THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Inclusive of massage, rejuvenation, detoxification and consuming a medicated gruel, Karkkidakam treatment is big business in the state. The turnover in the month of Karkkidakam is estimated to be around `100 crore.
While there are recognised treatment centres across the state, several fly-by-night operators too are homing in on the opportunity. Shanthigiri Hospital and Research Centre, which offers packages ranging from 15 to 30 days, is among those having packed houses. Swami Gururathnam Jnana Tapaswi, the organising secretary of Shanthigiri Ashram, told Express, “We are getting good revenue and the trend is gaining momentum in the state.”
Chairman of another leading Ayurveda institute, on condition of anonymity, said: “We get a revenue of `6 crore from the treatment. Medicines, room rent and other expenses add up to an additional `3 crore, as per statistics for two months.” Kottakkal Ayurveda Hospital does not have a specific Karkkidakam treatment, offering it as part of a package. The hospital authorities said they have a heavy rush of patients during the period. Dr Arya Devi of Sukrutham Ayurveda Chikitsalaya said: “The Ayurveda season in Kerala starts from June and continues up to September. People have a mentality which says it is treatment time once rainy season begins.”
Another Ayurvedic practitioner, on condition of anonymity, said there are around 200 hospitals per district. “That would mean 2,800 hospitals in the state. An average of `30 lakh is the revenue of a hospital which would mean an astronomical sum for the season,” he said. The state government controlled Oushadi has also come out with several products. A senior officer with Oushadi said, “We were the first to introduce Karkkidaka Kanji Koottu as a branded product. Now there are around 120 brands.”