Karnataka: Where leaders flock to seek nature’s cure

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to Jindal Naturecure Institute (JNI) in Bangalore to avail treatment for his diabetes, turned the spotlight on the institute which has been a treatment hub for India’s politicians. The charitable hospital was started by Dr SR Jindal under the Sitaram Jindal Trust in 1979. The aim of the institute is to treat patients without using drugs. It is located in the outskirts of Bangalore, spread over an expanse of 130 acres of greenery. The treatment is based on the five elements of nature called the panchamahabhuta. Patients are instructed to inculcate healthy vegetarian food habits and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Chief Minister of Delhi is undergoing a naturopathy treatment course here for his increasing blood sugar level. A spokesman of the institute said, “The CM’s sugar level is under control now.”

His course of naturopathy was for a period of 10 days, and this was not his first visit to the institute. Other VVIP politicians, film stars and lesser known people have also been patients here, including former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. People from all over the country and even NRIs come to the centre for treatment.

KK Ghosh, Chief Administrative Officer of Jindal Naturecure, says, “There are different accommodation types for patients. We also have free wards allotted to people with an income of less than Rs two lakh per annum but this is for Indian citizens only.”

The accommodation includes different types of rooms starting from Rs 800 for an economy double room going up to Rs 12,000 for a super deluxe suite per day. Incidentally, Kejriwal stayed in a room costing Rs 7,000 per day. Patients are admitted for a period of a minimum of three days to a maximum of a month. If you want to be treated here, you need to make online reservation at least six months in advance. An approximate number of 400 to 450 patients are taken in and treated by 25 doctors in the hospital at a point of time. The institute also includes other facilities such as a library, museum, lake and swimming pool.

The daily routine is fixed for a patient depending on his or her disease. It follows two meals a day with juice every 2 hours along with a regular practice of yoga, swimming exercises, massages, physiotherapy and other treatments to cure the disease. The institute produces the oils and other natural medicines for treatment. Doctors and staff are well trained and take care of their allotted patients round the clock. Patients will have many activities and programmes to keep them occupied.

Trisha Mehta, 27, an entrepreneur from Mumbai, says, “I have been here for the past three days and I can see the changes in my health. I have been suffering from indigestion for a year. They give me 3-4 different kinds of juices everyday, along with regular yoga. They give me a glass of neem water in the night and apply mud packs every day to relax my stomach. I eat healthy food and we are not allowed to use our phones while being treated at the centre. This place is well organised and peaceful, and I am happy with the facilities and treatment.”

The most common diseases cured here include migraine, sinusitis, abdominal disorder, hyperacidity, menstrual disorder, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. There are many kinds of treatments, such as abdominal pack, cold bidet, neutral effusion, enema, eye pack, fomentation, spinal bath and oil injections. The institute also provides therapies like acupuncture treatments, vega biophysical information therapy and other drugless therapies.

Dr Babina NM, the institute’s Joint CMO, says, “When it comes to treatment, VIPs and normal patients are treated equally, the only difference is in their accommodation. It is all about caring for our patients and their health. We have a hospital in the campus in case of an emergency during treatment.”

Maitri Vira, 21, student from Mumbai, says, “I have been suffering from constipation, heat and menstrual pain. I was admitted five days ago. My family has been visiting this place for their treatments. There are different kinds of oil massage given to my abdomen. Doctors are appointed for individual patients, my doctor is very sweet and caring. I love the environment and I can already see positive changes in my body.”

There are certain rules and regulations to be followed while on the campus. People with an unstable heart condition, pregnant women, people who are addicted to drugs, persons with cancer beyond the second stage, skin diseases and any incurable diseases are not eligible for registration. Only people between ages 18 and 80 years of age are eligible for treatment