Date:03/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/03/stories/2004120300900300.htm

Back Charak Pharma to set up ayurvedic clinics

P.T. Jyothi Datta

Mumbai , Dec. 2

KERALA'S popular Arya Vaidya Sala model of dispensing ayurvedic treatment and medicines seems to be catching on.

The Mumbai-based Charak Pharma has ventured into setting up ayurvedic clinics "to dispense holistic treatment", particularly for chronic diseases.

"Medicines are only part of the treatment, Ayurveda looks at healing the full body. The ayurveda clinics that Charak is setting up would look at treating through the `Panchkarma', which means cleansing the body of toxins, with a therapeutic effect," said Mr Pulin Shroff, Managing Director of the company.

Charak Pharma has already set up four clinics - two in Mumbai and one each in Rajasthan and Karnataka - and the company targets 10 more clinics by March 2005, he told Business Line.

The retail venture would be on the franchisee model, with Charak looking at setting up its clinics at existing health-oriented centres, such as health-clubs, resorts and hotels.

"Charak's investment will be in the people and expertise, with the clinics having trained doctors and therapists to treat chronic illnesses such as arthritis, asthma and depression, for instance," he said. Further, he pointed out: "The franchisee model would help us focus on our core expertise, rather than get entangled in real estate issues."

Unlike most domestic herbal companies, which operate in the over-the-counter segment - a lion's share of Charak's products are in the prescription drugs segment, where medicines are given to a patient only on a doctor's prescription.

Given Arya Vaidya Sala's network that is well spread out in the southern region of the country, Charak is looking to establish itself in the northern regions of Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

"In the first six months after launching, we expect revenues of about Rs 50 lakhs. But by March 2006, we hope to clock about Rs 2.5 crore," he said. Charak Pharma expects to close the year, March 2005 on sales of Rs 110 crore.