Welcome Doctors!
Opening your own AYUSH dispensary can be a fulfilling and impactful way to practice medicine and serve your community.
Whether you’re a registered Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homeopathy practitioner, or a certified Yoga & Naturopathy professional, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up your dispensary.
This article will explain the minimum standards, infrastructure requirements, legal guidelines, and practical steps you should follow to run a successful dispensary. Let’s dive into the key aspects that will help you start your dispensary smoothly.
What is a Dispensary?
A dispensary is a clinical facility where patients receive consultation, prescription, and examination. Medicines are also dispensed to outpatients. You, as a practitioner, or a group of practitioners, can run the dispensary under your name or jointly with other registered practitioners.
In some cases, minor procedures like dressing can also be carried out in your dispensary, provided they don’t require long observation or stay. But remember, medicines must always be dispensed by a qualified professional, either you or a trained pharmacist.
Scope of AYUSH Dispensary
As a registered AYUSH practitioner, you’ll be responsible for providing consultation, examination, and prescriptions. You’ll also offer primary services in health education, health promotion, and rehabilitation.
If you decide to work in a group with other practitioners, they too must be registered as per their respective statutes. Your scope of services will be determined by the needs of your patients and your qualifications.
Infrastructure: Setting Up Your Dispensary
For your dispensary to function smoothly, you’ll need to create a safe and welcoming environment for your patients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Location: Choose a clean and safe location that complies with local bylaws.
- Space: At least 100 sq. ft. of space is required to meet the minimum infrastructure standards. You’ll also need space for the dispensing counter.
- Lighting & Ventilation: Your dispensary must be well-lit and properly ventilated. Ensure that clean water is available at all times.
- Signage: Display a prominent sign with your dispensary’s name in the local language. Also, make sure to include additional information like your name, registration number, fees, services provided, and working hours. This will help patients understand what they can expect.
Furniture and Fixtures
Your dispensary will need functional furniture that suits your needs and the activities you carry out. The following items are essential:
- Doctor’s Table
- Doctor’s Chair
- Examination Table
- Patient’s Stool
- Foot Step
- Chairs for Attendants
You’ll need to maintain and inspect these regularly to ensure they are in working condition.
Human Resources
To run your AYUSH dispensary effectively, you’ll need at least one registered practitioner and one trained pharmacist. If necessary, you may also hire a multipurpose worker for support. Here’s what you need:
- Registered Practitioner: At least one, certified under the relevant statutes.
- Pharmacist: To handle the dispensing of medicines.
- Support Staff: Depending on the size of your dispensary, you might need additional staff to help with patient care and administrative tasks.
Make sure all your medical staff have the appropriate training, qualifications, and registration as required by the state or national medical board.
Equipment, Medicines, and Storage
Your AYUSH dispensary should be well-equipped to serve your patients effectively. The following items are required:
- Basic Equipment: Stethoscope, BP apparatus, thermometer, weighing machine, tongue depressor, etc.
- Optional Equipment: X-ray view box and hammer.
- Medicine Storage: You must have sufficient space for the storage of medicines and equipment. Medicines should be stored according to manufacturer guidelines, and all equipment should be maintained in good working condition.
Also, remember to regularly inspect, clean, and maintain your equipment to avoid any disruptions in service.
Legal and Statutory Requirements for AYUSH dispensary
Before opening your dispensary, you must ensure that you meet all legal and regulatory requirements:
- Doctor’s Registration: You must be registered with the State Medical Council or Board of Ethics.
- Biomedical Waste Management: Follow the biomedical waste management rules, including waste segregation and safe disposal.
- Clinical Establishment Registration: Ensure that your dispensary is registered under the appropriate registering authority as per the Clinical Establishment Act.
You’ll also need to maintain patient records and report statistics as required by national health programs or local authorities, particularly in cases of emergencies or epidemics.
Patient Registration and Care Processes
For smooth operations, it’s important to establish clear processes for patient care:
- Patient Registration: Every patient visiting your dispensary should be registered. You can use the ABHA number for easy identification.
- Assessment & Consultation: During the consultation, document all the findings, prescribed medicines, and investigations. Make sure to include a working diagnosis and date of consultation.
- Dispensing Medicines: Only dispense medicines according to a written prescription. Double-check the prescribed dosage, expiry date, and medicine label before handing it over to the patient.
Infection Control and Hygiene
To maintain a safe environment for both your staff and patients, you must ensure infection control practices are in place:
- Hand Hygiene: Make sure you and your staff wash your hands regularly and use disinfectants.
- Sanitation: Clean your dispensary regularly and maintain hygiene, especially in patient care areas and toilets.
- Mopping: Disinfect patient care areas at least once a day.
Safety Measures
Ensure the safety of your patients and staff by:
- Taking precautions to prevent patient falls.
- Keeping the dispensary free from pests and termites.
- Having first aid provisions available at all times.
- Displaying contact details of ambulance services and nearby referral hospitals.
Biomedical Waste Management
Proper disposal of biomedical waste is essential. Here’s what you need to follow:
- Waste segregation should be done at the source.
- Store needles and sharp waste in puncture-proof, leak-proof containers.
- Dispose of biomedical waste as per the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2018.
Patients' Rights and Responsibilities
As a medical professional, it’s important to respect your patients’ rights and ensure they understand their responsibilities:
Patients’ Rights:
- Right to receive adequate information about their illness and treatment.
- Right to access their medical records.
- Right to provide informed consent before specific procedures.
- Right to seek a second opinion.
- Right to privacy and dignity during treatment.
Patients’ Responsibilities:
- Provide accurate health information.
- Cooperate with the doctor during examination and treatment.
- Follow all prescribed instructions.
- Pay agreed fees on time.
- Respect the dignity of the medical staff.
Wrapping it Up
Starting your own AYUSH dispensary can be an exciting and rewarding journey. By following these minimum standards, ensuring proper infrastructure, staffing, and legal compliance, you can create a safe and effective space for your patients.
We wish you the best of luck in this fulfilling venture of setting up your own dispensary. You are not only opening a clinic but are also playing a vital role in the health and wellness of your community! Best of luck!
See Also: How To Open An AYUSH Hospital With Up To 10 Beds In India: A Complete Guide
