Picture of "The Clinic"

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 maintain that good health and be happy, well and contented in the years to come.

This 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. The patient is made aware of the causes of his problems, and advised how he or she can best help themselves to become well.

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.

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.

Dr. Hiranandani treats a wide range of conditions, with special expertise in Neurological & Spinal 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.

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. In patients with complicated problems it is often difficult to get the full benefit of the treatment as an out-patient. We have structured our in patient healing methods and ambiance to help you get well as soon as possible.

Patients who find their way to the clinic are thus by definition mostly "tough cases" who have been ill for many years and have not responded well to any form of treatment. 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.

At "The clinic" we offer 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. As an inpatient we relieve you of 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.

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 metels, pesticides, preservatives and artificial colourings. Here we aim to bring you above the threshold by the modification of whichever of these factors are applicable to you.

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.

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.

"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.

"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 We offer prepaid treatment packages which cover

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) Yoga & group discussions for the patient and one companion.

It does not include medicines, investigations & physiotherapy.

Prepaid treatment packages are ideal for those of you who are paying for your own treatment.

A prepaid package may allow you to save up to 25% on your bill depending on your needs as compared to our standard charges. 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.

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 continue to provide 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 & items not covered under your insurance policy.

Bills are presented each week. Please settle them on presentation by cash, transfer to our bank account or by credit card (with a 2.5% surcharge).

"The Clinic" is recognized and registered as a 10 bed hospital with local authorities.

Aim of the Clinic & its Facilities

The clinic offers an individualized and intensive approach to your problems in a holistic fashion in a clean, green, unpolluted and harmonious environment which is ideal for healing.

We provide a safe and healthy surroundings in which to identify, discuss and resolve problems which may have accumulated over the years.

We provide a caring and peaceful ambience for you, to enable you to devote all your energy to getting well.

The postal address is "The Clinic", Malakkara. via Edayaranmulla, Kerala 689532, India.

Tel. numbers: Tel. : 91-468-2317103; 91-468-2317118.

Fax/Tel : 91-468-2317328.

How to Get here

Location : "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. Altitude 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). The road from Trivandrum is currently under repair, so if you have an option Cochin airport is a better place to arrive. 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.

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 a 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.

The local Currency is the Indian Rupee. The current exchange rate is approximately Rs 58 = 1 € & Rs 39 =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.

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 and charge about Rs 1900 for a non air conditioned taxi, and Rs 2450 for an air conditioned taxi, and Rs 2850 for a Luxury taxi for the trip to "the Clinic". The map shown above will be useful if you are making your own way from the airport.

The road from Kochi airport to the clinic brings you over the world famous backwaters of Kerala.

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 & 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).

Facilities at "The Clinic".

"The Clinic" is situated on a plot which is 1.8 acres (7200 square metres) in size and has a walking track around the clinic which meanders through its garden. The clinic has two comfortable, air conditioned suites, which can accommodate up to 3 people each on the first floor. The ground floor has a suite for two people, a special care room and the doctor's consultation area, treatment area and a reception area. The clinic is currently under expansion and we hope to add another 4 suites by the middle of 2009.

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 is wheelchair friendly on the ground floor.

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.

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.

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.

Telephone Calls. Direct inward dialling 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 1.75/minute, to Europe & the U.K up to Rs 4/minute.

Internet access. If you bring your laptop with you with a wireless facility you may use our wireless airport network without any additional charge. 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.

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 of the area.

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. The river is a holy river for the local people, both Hindu and Christians the so the river is clean and free of Industrial pollution. Doctor Manik often swims in the river and good swimmers are welcome to join him during his evening swim at their own risk.

There are beautiful walks through the paddy fields surrounding the clinic which all visitors are encouraged to take. Kerala is well known as a tourist destination for its beauty, greenery, the clean and unpolluted air, and its peaceful and harmonious environment.

Facilities for playing badminton, darts, and volleyball are available on request. Patients may also practice rowing the clinic's inflatable boat or canoe under supervision, with a life jacket on, when water conditions are suitable.

Dr. Hiranandani lives with his wife and 3 children in a residence on the same plot 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 : 4 pm to 5.30 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.

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 by the river or in the Gazebo.

Clothing recommendations. You are advised to bring 6 sets of modest light cotton clothing, including some full sleeved outfits, 3-4 T shirts, a pair of jeans, 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.

Recommended Daily Routine.

Recreation and Excursions.

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.

Umesh Babu, the district ecologist & nature expert can organize forest treks & trips to see the attractions of the area. You may contact him by email at "darsanam15@sancharnet.in" to ask his help in arranging your outings.

Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage is available nearby by prior appointment.

The Vijnanakalavedi, is a cultural school set up by Louba Schild a French lady of Russian extraction. She learnt Kathakali and has set up this institution to revive & propagate traditional Kerala arts and crafts. This is 4 kms from the clinic and offers facilities for residents at the clinic to learn painting, Kalaripayat (traditional Indian Martial arts), sculpture, wood carving, Kerala cooking, Kathakali and other classical forms of Indian music and dance. (<http://www.vijnanakalavedi.org> .) They also offer frugal accommodation if available.

Kottayam, is famous for its rubber, lakes and for being the location for Arundhati Roy's Booker prize winning novel "The God Of Small Things". The town is 45 kms away (about an hour's journey) and makes a pleasant outing for a day. Gold jewellery with exquisite workmanship is available at the numerous gold shops in Kottayam.

Kumarakkom, situated on 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.

The backwaters 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 an excursion on the backwaters, when you are at the clinic from Allapuzha or Kottayam (40 kms & 1 hour away). House boats & motor boats are available on hire for overnight trips & day trips respectively.

The famous Thekkady game sanctuary is about 100 kms (3 hours) from the clinic and is usually a good place to see wild elephants, wild boar, sambhar deer, birds, monkeys & bison in their natural Habitat. However you do need to be physically fit to do this trip. The nearby town of Kumily is a good place to buy spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper & vanilla beans.