Ayurveda Section at the Institute of Child Health (ICH), Egmore, Chennai

An Ayurvedic section has been functioning for the last 2 years at ICH, Egmore, Chennai. The Government of Tamilnadu started this. ICH is a premier institution of the Government of Tamilnadu, which treats nearly 1200 children per day. Many of them come from the poor areas (slums) of Chennai. It also gets patients from all over Tamilnadu as well as from neighboring states of Karnataka and Andhra.

The doctor is Vd. Radhika with 1 assistant. The clinic is open 7 days a week. Timing are 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 3 PM to 5 PM. The rush of patients is heavy in the mornings and low in evenings.

This section functions with the disadvantage of being located in a huge allopathic hospital. Also most of the patients are poor who cannot afford some of the relatively more expensive diets like milk. But with all this, this place has built up a very successful practice.

Many patients are regulars who come here as a first option, although they have the option of going the allopathic department. The majority of outpatients come with respiratory ailments like cough, cold and asthma. Patients also come with a range of complaints like fevers, skin problems etc.

A fairly good range of medicines is available. Medicines are supplied by the Government Anna Hospital in Chennai. There is an adequate supply of Ghrtams (medicinal ghee) and Thailams, which are widely used and are important.