Head of the Ksharasutra clinic at the Government Ayurveda Hospital in Chelakkar, Kerala is attracting patients from across the state and beyond
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a world where shame often surrounds illnesses, particularly anorectal diseases, one clinic in Thrissur district is making waves with a bold claim: “Freedom from hemorrhoids for just five rupees.” This promise comes from Dr Shahana AK, head of the Ksharasutra clinic at the Government Ayurveda Hospital in Chelakkara in Thrissur district of Kerala.
Dr Shahana is attracting patients from across Kerala and beyond, treating conditions such as fistulas, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectal prolapse using the ancient method of Ksharasutra. This technique involves inserting a medicinal thread into the affected area, providing a quick, non-invasive, and cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for hospitalisation.
“Many patients are embarrassed to discuss their conditions, especially women, leading them to seek allopathic treatments that often result in multiple surgeries for recurring issues,” Dr Shahna explains. “My approach reduces costs and ensures that the problem doesn’t recur.”
With a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and a Master’s in Shalyatantra, Dr Shahna is grounded in the teachings of Sushruta, the “father of plastic surgery,” whose texts outline various surgical methods foundational to Ayurvedic practices today. “I want more people to know about this treatment so they do not fall prey to quacks charging hefty amounts,” she asserts.
At her clinic, treatments for hemorrhoids and fistulas are offered free of charge, while other government Ayurvedic hospitals in Kerala may charge nominal fees. “Patients often suffer incontinence after allopathic surgeries, but here, they find relief without that risk,” she adds.
Dr Shahna notes a significant shift in her patient demographics. “We used to see mainly middle-aged patients, but now we have individuals of all ages, including children. Poor toilet habits, stress, and unhealthy diets are driving this trend,” she observes. Pregnant women also comprise a large portion of her patients, as traditional dietary supplements can exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
Interestingly, patient numbers swell during religious festivals. “During Onam, Easter, Christmas, and Eid, we see a rise in cases, often worsened by indulgent diets,” she explains. She highlights how spicy, oily foods consumed to break fasts during Ramadan contribute to many patients’ discomfort.
The clinic is gearing up for World Hemorrhoids Day on November 20, organising awareness camps and distributing informative posters. “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible and save them from the hands of quacks,” she states passionately.
Self-medication and avoidance of medical examinations are common among patients seeking to escape the stigma surrounding their conditions. Dr Shahna warns, “Symptoms of rectal cancer and hemorrhoids can be similar. Only a qualified doctor can provide the right diagnosis.”
After decades of running her clinic independently, Dr Shahna is set to have it declared an excellence center by the Kerala government, paving the way for more resources and staff. “While I may have retired by then, I hope for improved facilities,” she adds.
Discussing the challenges of practicing Ksharasutra, she acknowledges the limited number of practitioners in the state, attributing this to a lack of training opportunities. “Not everyone who trains in surgery or Shalyatantra is willing or able to pursue this path,” she says.
For Dr Shahna, her work transcends personal challenges. “Patients come to me after multiple allopathic surgeries, often feeling hopeless. Recently, a patient who had undergone eight surgeries was on the verge of giving up. I aim to restore hope and normalcy to these lives,” she reflects.
Dr. Shahna’s identity as a Muslim woman significantly influences her practice. “Being a woman allows me to connect with patients on a deeper level, offering maternal understanding and care. My faith inspires my work, equating it to devotion. Helping others feels like a higher calling,” she explains.
She advocates for engaging in work that benefits society over mere ritualistic practices. “As healthcare professionals, we have a duty to serve the public good. It’s unacceptable not to do so,” she said.