The OTC Ayurvedic eye drops 'Sunetra' hits the market
Published May 5, 2008 | 
Kochi: The Ayurvedic eye hospital and research centre ‘Sreedhareeyam’ launched its first ‘over the counter’ eye protector drops ‘Sunetra’. It will be available all over Kerala within the next few months and within a year Sunethra would be launched in all major South Indian cities.
‘Sreedhareeyam’ Chief Physician N P P Namboothiri said that over nine crore rupees has been invested in the production of this product and it has a production capacity of over 100,000 droppers a day. Rated at Rs 60 per bottle, the ‘Sunetra’ eye drops will be available for all age groups from kids to adults and aged patients. The eye drops can also be used daily to prevent diseases and to protect the eyes from every day strains and conditions like ‘dry eye syndrome’, common among computer professionals who spend long hours in front of the monitor.
Managed by the famous ‘Nelliakattu Mana’ family, which takes credit to many well acclaimed Ayurvedic physicians, Sreedharayeem hospital is a name to reckon with in the treatment of all eye ailments. This 260-bed hospital has come to the aid of countless patients, by treating ailments that were even beyond the scope of modern medicine.
Various serious disease conditions like diabetic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa Galucoma, and Cataract among others are treated in the hospital successfully. The expected turnover of the hospital group for the next year is over Rs. 30 crore and the launching of Sunethra eye drops, would certainly give further impetus to the future goals of the organization.
Ayruveda – the latest mantra of corporate head honchos
Published March 15, 2008 | 
Kochi: No prizes for guessing the latest catchphrase of health watchers! Yes, you guessed it right- it is Ayruveda. The oldest treatment system in the world, Ayurveda is getting popular among not just the foreign tourists and the aged citizens but also among the corporate big wigs as well.
CEOs of many a blue chip companies and global conglomerates are turning to Ayurveda, catching up with the fad of the ‘go green’ campaign that has revolutionized virtually every single aspect of human life.
True to the axiom of “health is wealth”, more people are turning to nature to remain hale and hearty these days. It is heartening to note that this ancient and exceptional medical system of India is being endorsed by the jet setting corporate India, which has fallen head over heels for the magical healing and rejuvenating powers of Ayurveda. Ayurveda originated over five thousand years ago. The renowned surgeon Sushruta who lived in ancient India in 6th century BC, in his book Sushruta Samhita has described over 120 surgical instruments, 300 surgical procedures and classifies human surgery in 8 categories. He lived and taught in the present day city of Varanasi in North India. Dhanwanthri, revered as the deity of physicians was an exponent of the Sushruta School of medicine.
Many Hindu mythical books Promotional campaigns and hard hitting promotional tactics have made these treatment systems one of the most sought after alternate treatment methods that offer a panacea to various chronic and lifestyle induced ailments.
The current market share of Ayurvedic medicines is thought to be worth over 3000 crores, a note worthy achievement when compared to the bleak scenario in comparison that prevailed a few years ago. However, Ayurveda is not for everyone. It is not commonly recommended for treating emergencies and cardiac ailments.
According to a survey by ASSOCHAM, around 40% of the 400 Indian CEOs surveyed, were resorting to ayurvedic treatments to remain fit and stress free. Kerala is promoting Ayurveda as a package to tourists where they can derive the benefit of authentic ayurvedic treatment along with the prescribed medicated diet that goes with the treatment to ensure better results. Panchakarma treatment, which is a cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness, is highly popular among not just the local populace but also among foreigners as well.
Typically, patients suffering from chronic conditions such as respiratory diseases, skin infections asthma and allergic disorders opt for Ayurveda for permanent relief rather than allopathic treatment. There are even specialized ayurvedic treatments that ensure ever youth.
Today, not many authentic ayurvedic practitioners remain in this field. As most of the treatment methods are handed over generations with hardly any written texts or documents for posterity, there is also a risk of losing some of the treasured gems forever in the onslaught of time. Enhancing the awareness and publicizing the benefits of ayurveda alone can ensure its survival and development.
Healthy and hygienic Kerala
Published March 3, 2008 | 
Mar 3: Kerala has long been considered as the top priority tourist destination among the global tourists. The main reason for this is attributed to the tourists-friendly ambiance prevailing in the southern part of India. The backwaters, houseboats, ayurvedic treatment packages, verdant landscapes and lot more inimitable qualities perfectly blend together to make Kerala an ideal destination that offer both rural calm and urban charm.
In the health care sector Kerala is considered as the role model for the rest of the country. Personal and public hygiene are the hallmark of Kerala, the alertness of the government and its willingness to take appropriate measures to implement preventive strategies to get rid of major epidemics is appreciable. As part of the National Malaria Eradication Programme right from the year 1965, the Kerala government took comprehensive measures to drive Malaria out of the state.
An expert committee was appointed in 1995 to ensure that the state is well protected from the threat of Malaria. The state is completely free from Malaria and other outbreaks and it is very much hygienic that stands very close to the nature. So don’t waste time to take preventive health pills, just relish irresistible pleasure from your outing to God’s own country. Get ready with your backpacks enjoy the charm and cheer offered by enchanting Kerala.
German delegation exalted by the tourism potential of kerala.
Published February 7, 2008 | 
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The members of the Indo-German Parliamentary Friendship Group of the German Parliament of Bundestag opined that there is an immense potential for business collaboration between Kerala and Germany in many vital sectors such as tourism and infrastructure development among others. Kerala can keep huge strides in keeping the environment clean by making use of some of the latest technologies in waste water purification and waste management to draw more foreign tourists.
Joseph Ph. Winkler, who himself hails from Kerala, headed the delegation. He told that Germany utilizes many low cost technologies for generating power from municipal waste. Though it might not be feasible for commercial applications, it could be an ideal option for street lighting country sides as it would yield considerable energy and eliminate waste at one shot. Kerala could reduce environmental pollution by promoting high end tourism. If the state maintains a quality environment more tourists from Germany would make Kerala their tourist destination opined this Green party member.
Johannes Singhammer, spokesman of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Woman and Youth of ruling coalition in Germany, said that there is scope for youth exchanges between India and Germany. Germans would also be greatly interested in rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda in Kerala and traditional art forms like kathakaliand koodiyattomamong others. He called Kerala a ‘paradise’ and urged Keralites to protect it at any cost.
Medical tourism- the catchword for Kerala
Published February 2, 2008 | 
Kochi: Kerala holds an enviable repute of a model state where quality health care is accessible to all sections of the society. It goes without saying that the traditional alternative medical therapy of Ayurveda, which helps to rejuvenate and revitalize the body has always been popular among health watchers and both Indian and Foreign tourists.
However, many tourists touch down Kerala not for just experiencing the healing touch of Ayurveda but also to make use of the world class hospitals well backed up by a team of expert doctors and paramedical staffs to avail quality treatment options at a fraction of the costs in their country. Kerala is a state that takes pride in 100% literate society and quite naturally has one of the biggest pool pf qualified health professional to cater to the burgeoning needs.
These days, patients from far off countries such as the EU, the USA, Africa and Australia among others flock to Kerala hospitals for various surgical procedures, infertility treatments, dental implants and organ transplants. The exorbitant fees for medical procedures in their home countries have made the patients from the West and the Middle East to turn their glance towards Kerala.
Kerala has many doctors who have trained or worked abroad who have since returned to their homeland to work. It goes without saying that their reputation has indeed led to the surge in the Medical Tourism industry in Kerala. Kerala Tourism Department and many other private tour operators provide attractive tour packages that combine medical treatment with an unbeatable vacation in Kerala India. Superior hospital facilities, pre and post-operative care and a pleasant climate make Kerala a popular choice for medical treatment and recovery.
Kerala has many most modern hospitals that employ the state of the art facilities and treatment options. General Surgery for various medical conditions such as thoracic, abdominal and pelvic surgery, orthopedic implants, cancer treatments etc are performed in many hospitals in Kerala including Malabar hospital, Kozhikode, Specialist’s Hospital, Ernakulam, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Ernakulam, Atingal Multispeciality Hospital, Trivandrum and many, many more.
Highly complicated organ implants are also conducted in many Kerala hospitals. In many cases these are life threatening conditions which require emergency intervention. Hospitals in Kerala focus on providing complete medical care solutions and have well-equipped operation theatres, trained trauma and critical care teams and the back-up support of labs and blood banks, to deal with any emergencies.
Thani Illam- A home stay nestled in the lap of nature
Published January 28, 2008 | 
Kochi: Welcome to Thani Illam, a home stay with a difference. Located at Thottuva, near Perumbavoor, here tourists have to stick to the customary traits and rituals followed by the hosts, Mr. T. S. Parameswaran, and his wife S. Saradammal, both retired State Government employees. Eco-friendly to the core, this award winning home stay was the winner of the Kerala Government’s most innovative project in the year 2002. It also forms part of the ambitious Gruhastali project of the Department of Tourism for the preservation and popularization of heritage buildings.
Guests are not served non-vegetarian food or alcohol and smoking is not allowed at Thani Illam. Some of the rooms of this breathtaking home stay include rooms that were transferred from ancestral homes of the yore, which dates back to 500 years or more. This room constructed on top of the garage as a separate unit was transplanted from the couple’s grand parent’s ancestral house at Kottayam. It was reassembled without losing the original charm and this fully wooden room is named the Kulappura,” says Parameswaram.
Thani Illam was originally the ancestral home of the legendary novelist and film director, Mr. Malayattoor Ramakrishnan. The present owners purchased it in 1994 and refurbished without spoiling its original charm and traditional flavor. The rooms have wooden ceiling and cement floor which makes it cool and comfortable even during sweltering summer days. Some rooms have terracotta tiles and enchanting high wooden ceilings which makes them breezy. However, bathrooms have all the modern fittings and amenities for the convenience of the foreign tourist and to comply with international tourism norms.
The traditional gate or the ‘Padippura’ with tiled roof welcomes the guests to this elegant home where time stands still. The couple has set apart two rooms for tourists. This home has been the venue for most of the creations of the eminent poet including the famous book ‘Verukal’.
The English guests are served traditional Kerala delicacies like hot boiled bananas and other vegetarian dishes- a rare experience for many. Apart from all these, Keralite dresses are also provided to the guests to go in line with the rustic theme of this nondescript village. The wardrobe is a modified ‘pathayam’, which was originally used to store grains. Tourists can also pick up the nuances of Kerala cooking if they have a penchant for it. If you are looking for a tranquil vacation, no other place can beat the charisma of Thani Illam set amidst stunning nature spectacles and lush greenery. Many foreigners throng this enchanting home to relax and unwind beating a retreat from the maddening pace of the city life.
Children below 12 are offered free stay and meals and if all these were not enough, for the guests who stay for more than a week, the Sunday fare comes totally free! Guests are only happy to go with the rules of this elegant home stay. No rooms are air conditioned as the wooden ceiling ensures natural cooling at all times.
The guests get to experience a stunning slice of Indian culture by way of classical dance, ayurvedic treatment or yoga sessions from local folks. And going by the feedbacks of the tourists, this trend is here to stay as most of the guests look for pure ethnic fare rather than the cookie cutter, commercial packages that are available all over the world.