"The Clinic"
Malakkara.
A Specialty Center for wellness, restoration of health &
Integrated management of Neurological & Spinal diseases.
"The Clinic" was established in 1995, to help
individuals with complicated, chronic and unusual health
problems,
get well, in a
atmosphere
of love and care. Chronic illness and pain are a major cause of poor
quality of life for hundreds of millions of people all over the world.
We 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.
We treat 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.
Over the years, I have seen that healing needs to take place
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. I encourage
you to explore
and understand your problems and work towards healing yourself and
growing in the direction you wish to go. This
clinic works with people with chronic problems and helps them to
restore their health. "The Clinic" is equipped and designed to
help you to get well as soon as possible.
"The Clinic" is a place for anybody who wishes to
improve their health, and to grow in the direction they wish to
go.
We help people who are well, to explore and assess their lives and
health. I help people to anticipate what problems may occur in the
future and help them to take action to prevent these problems.
Many people do have minor health problems and have been unable to find
answers for them. A few days stay at the clinic, can often help them
find answers. Many of our guests at "The Clinic" return every
year, to fine tune their health, to rest and recuperate,
and to grow into the people they wish to be.
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
and then treating
the cause of the 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. 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. This allows you the time and
opportunity to resolve complicated and long standing problems under
medical supervision in an
environment of understanding, love and care. 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.
Treatment begins with an 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
return to good health and maintain that 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. My multi disciplinary, integrated approach,
analyses your problems and
health in detail, and works out effective answers.
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 have structured our in patient
healing methods and ambiance to help you get well as soon as possible.
The treatment at the clinic consists of treatment during formal
consultations, unstructured treatment at other times and discussions
with you both alone and in groups with other patients. The
treatment also
includes a diet tailored to your needs on a daily basis so you
receive the optimum nutrition for healing. I conduct therapeutic
yoga classes which I direct towards helping each individual to heal and
strengthen his weak areas. The group
discussions are a wonderful way to
understand diet, your illness and find to peace and happiness in your
life.
We relieve our inpatients from the daily chores of existence,
freeing you up to heal yourself and experience the healing process.
This is an experience of a lifetime.
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. 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,
our
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.
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. In patient treatment
will allow you to heal faster and should be your first choice if you
can afford
it.
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.
Admission and diagnosis
Admission to the clinic begins with filling in an admission and arrival
form, which is mailed to you once you confirm your admission. This
helps us to plan your stay here, so we can optimize your
treatment plan, and arrange your food and other requirements. Please
fill and mail us this questionnaire
detailing your personal information and problems.
After you arrive, have settled down and rested, you meet
Dr. Hiranandani for a diagnostic evaluation 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. 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 breathing, and 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 to
you. With your cooperation the healing and
recovery process is faster and more complete, while without your
cooperation, the process is usually doomed to failure.
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 final 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. Mobilization
and exercise in the clinic premises is supervised by
doctor & his staff to allow you correct your posture, walking and
usage of your body.
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.
Daily
Routine at the Clinic.
Exceptions in admission
“The Clinic " does not admit acutely ill patients in unstable
condition, as such patients are best treated in centers 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 for payments
made 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
Patients 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.
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 a letter from your your insurance company
giving their requirements for your claim. These details must be
furnished at the time of 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.
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 1.5%. 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, in south 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, Longitude=76.6576669378Altitude 45 feet above mean
sea
level. Malakkara. (Population 3000) is situated 40 kms inland
from the Coast.
The closest airports are Thiruvanathapuram
International Airport (126 kms away and about 2.5 hours by road)
and Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi
(130 kms away and about 3.5 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 ` 61 =
1 Euro & ` 44
=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 ` 20,000 per transaction,
and up to ` 50,000
per day if your debit card/credit card allows it in
separate 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 ` 2100 for a non air
conditioned taxi, `
2600 for an air conditioned taxi, and ` 2900 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. The back waters run along the road from
Alleppy to Changanacherry and you will see the back waters on one side
and paddy fields on the other side. You can also see the houseboats as
you cross the bridges over the back waters.
Nearest town
Chengannur is the nearest
small town (5kms away), where basic necessities are available.
Specialty 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 Relax Inn (tariff `350- `850 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 ` 1000 & ` 4000. This hotel has
wheel chair access. (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 en suite 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 call now cards are
available from the clinic manager in various denominations. Interstate
calls cost up to `2/
minute,
to
the USA & Canada `4.75/minute,
to
Europe
& the U.K up to `
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 `10 per page, and `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 colorful 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 `
4000-6000 for 24 hour stay on the houseboat including meals
and ` 300-350/
hour for a motor boat. Photo album of the
Backwaters
Alleppy, 42 kms away is an ancient port which was
known as the Venice of India for its many canals. It has a public beach
which is easily accessible. It is a good place to buy coir mats,
uniquely designed umbrellas & hammocks.
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.
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 spices at
wholesale rates on Broadway. The
harbour has boat trips to Fort Cochin & Vypeen Island.
Fort Cochin is the older part of Cochin which lies across the
backwaters 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 SMS institute is a good place to buy local handicrafts.
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.