Who this is for
Many people from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir now live in Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the Gulf and South-East Asia. Waiting lists for a rheumatologist abroad can run to many months, so many choose to be seen during a visit home — often in the winter months. Patients from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal also come for assessment. 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.
Planning your days in India
- If you can, allow about a week. The first visit covers the history and examination and decides which tests are needed.
- Routine blood tests and X-rays are usually reported quickly; some specialised tests (such as HLA-B27 or certain antibodies) can take several days.
- A follow-up visit on the next Monday or Thursday reviews the results and confirms the plan, so you leave with a clear diagnosis and written advice.
- Tests already done abroad count — bring the reports so nothing is repeated without need.
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
- Fill in the first-visit summary and print it
- Note your vaccination history, especially if you are on biologics or methotrexate
During your visit
- A diagnosis or a second opinion on an existing one
- Starting or reviewing treatment, side effects and monitoring
- Practical questions: diet, exercise, pregnancy planning, vaccines
- Some medicines (including biosimilar biologics and generic JAK inhibitors) cost much less 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 the advice from your visit, with medicines by generic name, helps your doctor abroad continue smoothly.
Common questions
Do I need an appointment?+
No. The rheumatology OPD at AIMS Mohali is a walk-in clinic on Monday and Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Register before 11:30 AM.
How long should I plan to stay?+
If possible, about a week: one visit for the assessment and tests, and a second visit on the next OPD day to review the results and confirm the plan.
Can treatment started in India be continued abroad?+
Usually, yes, for most standard medicines — they are prescribed by generic name. Share the written summary with your doctor abroad, who will continue your care and monitoring.
Which reports should I bring?+
Your doctor's summary, all recent blood test and imaging reports (with the units shown), a list of current medicines with doses, and your vaccination record.
Is the clinic only for people from Mohali?+
No. Patients come from across the Tricity, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, and from abroad during visits home.