Welcome Doctors!
Starting your own AYUSH clinic or polyclinic can be a fulfilling venture that allows you to directly serve patients in need of holistic healthcare. However, it’s essential to ensure that your clinic meets all necessary standards and guidelines to operate smoothly and legally.
Below, we have outlined the minimum standards and requirements you should consider when setting up your clinic or polyclinic. Let’s get started.
Understanding What a Clinic or Polyclinic Is
A clinic is a clinical establishment where you, as a registered practitioner of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homeopathy, or a certified Yoga & Naturopathy practitioner, offer consultation, examination, and prescription services to outpatients. In simpler terms, you’ll be diagnosing, advising, and dispensing medicines as required.
On the other hand, a polyclinic is similar but typically involves more than one practitioner. In a polyclinic, you might work alongside other registered practitioners, providing consultations and treatments to a broader range of patients.
A few minor procedures like dressing may be performed in both types of establishments, but they should not require observation or a short stay.
What You Need to Know About the Scope of Services
The services you provide will depend on your specialization and the qualifications of the team working with you. Your AYUSH clinic can provide:
- Consultation, examination, and prescription services to outpatients.
- Health education and health promotion advice, empowering patients with knowledge about maintaining their well-being.
As you set up your clinic or polyclinic, you should ensure that these services align with your qualifications and the legal statutes in your state or union territory.
Infrastructure Requirements
Setting up the right infrastructure is critical. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
- Location: Your clinic must be situated in a clean, safe, and secure environment, compliant with local bylaws. The surroundings should be well-maintained to create a pleasant atmosphere for your patients and staff.
- Space: You need at least 100 sq. ft. of space for your clinic. In cities where space is limited, the minimum area can be reduced to 75 sq. ft., but make sure it’s functional and conducive to patient care.
- Signage: It’s essential to have a clear, prominent sign at the entrance of your clinic, displaying:
- The name of your clinic.
- Your name and registration number.
- The fee structure.
- The clinic’s timings.
- A list of services you offer.
- Your certificate of registration under the Clinical Establishments Act.
- The name of your clinic.
- Furniture and Fixtures: Equip your AYUSH clinic with the necessary furniture and fixtures to make your space functional. These should be in good condition and serve the specific needs of your clinic. The following items are typically required:
- Doctor’s table and chair.
- Examination table.
- Patient stools and chairs for attendants.
- Footsteps for patients.
- Doctor’s table and chair.
Human Resource Requirements
As the owner and registered practitioner of your clinic, you are required to ensure that your services are in line with your qualifications. If you decide to hire support staff, you may need a multipurpose worker, although this is optional.
The staff must align with the services your clinic provides. You will also need to ensure that any additional staff, such as a pharmacist (if applicable), is qualified and trained as required by the law.
Equipment and Medicines
Your clinic should be equipped with the following basic instruments and equipment:
- Stethoscope.
- BP apparatus.
- Thermometer.
- Tongue depressor.
- Weighing machine.
- A torch.
- Optional: X-ray view box and reflex hammer.
You will also need storage space for your equipment and medicines. All items should be stored according to manufacturer guidelines, and it’s important to regularly maintain and inspect the equipment.
Your clinic may also dispense medicines as required by the scope of your practice. However, make sure you do so responsibly and only dispense medications according to the written prescriptions you provide.
Legal and Statutory Requirements for AYUSH Clinic
Before opening your clinic or polyclinic, you must:
- Register with the relevant State Medical Council or Board of Ethics and Registration.
- Comply with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2018 and ensure proper waste segregation and disposal.
- Obtain a registration certificate for your clinic under the appropriate local authority.
Record Maintenance and Reporting
As a responsible healthcare provider, you must maintain medical records for every patient you treat. You’ll need to keep track of:
- Patient’s details and treatment history.
- Health information and statistics related to national health programs.
- Quarterly reports to be submitted to district authorities when required.
In case of emergencies, disaster situations, or epidemics, your clinic should be prepared to submit required information to national councils or relevant bodies.
The Process of Running Your Clinic
Patient Registration: Every patient visiting your clinic should be registered, ideally using an ABHA number. You must also inform them about their rights and responsibilities, which should be shared clearly with them at the time of registration.
Patient Assessment: During the consultation, document the patient’s findings, prescribed medications, investigations, and a working diagnosis. Ensure that the prescription is signed with the date and time.
Infection Control: It’s essential to maintain hygiene and take precautions to prevent infections. Make sure there’s clean water available for hand washing, and use disinfectants regularly to clean patient care areas. Additionally, the clinic’s toilets, if available, should be sanitized and well-maintained.
Safety and Emergency Care: Ensure the safety of your patients by addressing concerns like patient falls or other risks. Keep the clinic pest-free and termite-free. Also, be prepared with first aid provisions and have contact details for emergency services, such as ambulances and nearby hospitals, easily accessible.
Biomedical Waste Management
You must adhere to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2018, which ensure that waste generated in your clinic is disposed of correctly. Segregate waste at the source and store sharps in leak-proof, tamper-proof, puncture-resistant containers. This is crucial for both patient and environmental safety.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Lastly, ensure that your patients are well informed about their rights and responsibilities. These include:
- The right to access relevant information about their illness, expected treatment, and associated costs.
- The right to seek a second opinion.
- The right to confidentiality and privacy during treatment.
- The responsibility to provide accurate health information, follow treatment instructions, and respect the clinic staff.
By following these guidelines, you can set up a compliant and well-functioning AYUSH clinic or polyclinic that offers excellent care to your patients.
Wrapping it Up
Opening your own AYUSH clinic or polyclinic can be an exciting step towards serving your community and expanding your practice. By following these minimum standards and legal requirements, you can ensure that your clinic operates smoothly, safely, and effectively. Keep the patient at the center of your care, and your clinic will thrive.
Best of luck in your new journey!
