Who this is for
Many people from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal now live in Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the Gulf and South-East Asia, and see a doctor about their joints when they visit home — often in the winter months. This page helps you make the most of that visit.
The OPD is a walk-in clinic on Monday and Thursday, open to everyone. Plan your visit around those days, and arrive before 11:30 AM.
Before you travel
- Ask your doctor abroad for a printed summary: diagnosis, current medicines with doses, recent blood tests and scan reports
- Write down medicines by their generic names (e.g. adalimumab, not a brand) — brand names differ between countries
- Bring results in their original units — the lab unit converter converts µmol/L, nmol/L and mg/L to the units used in India
- Note your vaccination history, especially if you are on biologics or methotrexate
During your visit
- A second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan
- Review of medicines, side effects and monitoring
- Practical questions: diet, exercise, pregnancy planning, vaccines
- Some medicines (including biosimilar biologics and generic JAK inhibitors) are much less expensive in India — but changing treatment should be coordinated with your doctor abroad, who will continue your care
Travelling back with medicines
- Carry medicines in your hand luggage, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter
- Biologic injections need to stay cool: use an insulated bag with cool packs and check your airline's rules
- Check the import rules of your destination country for medicines bought in India
- Keep your doctor abroad informed of any change made during your visit
Staying connected to your care
Your main rheumatology care will usually continue where you live. A written summary of any advice from your visit helps your doctor abroad continue smoothly.
Visiting soon?
Walk-in on Monday and Thursday at AIMS Mohali. Bring your reports — no appointment needed.
Clinic timings & location