which are far lower than what it would cost in the western world.
We relieve our inpatients from all the daily chores of existence,
freeing you up to heal yourself and experience the healing process.
The treatment at the clinic consists of structured treatment during formal consultations,
unstructured treatment at other times and discussions with you both alone and in groups with other patients.
This is an experience of a lifetime.
We have structured our in patient
healing methods and ambiance to help you get well as soon as possible.
These include - a diet tailored to your needs on a daily basis so you
receive the optimum nutrition for healing, yoga, group discussions and
mobilization and exercise in the clinic premises which is supervised by
doctor & his staff to allow you correct your posture, walking and
usage of your body. The group discussions are a wonderful way to
understand diet, your illness and find to peace and happiness in your
life.
Many patients who find their way to the clinic have been ill for
many years and have not responded well to any form of treatment. For a
person to fall ill and not be able to recover means that the body has
been damaged to an extent that the normal recuperative mechanisms of
the body have failed. Here we aim to help your body heal to a level
from where your body's own healing mechanisms take over and allow you
to recover. Patients with complicated problems rarely get the full benefit of the treatment as out-patients.
Some times total recovery is not always a realistic goal.
Bearing this in mind the results of in-patient treatment at the clinic
over the years have been excellent. Even where symptoms persist, their
frequency and intensity have reduced from severe to mild and frequent
to occasional.
Admission and diagnosis
Admission to the clinic begins with filling in a questionnaire
detailing your personal information and problems. This is followed by a
meeting with Dr. Hiranandani where a diagnostic evaluation is carried
out to find out the causes of your problems. After this evaluation a
detailed treatment plan is then drawn up to enable you to recover your
health as soon as possible. This plan requires work from you, Dr.
Hiranandani and the clinic staff. With your cooperation the healing and
recovery process is faster and more complete, while without your
cooperation, the process is usually doomed to failure. This plan, in
addition to the treatment being carried out by Dr. Hiranandani &
his staff, may include dietary changes, life style changes,
re-evaluation of goals, thought processes and reassessment of your aims
in your life as well as exercise regimens to allow you to recover and
lead a better, healthier life. This plan is discussed with you, and
after your consent we commence treatment. There is a threshold in each
individual at which illness manifests. Many factors can drive you below
this threshold. These factors include lack of sleep, stress, incorrect
or unbalanced diet, injury, lack of exercise, excesses in work, diet,
lifestyle, alcohol. Other factors include air pollution, polluted
water, food contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives
and artificial colorings. Here we aim to bring you above the threshold
by the modification of whichever of these factors are applicable toF
you.
Treatment
The first phase of treatment is to address the causes of your problems.
In this phase most of the work is done by the doctor and his staff. The
next phase is to promote recovery of those parts of your body which may
have been damaged by the illness. In this phase more responsibility
shifts to the patient. The third phase is consolidation of the recovery
process. Here the patient puts in most of the effort under the
supervision of the doctor and his staff. The last phase consists of
follow up assessments and treatments over the next few years till you
are satisfied with your state of health. As these phases of treatment
overlap we advise you to allocate yourself enough time at "The Clinic",
and put in the effort to achieve the results you desire.
Medical records
Patients are requested to bring all documentation, X-rays, scans & other medical papers which relate to the problems for which they are coming to " The Clinic" for treatment.
Hard work and divine grace
"The Clinic" offers an individualized and intensive approach to
problems in a holistic fashion in a clean, green, harmonious
environment which is ideal for healing. Our aim is to make you
functional during your stay at the clinic. In chronic ailments the body
has suffered from a lot of damage and can take time to recover. If you
are responding to treatment it is often worthwhile for you to extend
your stay here till you are functional. Here we have the infrastructure
to aid you in the recovery process which is often not available in your
home environment. Much hard work will be required in the subsequent
years to consolidate the improvement and return you to good health.
Continued improvement requires that you adhere to the treatment plan
laid out by Dr. Hiranandani at "The Clinic"
and return for follow up treatment if advised by Dr. Hiranandani. Many
patients come to "The Clinic" expecting miracles. Miracles are 99% hard
work and 1% Divine grace. If both doctor & patient put in all the
necessary effort to become well, the divine grace and the miracle often
follow. If the patient is not inclined to co-operate with the treatment
regimen then we are unlikely to obtain the desired results and he or
she is advised to seek treatment elsewhere.
Exceptions in admission
“The Clinic " does not admit acutely ill patients in unstable
condition, as such patients are best treated in centres specializing in
such care, or patients with infectious or contagious diseases as we do
not have facilities to isolate them from other patients.
Comments in Our Visitors Book From Some of our Patients.
Charges
Prepaid treatment packages
We offer prepaid treatment packages, which may allow you to save up to 25% on your bill, depending on your needs, as compared to our standard charges. Prepaid treatment packages are ideal for those of you who are paying for your own treatment.
The package includes
1) Up to 60 minutes of structured treatment a day (during normal working hours & excluding Holidays) for the patient.
2) Accommodation, food & laundry for the patient and one companion.
3) Therapeutic Yoga instruction & group discussions for the patient.
It does not include medicines, investigations & physiotherapy. It saves us billing and administrative time and allows us to devote our time and effort to getting you well, and we pass on this savings to you. On discharge we provide you with your bill, receipts and a discharge summary containing a summary of your treatment and your future course of action to maintain your health. Please click on the link above for full details of the package. If your insurance company reimburses packages you may also opt for this scheme.
Medical insurance claims
If you intend claiming your medical & hospitalization bills from your insurance company, please provide us with the full details of what your policy covers and the requirements of your insurance company on your admission. We will provide you with all documentation regarding your treatment here at the time of your discharge, but are unable to provide any documentation to you or your insurance company after your discharge. Many policies exclude illnesses which you had at time of taking out the policy and exclude certain types of treatment.
People claiming reimbursement from insurance companies, will be charged our standard charges as insurance companies require a separate breakdown of all charges, along with extensive investigations and paperwork for a successful insurance claim. We can also bill you separately for any ailments, treatments & items not covered under your insurance policy.
Payment of bills
Weekly Bills will be presented on Saturdays. Please arrange cash or Demand drafts payable at Chengannur with you to the estimated value of your expenses each week to enable you to settle your bills on presentation. Electronic payment may also be made over the internet. The facility of payment by credit card is also available at a surcharge of 2.0%. We accept Visa & Master card but not American express.
Failure to settle the bills on presentation will constrain us to discharge you and allocate the room to the next person on our waiting list.
Registered hospital
"The Clinic" is registered as a 10 bed hospital with local authorities.
Photo album of The Clinic
Address, telephone and fax numbers
The postal address: "The Clinic", Malakkara. via Edayaranmulla, Kerala 689532, India.
Tel. numbers: 91-468-2317103; 91-468-2317118.
Fax number : 91-468-2317328.
"The Clinic" is situated in the picturesque village of Malakkara in
Kerala, India on the banks of the River Pamba. Approximate GPS
co-ordinates are 9 degrees 19'37.15"N, 76 degrees 38'15.68"S. "HINJES"
lat=9.32473258912, lon=76.6576669378Altitude 45 feet above mean sea
level. Malakkara. (Population 3000) is situated in Kerala, in south
India and is 40 kms inland from the Coast.
The closest airports are Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi
(130kms away and about 3 hours by road) and Thiruvanathapuram
International Airport (126kms away and about 3-4 hours by road). These
airports receive direct international flights from Singapore, Sri Lanka
& the Middle East. Daily flights to both these airports are
available from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore, the major cities
in India with international airports.
Google maps
Visas
Those of you coming from overseas will need to get a passport and visa
to enter India which is available from the nearest Indian Embassy.
Indian embassies usually issue 6 month multiple entry visas for
tourists. If you need to make frequent trips to India a 3 year multiple
entry medical visa is also available. Please contact us & we will
give you a certificate to this effect to help you get the visa.
Currency
The local Currency is the Indian Rupee. The current exchange rate is
approximately Rs 64 = 1 Euro & Rs 48 =1$. Exchange rates do
fluctuate. Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, hotels,
certain authorized banks & money changers. Major credit cards are
widely accepted and you can draw cash from ATM's in Chengannur at good
rates of exchange usually up to a limit of Rs 20,000 per transaction,
and upto Rs 50,000 per day if your debit card/credit card allows it in
seperate transactions every day.
Taxis to the Clinic
Malakkara is well connected by road and if you inform us in advance we
can send a taxi to receive you at the airport. Pre paid taxi's are also
available at the airport. The rates are about Rs 1900 for a non air
conditioned taxi, Rs 2500 for an air conditioned taxi, and Rs 2850 for
a Luxury air conditioned taxi for the trip to "the Clinic". The map
shown above will be useful if you are making your own way from the
airport.
Backwaters
The road from Kochi airport to the clinic brings you over the world famous backwaters of Kerala.
Nearest town
Chengannur is the nearest
small town (5kms away), where basic necessities are available.
Speciality cosmetics and drugs may not be available so patients are
advised to bring enough of these for their stay. Chengannur also has
the nearest railway station, where most trains stop for 3 to 5 minutes.
Chengannur is the rail head for pilgrims proceeding to Sabarimala.
Chengannur also has economy hotels like Hotel Pournami (tariff Rs
350-550 per day) where patients or their attendants may stay. This
hotel does not have handicapped access.
The Voyage hotel at Tiruvilla is 13 kms (20-25 minutes) away, has nice
rooms & air- conditioned suites priced between Rs 1000 & Rs
4000. This hotel has wheel chair access. Patients at the clinic can
avail of a 15% discount, complimentary breakfast & laundry at the
Hotel Voyage. (tel no 91-469-3051025/ 3051111). Transport from the
hotel to the clinic usually costs about Rs 500 per trip.
Facilities at "The Clinic".
The clinic has two comfortable, air conditioned suites, which can
accommodate up to 3/4 people each on the first floor. The ground floor
has an air conditioned suite for two people, a special care room, the
doctor's consultation area, treatment area and a reception area.
All rooms have an ensuite bathroom with running hot water.
Each suite is self contained and well furnished in an ergonomic style.
We also have one special care room equipped with a motorized intensive
care bed, oxygen, suction machine, cardiac monitor, pulse oximeter,
& cardiac defibrillator. The clinic has been designed with the needs
of handicapped people in mind and all rooms have wheelchair access. .
Facilities for steam inhalation, for making tea and coffee, a
refrigerator, cable television and piped classical music are available
in all suites and rooms. Each suite also has a small combination safe
for you to store your valuables.
Direct inward dialing facility is available at the clinic for your
friends and family to contact you. They should dial 91-468-2317328,
they will get a recorded message. They should then dial your room
number. If they are calling from a pulse phone they need to dial *
followed by your room number. Outgoing local calls are free. To call
interstate, mobile phones and overseas numbers callnow cards are
available from the clinic manager in various denominations. Interstate
calls cost up to Rs2/ minute, to the USA & Canada Rs 4.75/minute,
to Europe & the U.K up to Rs 4/minute.
If you bring your laptop with you with a wireless facility you may use our wireless airport network. If you wish a printout of your E mails please send them to manager@drmanik.com and we will provide you a printout of black printed matter at Rs 10 per page, and Rs 50 per page for coloured matter & photographs. Similar charges apply to fax messages received. Electrical current in India is 220-240 volts 50Hz.
Eating and drinking
Vegetarian food is provided at the clinic, which is freshly cooked
prior to each meal according to the specific prescribed dietary needs
of each patient. North Indian, South Indian and Continental food are
provided at the clinic. The food menus are individually designed to be
tasty, nutritious and balanced to help improve your health. No
preservatives or additives are used in the food prepared at the clinic.
Patients are requested not to take any food other than that provided by
the clinic unless they have consulted Dr. Hiranandani and have obtained
his approval.
Photo album of Salads served at the Clinic
Drinking Water is obtained from our own well, purified through a
biological sand filter and then sterilized with Ultraviolet treatment.
Our drinking water is of Neutral pH, with a pleasant taste as it is
free of all chemicals.
Recreation & Contemplation
.
Photo album of Birds and flowers in and around The Clinic
The clinic is located on the river Pamba which flows down from the western Ghats, originating at Sabarimala, the shrine of Lord Ayyappa and one of India's holiest shrines. Over the centuries many sages have settled on the banks of this holy river and a culture of prayer is ingrained in this area. This contributes to the spiritual ambiance and peace of the area.
The river is a holy river for the local people, both Hindu and Christians, so it is clean and free of Industrial pollution. We have provided facilities for relaxing by the river. There are private steps leading down to the river and we have a paddling platform which is safe even for those who do not know how to swim. As you paddle in the river you may see many colourful fish playing around your feet. Dr Hiranandani often swims in the river and good swimmers are welcome to join him during his evening swim at their own risk.
Photo album of the River Pamba
Facilities for playing badminton and darts are available. Hammocks are also available. Please request for the equipment.
Patients may also practice rowing the clinic's canoe under supervision, with a life jacket on, when water conditions are suitable.
Over the centuries many sages have settled on the banks of this holy river and a culture of prayer is ingrained in this area. This contributes to the spiritual ambiance of the area.
Walks through the paddy fields
There are beautiful walks through the paddy fields surrounding the clinic which all visitors are encouraged to take.
Photo album of the Paddy fields around the clinic
Emergency attention
Dr. Hiranandani lives on the premises so his attention is available
instantly in case of any emergency. There are three large hospitals in
close proximity, the century hospital at Chengannur, the Muthoot
hospital at Kozhencherry (9kms) & the Pushpagiri hospital at
Tiruvilla (12kms) with access to a range of modern investigations
(including CT & MRI scans) and facilities.
Timings at The Clinic
Dr. Hiranandani's Consulting hours are:
Monday to Saturday : 9 a.m to 1 p.m
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 4 p.m.- 5.30 pm
Planned treatment is usually restricted to these hours. Higher rates
apply for treatment or consultations outside these hours.
Hours for receiving your visitors : 5 pm to 6.30 pm daily. If you need to receive visitors at other times please discuss it with the clinic manager so he can adjust your treatment schedule accordingly. Please ensure that your visitor's do not use their horns while approaching the clinic or in the clinic premises.
Check in Time : After 2.30 pm. Check out time 10.30 a.m.
We need this time to make the room ready for the next person. If we are not expecting any other patients you may request a late checkout.
Weather
The climate in Kerala is mild throughout the year with temperatures
ranging between 17 and 35 degrees Centigrade. Kerala experiences two
monsoons each year which keep it cool and green.
The Southwest monsoon usually begins in end May and lasts till the end
of August (temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees) Rain gear and
water proof footwear are useful to have with you if you are here at
this time.
The north east monsoon arrives in Mid October and lasts till the middle
of January. This monsoon is usually marked by evening showers which
keep the temperature very pleasant. Temperatures at this time range
from 17 to 30 degrees Centigrade. A light sweater is useful in the
early mornings.
February to May is Kerala's summertime. This time is usually hot and
humid. Temperatures range from 23 to 35 degrees Centigrade.
A cool breeze blows over the river from 1 pm to 5 pm. Hammocks and swings are available for you to nap out doors or by the river.
Clothing recommendations
You are advised to bring 6 sets of modest light cotton clothing, including some full sleeved outfits, 3-4 T shirts, shorts, a pair of jeans, light loose clothes for yoga, 1 pair of good walking shoes, 6 pairs of socks, 1 pair of waterproof slippers, 4 sets of night clothes, 6 sets of underwear, modest swim swear and rain gear with you. Please bring the toiletries & medication you require for your use for the duration of your stay as they may not be available locally.
Excursions
Kerala is well known as a tourist destination for its beauty, greenery, the clean and unpolluted air, and its peaceful and harmonious environment. There are many easy day excursions to enjoy the beauty of Kerala. These are described below and we can help you arrange the transport. You and your family may avail of these excursions between treatments.
Chengannur is the nearest small town (5 kms away), where basic necessities are available. It has an ancient famous Shiva Temple. It also has a Narasimha Swami temple with exquisite woodcarvings about 1200 years old. Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage is available here by prior appointment. It has a railway station where most trains stop, banks and ATM’s.
Aranmula, 4 kms away has the magnificant Parthasarthy Temple which is reputed to be 8000 years old. A magnificent boat race is held here at the time of Onam (In August/September). It is famous for metal mirrors which are unique to this village. We can arrange for you to visit an artisan to see how these are made. Aranmula also has the Vastu Vidya Gurukulam where you can see traditional mural painters at work and buy their art.
Thiruvilla 14 kms away, is a larger town that has 2 malls and a big Saree shop. The Sree Vallabha temple here has Kathakali performances every night. Close to Thiruvilla is Niranam where St. Thomas, an Apostle of Christ built his first church in AD 52. The ancient church has now been reconstructed. Worship at this site has been conducted continuously for almost 2000 years.
Mannar lies between Chengannur and Niranam and has many shops which sell brass items like lamps, statues and curios.
CGH earth, chain of Eco-friendly resorts, has many beautiful and eco friendly properties located close by. They include coconut lagoon at Kumarakom, Spice village at Thekkady, the Mararikulam beach resort near Alleppy, Brunton boatyard at Fort Cochin. Their website is www.cghearth.com Tel 0484-3011711
A trip on the backwaters can be one of the highlights of a trip to Kerala. These are channels both natural & artificial which open to the sea and extend inland allowing direct access by boat to most parts of coastal Kerala. They act as the roads and highways for many hundreds of thousands of people. As many Kerala homes are situated on the backwaters it gives you an inside look into the lives of the people of Kerala. You can take excursions on the backwaters, from Allapuzha or Kottayam (40 kms, about 1 hour away). Excursions on House boats cost between Rs 4000-6000 for 24 hour stay on the houseboat including meals and Rs 300-350/ hour for a motor boat. Photo album of the Backwaters
Alleppy (Allapuzha) is an ancient port which was known as the Venice of India for its many canals. It is a good place to buy coir mats, uniquely designed umbrellas & hammocks. It has a public beach which is easily accessible.
Kottayam, is famous for its rubber trade and it’s numerous lakes. The town is 45 kms away (about an hour's journey) and makes a pleasant outing for a day. It has many shops and resorts. Gold jewelry with exquisite workmanship is available at the numerous gold shops in Kottayam. The Chariyapally & Valiayapalli churches on the way to Kumarakom, dating back to the 16th Century are worth a visit.
Kumarakom, situated between the backwaters and Vembanad lake on the outskirts of Kottayam, has a bird sanctuary and many luxurious resorts like Coconut Lagoon, Taj Garden Retreat and Lakeshore resorts. It is a good place to take a trip on the backwaters.
The famous Thekkady game sanctuary is about 100 kms (3 hours) away and is usually a good place to see wild elephants, wild boar, sambhar deer, bison, monkeys & birds in their natural habitat in the dry season. If you are really lucky you may even see a tiger here. To take this trip you need to be mobile and physically fit. The nearby town of Kumily is a good place to buy natural unprocessed honey and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper & vanilla beans.
Kochi is the nearest city with lots of shopping and sightseeing.
It is 100 kms away and can be visited either as a day trip or over the weekend. It has a museum of Kerala history and the hill palace at Tripunithara. Ernakulam has several new Malls on Marine drive & the Cochin Bypass Road. Shopping is found on M.G. Road and on Broadway. The harbour has boat trips to Fort Cochin & Vypeen Island.
Fort Cochin has the Dutch Palace, Vasco da Gama’s Church, the Jewish synagogue, chinese fishing nets, seafood, & shopping for souvenirs, antiques and spices in Jew town.
Trivandrum is the state Capital, 120 Kms away and also has much to visit by way of handicrafts, museums, temples, zoos, beaches, etc. The famous Kovalam beach is located just out side Trivandrum (15kms).
Varkala 80 Kms away has a nice beach with hot springs located on the beach.
Athirapally waterfalls 40 kms north of the Cochin Airport is a worthwhile sight specially in the monsoon time when the water rushes over the falls.