Ayurveda is the oldest medical system in the world, with more than 3000 years of history. While it has a traditional base, Ayurveda is now very much a formal and approved mode of medical treatment. 

Many hospitals in India offer authentic Kerala Ayurveda treatment for all diseases. But this creates a new problem. How does one choose the right Ayurveda hospital for medical treatment?

Choosing the best Ayurveda hospital for your treatment

There is a massive demand for Ayurveda treatment in India. People from India and outside the country are looking for authentic Ayurvedic treatment. Many new hospitals and treatment centers are coming up daily to meet this growing demand. 

As the term best itself is very subjective, there is no fool-proof method to classify any hospital as the best Ayurveda hospital in India. However, some key parameters can help one choose the best Ayurveda hospital for their needs. 

PARTICLE Criteria for selecting the right Ayurveda hospital

We at INDHEAL have devised the PARTICLE criteria to help our clients choose the right Ayurveda hospital. Eight key parameters help us determine the hospital fitment to our needs. These are as below. 

1. Patient experience
2. Amenities or facilities in the hospital
3. Reputation of the hospital
4. Treatment Plan
5. Insurance coverage provided by the hospital
6. Credibility of the hospital
7. Location of the hospital
8. Expertise of the doctors and staff

1. Patient Experience

It is critical to know the experience of previous patients at the hospital. Their experience will give you a fair idea about the hospital, doctors and other staff, the facilities, etc. You can check the hospital website for testimonials or case studies. Otherwise, you can also ask the hospital coordination team for the same. 

Some hospitals may also have reference patients you can contact to get more details about their experience. However, please be aware that many people may prefer to keep their personal medical experiences private. So, reference patients may only sometimes be available.

Key Points to check

• Testimonials on the hospital website
• Any case studies for specific cases
• Reference patients where available

2. Amenities 

A typical Ayurveda treatment duration will be 2-3 weeks and even longer in some cases. So, you will spend a lot of time in the center. Hence, the amenities or facilities offered by the hospital make a big difference in ensuring a comfortable stay. Most of the hospitals will give you the choice of rooms like shared, private, or deluxe. The cost of the stay would depend on the type of room you choose. 

In addition to the rooms, look for open spaces, walking areas, common areas where you can meet other patients, etc. While internet connectivity is standard now, it is better to check this in advance to avoid surprises later. Some hospitals have policies regarding the usage of the internet. 

Another main point to check is regarding the language. Most of the staff and doctors would generally be conversant in English. It is better to check in advance in case you need other language support.

Key Points to check

• Type of rooms and associated cost
• Internet connectivity
• Language support

3. Reputation

Check the internet and the hospital website to learn more about the hospital, its vision, and its legacy. Some Ayurveda hospitals in India have more than 300 years of tradition behind them. Certifications/accreditations/testimonials will be an excellent guide to assessing the hospital's reputation.

Key Points to check

• Hospital legacy and vision
• Testimonials
• Certifications/Accreditations

4. Treatment Plan

In cases where you are looking at treatment for a specific medical condition, the hospital will ask for relevant medical reports. These reports will help the doctors better understand your current situation. The hospital can provide a treatment plan based on these reports and other data collected. 

The treatment plan will mention the approximate treatment cost, duration, and, in some cases, a brief about the treatment method. Thus, this plan becomes crucial in your hospital selection process. 

The article "Factors that determine the cost of Ayurvedic treatment in India" will give you a good idea about the cost factors.

Key Points to check

• Approximate cost of treatment
• Treatment duration

5. Insurance

While all the major Indian insurance companies cover Ayurveda treatment, they may not offer a cashless facility. So, you will have to pay for the treatment and get the cost reimbursed by the insurance company later. The extent of coverage and other formalities will be per your insurance policy. You will have to check with your insurance company for details on this. 

Some foreign insurance companies, like in UAE, have also started covering Ayurvedic treatments. 

Key Points to check

• Whether your insurance covers Ayurveda treatment
• Cashless treatment/extent of coverage

6. Credibility

All Ayurveda hospitals in India need a license to operate and treat patients. One can easily verify this by asking the hospital or facilitators /guides who suggest that hospital to you. Please also check if the hospital has a valid website. 

Another point to check is the accreditations/certifications that the hospital has. NABH certification is a common standard for Ayurveda hospitals in India. You can be confident about the safety, infrastructure, and services if you are going to a NABH-certified hospital.

It is important to note that few 'resorts' or centers treat patients without a proper license. These are causing a bad name to Ayurveda in general.

Key Points to check

• Website of the hospital
• License for treatment
• Accreditations/certifications like NABH, JCI

7. Location

Hospital location is significant as it affects your travel plan. Check about connectivity. It should be easily accessible by flight, rail, or road. Also, check about airport/railway station transfers. Some hospitals provide free transfers while few others do it for a charge. 

Whatever your mode of travel, the last leg of the trip will have to be by road to the hospital. So, it becomes vital to check the road condition, especially if you have a severe back or spine condition.  

Key Points to check

• Distance from airport/railway station
• Transfer (pickup and drop) from the airport/railway station

8. Expertise

Final parameter in our list is the expertise of the doctors and staff like therapists. There are hospitals specialized for specific treatments. It is always good to go to these specialized centers for those treatments. They have particular medicines and methods for these conditions, which can be very effective.

You also have to feel comfortable with the doctor/s treating you. It is always better to talk to the doctor before choosing the hospital. Check with the hospital or coordinator for this. 

You can also ask for the profile of the doctors. Make sure that they are qualified and experienced.

Key Points to check

• Profile of the doctors
• Case studies/Testimonials 

Conclusion:

Ayurveda, an old and traditional system with a long history, has its share of "Misconceptions and Myths," which can confuse some people. However, careful analysis and assessment are all you need to make an informed decision in choosing the best Ayurveda hospital for your treatment. Hopefully, this article helps you in your decision-making process. 

After you finalize a hospital, the next step is preparing for Ayurveda treatment. 

We at INDHEAL will be glad to help you and clarify any doubts.