Two-fold increase in global patients seeking cure in city

While there are clinics catering to alternative medicine in other countries, an increasing number of patients are choosing the city for a similar treatment. 

The number of international patients has increased twofold, said Dr N J Muthukumar, Superintendent, National Institute of Siddha. “It is not like people are pouring in, but we are getting enquiries and patients are approaching us. Many are opting for alternative forms like Siddha, because these are pure, natural drugs with no chemical components. 

People are afraid of the side effects of allopathic drugs,” he said, adding that there are similar clinics in Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Patients suffering from chronic diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, rheumatic conditions, early liver disorder and some renal conditions, as well as PCOD, opt for alternative medicines, added Dr Muthukumar. 

“We have patients coming from Canada, France, Dubai and Vietnam. In addition, we are seeing an influx of patients with genetical eye problems from North India, especially from West Bengal, Bihar and Uttarakhand,” said Dr Raghav S, a specialist in acupuncture. 

Patients opt for acupuncture for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiac disorders and even cases of paralysis, which require prolonged treatment, he added. “Patients spend thousands on other forms of treatment, before opting for acupuncture. For example, if a person is suffering from diabetes, through acupuncture and lifestyle modifications, it is possible to decrease the number of times insulin is taken, over a period of time,” said Dr Raghav. Dr A U Ramakrishnan, homeopathic specialist, has been working on the area of cancer research. 

“I have been seeing a steady increase in the number of international patients who come for treatment at my clinic. I deal mostly with cancer, cardiac disease, diabetes, arthritis and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy,” said the doctor. 

“A high number of students are from France, Canada and Dubai, who come here to learn about acupuncture. But 40 per cent of the students are from other parts of south India,” said Dr Raghav.