Dr Linto Jacob : Visionary Entrepreneur Shaping The Landscape Of Ayurvedic Service Sector
Dr Linto Jacob
Director
In a candid interview, Dr Linto shared insights into his professional journey, Shadanga's mission, his aspirations for its growth, and his vision for the future.
Could you walk us through the journey that led you to become an Ayupreneur?
I am an Ayurvedic Physician with professional BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree from the prestigious Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Trivandrum in Kerala. After completing my degree in 2005, I pursued a diploma in Panchakarma therapy to further enhance my clinical skills. My career began at a local clinic during the flourishing period of Ayurvedic health tourism in Kerala, followed by a role at an Ayurvedic beach resort, where I treated both domestic and international patients.
Observing a significant shortage of trained Ayurvedic therapists, I established an Ayurvedic Training Academy to nurture skilled professionals in the field. My international experience includes consulting on the integration of Ayurveda with modern healthcare systems in Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Europe and the UAE. Upon my return to India, I pursued an MBA and additional qualifications in yoga and Diet & Nutrition. In 2019, my wife, Dr Archana Linto, and I co-founded Shadanga Ayurveda Private Limited, focusing on holistic
Ayurvedic services and we currently operate 12 centres across India, expanding through a franchise model.
As a Panchakarma Expert, how do you guide the team to adopt innovative techniques in the clinical field of Ayurveda?
Traditional Ayurvedic practices often lacked comprehensive documentation and modern technology integration, leading to inconsistencies in treatment methods. Although classical texts detailed Panchakarma treatments with Poorvakarma (Preparatory Therapies), a clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for their practical application were hardly explicated. To address this, we developed SOPs for all major Ayurvedic procedures through extensive R&D and expert consultation. We've integrated customized clinical management software and created training modules for doctors and therapists to ensure uniform service delivery. Clinical cases are documented for research, and structured training protocols are in place for all departments. Additionally, the Shadanga Ayurvedic Gurukul App offers digital resources for Ayurvedic education. Our tech-driven approach fosters innovation, aligning traditional practices with modern advancements.
How would you describe the outcome and experience of integrating technology to improve the quality standards and efficacy of healthcare deliverables?
Incorporating technology into our Ayurvedic practice has greatly improved efficiency and patient care. For instance, appointment bookings are now automated, with clients receiving SMS confirmations and the option to upload their medical information beforehand, allowing doctors to be well-prepared. Managing Ayurvedic medicines is also easier with an inventory system that streamlines prescriptions. Additionally, using devices to monitor the temperature of oils and steam during treatments enhances safety and precision, providing both patients and doctors with greater confidence. Overall, these technological innovations have simplified processes and elevated the standard of care in Ayurveda.
You are also a Yoga expert conducting training programs and workshops in India & abroad by integrating Yoga and Ayurveda. How do you fulfil the therapeutic and wellness needs of individuals?
As a Panchakarma Expert, how do you guide the team to adopt innovative techniques in the clinical field of Ayurveda?
Traditional Ayurvedic practices often lacked comprehensive documentation and modern technology integration, leading to inconsistencies in treatment methods. Although classical texts detailed Panchakarma treatments with Poorvakarma (Preparatory Therapies), a clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for their practical application were hardly explicated. To address this, we developed SOPs for all major Ayurvedic procedures through extensive R&D and expert consultation. We've integrated customized clinical management software and created training modules for doctors and therapists to ensure uniform service delivery. Clinical cases are documented for research, and structured training protocols are in place for all departments. Additionally, the Shadanga Ayurvedic Gurukul App offers digital resources for Ayurvedic education. Our tech-driven approach fosters innovation, aligning traditional practices with modern advancements.
We aspire to enhance access to authentic Ayurvedic care & empower the next generation of prac-titioners
How would you describe the outcome and experience of integrating technology to improve the quality standards and efficacy of healthcare deliverables?
Incorporating technology into our Ayurvedic practice has greatly improved efficiency and patient care. For instance, appointment bookings are now automated, with clients receiving SMS confirmations and the option to upload their medical information beforehand, allowing doctors to be well-prepared. Managing Ayurvedic medicines is also easier with an inventory system that streamlines prescriptions. Additionally, using devices to monitor the temperature of oils and steam during treatments enhances safety and precision, providing both patients and doctors with greater confidence. Overall, these technological innovations have simplified processes and elevated the standard of care in Ayurveda.
You are also a Yoga expert conducting training programs and workshops in India & abroad by integrating Yoga and Ayurveda. How do you fulfil the therapeutic and wellness needs of individuals?
Before British colonization, Ayurveda and yoga were the primary medical systems in India, deeply rooted in the nation's cultural heritage. However, the advent of British rule shifted the focus to allo-pathic medicine, relegating Ayurveda to an alternative status and resulting in a decline in its clinical practices. As a startup, we are dedicated to revitalizing Ayurvedic Services, both clinical & wellness, particularly in treating noncommunicable diseases & lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, hormonal imbalances, degenerative & autoimmune conditions, and Rehab services, where Ayurveda has shown remarkable effectiveness. While allopathy is vital for emergencies, Ayurveda, especially when combined with yoga, excels in addressing life style-related conditions & psycho-somatic disorders. Our integrated Ayurveda and yoga (IAYT) protocols harness the strengths of both disciplines, and our team of highly qualified Ayurvedic doctors, trained in yoga, enables us to deliver faster, more effective patient outcomes through this holistic approach.
What future do you envision for your self and the company?
The Ayurvedic sector faces challenges in clinical service delivery, with many companies prioritizing product sales over patient care. This focus limits access to credible services and enables unqualified practitioners, compromising authenticity. Additionally, reputable Ayurvedic doctors are often geographically inaccessible, and high treatment costs make Ayurveda unaffordable for many. At Shadanga, we’re addressing these issues by establishing a network of affordable Ayurvedic centres, aiming for 50 outlets within three years and 100 in six. Our product line will expand from 135 to over 250 SKUs, including proprietary and herbal cosmetics. To tackle the shortage of skilled Ayurvedic therapists and nurses, Shadanga Ayurvedic Gurukul is planning to open more training academies to provide professional Ayurvedic therapy courses for qualified candidates from economically weaker sections with employment opportunities, thus creating jobs and catering the demand for skilled resources in Ayurveda Domain, enhancing authentic Ayurvedic care and empowering future practitioners.
Dr Linto Jacob, Director, Shadanga Ayurveda
A visionary expert, Dr Linto Jacob has innovatively integrated technology into Ayurvedic medicine. His commitment lies in reducing costs and enhancing the accessibility of these services. Through his efforts, he aims to make quality Ayurvedic care affordable for a wider audience.
What future do you envision for your self and the company?
The Ayurvedic sector faces challenges in clinical service delivery, with many companies prioritizing product sales over patient care. This focus limits access to credible services and enables unqualified practitioners, compromising authenticity. Additionally, reputable Ayurvedic doctors are often geographically inaccessible, and high treatment costs make Ayurveda unaffordable for many. At Shadanga, we’re addressing these issues by establishing a network of affordable Ayurvedic centres, aiming for 50 outlets within three years and 100 in six. Our product line will expand from 135 to over 250 SKUs, including proprietary and herbal cosmetics. To tackle the shortage of skilled Ayurvedic therapists and nurses, Shadanga Ayurvedic Gurukul is planning to open more training academies to provide professional Ayurvedic therapy courses for qualified candidates from economically weaker sections with employment opportunities, thus creating jobs and catering the demand for skilled resources in Ayurveda Domain, enhancing authentic Ayurvedic care and empowering future practitioners.
Dr Linto Jacob, Director, Shadanga Ayurveda
A visionary expert, Dr Linto Jacob has innovatively integrated technology into Ayurvedic medicine. His commitment lies in reducing costs and enhancing the accessibility of these services. Through his efforts, he aims to make quality Ayurvedic care affordable for a wider audience.