Post Ramlila Maidan,Ramdev centres bloom

While a Patanjali Yog Chikitsalaya has a BAMS,PYP-certified doctor in addition to products,an Arogya Kendra is a relatively smaller unit with or without a doctor. The first Chikitsalaya started in the city in Rasta Peth three years ago. The last opened in Katraj,six months ago.

Each centre pulls an average of 50-100 patients/ customers a day,Saturdays see maximum visitors,many standing in long queues before the counter. The recent movement in Delhi has added to the demand. “On a normal day in monsoon,people are reluctant to come to the centres,but thanks to all the happenings,this year,people are coming out even in the rain. Every day we record a footfall of 100-150 individuals,” said S S Pednekar,running the Chikitsalaya on Prabhat Road for four years.

The daily sales sheet of one shop accessed by this reporter showed business between Rs 10,000 to 30,000 and even more in some cases on a given day. “The response has been huge. The demand is such that we fall short of stock,” added Patil.

With over 285 products besides cosmetics,syrups and 44 disease-specific CDs on offer,the clinics offer free treatment to patients. Patil said,“While Pune has always been aware of yoga and other means of treatment,the movement has increased awareness further. As many as 113 organisations from the city extended support for Baba Ramdev’s movement.” The products have a well-established distribution system that involves bulk products being brought to Carry and Forward (C&F) Centre in Fursungi before being distributed further,however,Gajanan Thakre,depot manager,C&F refused to reveal the numbers and quantities associated with the same.