APOLLO Hospitals will soon start combining different streams of alternative medicine such as Ayurveda, herbal treatment, Unani and homeopathy with the allopathic system of treatment. The group is also planning to come up with a string of joint-pain clinics across the country.

“Introduction of alternative systems of medicine is part of the hospital’s initiative to provide holistic treatment for patients with various illnesses,” Pratap C Reddy, chairman of Apollo Hospitals, told shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting in Chennai on Wednesday.

The hospital has started research on incorporating the alternative systems with allopathic treatment. It has identified 17 compounds that are mostly used in Ayurveda and herbal treatment, said Sangeeta Reddy, director of Apollo Hospitals.

“These compounds and their known usage have not been validated scientifically. We are conducting research on select patients to ensure that the value of the treatment is scientifically proven,” she said. Once the tests are found efficacious, a holistic treatment methodology will be used for an array of ailments. Before that, an approval from the hospital’s ethical committee will be sought, she added.