Welcome Doctor!
Opening an AYUSH Therapy Centre or Day Care Centre can be a rewarding and impactful venture, allowing you to serve individuals seeking holistic treatments based on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Yoga, and Naturopathy.
Whether you are a practitioner in one of these fields or looking to collaborate with like-minded professionals, establishing such a centre requires adherence to certain legal, infrastructure, and human resource standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
In this article, we will guide you through the key aspects of setting up an AYUSH Therapy Centre or Day Care Centre, detailing the essential requirements, scope of services, infrastructure, equipment, and staffing guidelines. Let’s get started.
What is a Therapy Centre and a Day Care Centre?
Therapy Centre
A therapy centre is an outdoor care facility managed by one or more registered practitioners in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, or certified Yoga and Naturopathy practitioners.
These centres provide internal or external therapies within the respective system of medicine. Practitioners must have the required graduate or postgraduate qualifications and certifications to offer these services.
Day Care Centre
A day care centre is an outdoor facility managed by registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Homeopathy, or certified Yoga and Naturopathy practitioners.
It offers care for patients who require observation or treatment for less than 24 hours and is ideal for conditions that don’t necessitate full hospitalization.
Scope of Services
The services offered at an AYUSH Therapy Centre or Day Care Centre can vary depending on the system of medicine being practiced. Common services include:
- Ayurveda: Panchkarma, Marma Therapy, Kshar Sutra, Agni Karma.
- Unani: Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapies), including dry cupping, fumigation, and oil immersion.
- Siddha: Varmam (Energy-based therapy), Kazhicchal (Purgation), Nasiyam (Nasal Instillation).
- Sowa Rigpa: Las-Na (Traditional herbal therapy), Na-sMan (Nasal therapy).
- Yoga & Naturopathy: Nauli, Dhauti, Mud therapy, fasting, and hydrotherapy.
These therapies help in promoting wellness, treating diseases, and providing rejuvenation and detoxification, all aimed at restoring balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
Infrastructure Requirements for AYUSH Therapy Centre
Space Requirements
The minimum space requirement for a Therapy Centre or Day Care Centre is:
Therapy Centre: At least 150 sq. ft. for consultation and therapy services. Additional space may be needed for specialized services.
Day Care Centre: At least 150 sq. ft. for consultation and therapy, plus extra space for waiting areas, administration, and any diagnostic rooms.
As your practice grows or you offer more specialized therapies, you will need to expand the facility accordingly.
Signage and Information Display
Your centre must have appropriate signage, including:
The name of the centre, doctor’s qualifications, and registration number.
A clear fee structure (as per the type of therapy or stay in the Day Care Centre).
Timings of operation.
Available facilities and services offered.
Certificate of registration under the Clinical Establishment Act (CE Act).
Directional signage to help patients navigate through the facility.
Environmental Standards
Accessibility: The centre must be easily accessible for patients, attendants, and visitors.
Clean and Hygienic Environment: Ensure the centre is maintained in a clean and safe condition at all times.
Water and Electricity: Provide 24-hour access to potable water and ensure a continuous electricity supply, either directly or from alternative sources.
Sanitary Facilities: Clean public restrooms must be available. Therapy rooms must have attached washrooms for added comfort and hygiene.
Furniture and Fixtures
Furniture and fixtures must be functional, durable, and properly maintained according to the needs of the therapy or care being provided.
Equipment Requirements
The therapy centre or day care centre must have adequate equipment corresponding to the scope of services offered and the number of beds. Regular maintenance and inspection of these devices are crucial to ensure their proper functioning.
- General Equipment: Stethoscope, blood pressure apparatus, thermometer, weighing machine, and pulse oximeter.
- Therapy-Specific Equipment:
- Ayurveda: Abhyanga tables, Swedan Yantras, Shirodhara Yantras.
- Unani: Cupping sets, vacuum cupping pumps, foot stools.
- Siddha: Steam chambers, Thokkanam tables.
- Yoga & Naturopathy: Yoga mats, hydrotherapy equipment, acupressure equipment.
- Ayurveda: Abhyanga tables, Swedan Yantras, Shirodhara Yantras.
Check out more on the list of equipment required for AYUSH hospital.
Human Resource Requirements
The human resource needs of a clinical establishment depend on the scope of services provided, the bed strength, and the overall workload of the facility. For a therapy centre or day care centre, the minimum staffing requirements, based on the level of care provided, are as follows:
- Doctor: One registered practitioner in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, or Homeopathy. If providing Yoga and Naturopathy services, the practitioner must be duly certified as per the relevant statute of the concerned State/UT.
- Therapists for Therapy Centre/Day Care Centre: At least one male and one female therapist.
- Pharmacist: One pharmacist is required if there is an in-house pharmacy.
- Multipurpose Worker for Therapy Centre/Day Care Centre: This position is optional and depends on the specific needs of the centre.
Additional support and administrative staff requirements will vary depending on the scope and size of the Therapy Centre/Day Care Centre.
Each staff member should have a personal record containing documentation such as appointment letters, qualifications, and professional registration.
Support Services
- Registration and Billing: Ensure that a registration desk and billing counter are available for patients.
- Diagnostic Services: Either in-house or outsourced diagnostic services should be available as per the scope of the centre.
- Waste Management: Proper segregation, storage, and disposal of general and biomedical waste should be handled according to local laws and Biomedical Waste Management Rules.
Legal and Statutory Requirements for AYUSH Therapy Centre
The therapy centre/day care centre must comply with a range of local, state, and national laws and regulations. Below is a list of legal requirements that may be applicable (not all may apply to every facility):
- Registration under Nursing Home or Medical Establishment Act or the relevant local or state health authority regulations.
- Bio-medical Waste Management Licenses: Authorization of the healthcare organization (HCO) by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the vendor for waste disposal.
- AERB Licenses: Type approval, layout approval, and specific licenses for CT-interventional procedures or registration for other machines.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department to ensure fire safety compliance.
- Ambulance Licensing: Commercial vehicle permit, commercial driver license, and pollution control licenses for the ambulance service.
- Building Completion Licenses: Ensuring the facility has a legal certificate of completion from the appropriate authority.
- Lift Licenses: Each lift in the facility must have an individual lift license.
- DG Set Approval: Approval for commissioning of Diesel Generators (DG Sets) for power backup.
- Diesel Storage Licenses: Compliance with regulations for the safe storage of diesel on the premises.
- Food Safety Licenses: Compliance with local or national food safety standards if food is provided at the facility.
- Narcotic Drug Licenses: Licenses to store, handle, and administer narcotic drugs in accordance with applicable laws.
- Medical Gases Licenses: As per the Explosives Act, ensuring proper licensing for the storage and use of medical gases.
- Clinical Establishment Registration: Registration of the therapy centre or day care centre under the Clinical Establishments Act, if applicable.
- Blood Bank Licenses: Required for any facility storing and distributing blood.
- MOU or Agreement with Outsourced Human Resource Agencies: Compliant with labor laws regarding the use of outsourced staff.
- Spirit Licenses: Required for any use of spirits or alcohol in the treatment or medical processes.
- Electricity Rules: Compliance with local electricity regulations for safe operations.
- Provident Fund or ESI Act Compliance: Adherence to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act.
- MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act: Compliance with regulations under the MTP Act for any pregnancy termination procedures.
- PNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act: Adherence to the PNDT Act concerning diagnostic techniques.
- Transplantation of Human Organs Act: Compliance with regulations for organ transplant procedures.
- Sales Tax Registration: Required if applicable for the sale of medical or therapeutic products.
- PAN (Permanent Account Number): For taxation and financial purposes.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) under Pollution Control Act (Air or Water): Ensuring that the facility complies with air and water pollution control standards.
- Wireless Operation Certificate from Indian P&T: If applicable, for wireless communication within the facility.
- Arms Act, 1950: If guards employed by the facility carry weapons, compliance with the Arms Act is required.
This list may vary depending on the location and specific services offered by the facility. It’s essential for the therapy centre or day care centre to consult with local regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and obtain the necessary licenses.
Record Maintenance and Reporting
Proper record maintenance and timely reporting are essential components for the effective functioning of an AYUSH Therapy Centre or Day Care Centre. Here’s a detailed overview of the key requirements:
- Medical Records: All medical records should be maintained in either physical or digital format. The therapy centre or daycare centre must ensure the confidentiality, security, and integrity of these records. Additionally, the medical records of in-patient (IPD) patients must be maintained in accordance with national or local laws and guidelines, where applicable.
- Health Information and Statistics: Each clinical establishment must maintain medical records of all patients treated, along with health information and statistics related to national health programs. These records should be made available to district authorities upon request.
- Submission During Emergencies: In cases of emergency, disaster, or epidemic situations, all clinical establishments are responsible for submitting required information and statistics in a timely manner, as stipulated by the National Council or the Clinical Establishment Act, 2010.
Ensuring proper record maintenance and reporting is crucial for legal compliance, patient care, and participation in national health programs.
Basic Operational Processes
Your therapy centre or day care centre should follow these processes to ensure smooth operations:
- Patient Registration: All patients must be registered, preferably using the ABHA number.
- Initial Assessment: Every patient must undergo an initial assessment by qualified personnel to determine the course of treatment.
- Informed Consent: Patients must be provided with information about the proposed treatments, including risks, alternatives, and expected costs. Informed consent must be obtained from the patient or their guardian before starting any procedure.
- Patient Monitoring: Regular reassessment of patients must be done, and any changes in condition should be documented.
- Prescriptions: Ensure that all prescriptions are legible, with clear information about medication, dosage, and patient details.
Wrapping it Up
Setting up an AYUSH Therapy Centre or Day Care Centre requires careful planning, adherence to regulatory standards, and a commitment to providing quality care.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your centre not only meets legal and infrastructural requirements but also offers a comfortable, safe, and healing environment for your patients.
Best of luck as you embark on this fulfilling journey in the world of holistic health and wellness!
See Also: How To Open An AYUSH Clinic Or Polyclinic: A Complete Guide
