Opening a polyclinic in India offers an opportunity to provide comprehensive healthcare services to a diverse patient population. Unlike single-doctor clinics, polyclinics have multiple doctors, including specialists and super-specialists, offering a range of outpatient services. These clinics meet the demand for specialized care while providing patients with convenient non-emergency treatment.
With services across various fields like cardiology, dermatology, and gynecology, polyclinics can address multiple health concerns under one roof, attracting more patients and improving healthcare efficiency.
This guide provides an overview of the essential requirements for establishing and running a polyclinic under the Clinical Establishment Act Standards. It will cover the services, infrastructure, staffing, equipment, legal requirements, and operational processes to ensure high standards of patient care and compliance.
Key Features of the Clinical Establishment Act for Clinics and Polyclinics in India
What are Clinics and Polyclinics?
- A clinic is a healthcare facility where a single doctor provides examination, consultation, and prescriptions to outpatients, including dispensing medicines.
- A polyclinic in India is a healthcare facility where multiple doctors, including specialists or super-specialists, provide similar services to outpatients.
Further, clinics and polyclinics may provide a few minor procedures like dressing and administering injections, but these do not require observation or short stays.
What is the scope of Polyclinic in India?
- Clinics and polyclinics must provide outpatient services, which include consultation, prescriptions, and minor procedures like injections and dressings. They may also offer health services like health education and promotion, rehabilitative healthcare services, and minor medical procedures.
- Clinics and polyclinics in India can offer healthcare services across a wide range of specialties, such as: General Medicine, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dermatology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Medical/Surgical Oncology, Nephrology, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics/Pediatric Surgery, Psychiatry, Rheumatology, Thoracic Surgery, Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease, Urology
Infrastructure required for Polyclinics
- Clinics and polyclinics must have a clean and safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The premises should comply with local building regulations and be located in clean surroundings.
- Clinics must have adequate space, ventilation, and lighting to function effectively. The space should be large enough for consultation rooms, a reception area, a waiting room, and storage areas for records and supplies.
- Other essential signage must be displayed in the local language for better understanding by the public, including:
1. Name of the doctors with their registration numbers.
2. Fee structure of the various doctors and specialists.
3. Timings of the clinic (e.g., from 8 AM to 2 PM).
4. A list of services provided within the clinic.
Human Resource for Polyclinics
- The doctors, whether general practitioners, specialists or super-specialists working in the clinic, must be registered with the State or Central Medical Council.
- Clinics must have at least one support staff member to assist with patient care and other services. The number of support staff may vary depending on the clinic’s workload and services.
Equipment/Instruments/Drugs
Let’s have a look at the instruments, drugs, and equipment required to open a clinic or polyclinic in India:
Clinics should have essential medical equipment such as stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure apparatus, flashlight and weighing machines.
They must also have emergency equipment like resuscitation bags, oxygen cylinders, and fire extinguishers.
Adequate storage must be available for equipment and medicines, and medicines must be stored as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Basic essential drugs should be available, and their quantity must meet the clinic’s needs. Other specialized drugs may also be stocked as per the services being offered.
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Legal and Statutory Requirements for Polyclinics in India
Clinics must comply with various legal and statutory requirements, including:
Registration of the medical doctor with the Central/State Medical Council.
Biomedical Waste Management & Handling Rules, 1998, managed by the State Pollution Control Board.
Provisional registration of the clinic with the State Council.
To get a detailed view on how to open a clinic in India, Click Here.
Record Maintenance and Reporting
Clinics are required to maintain medical records of all patients and provide statistical reports on health-related activities and national health programs.
Medical records must be kept for a minimum of 3 to 5 years, or according to the Clinical Establishment Act rules.
Information may need to be submitted to authorities during emergencies, epidemics, or as requested by the National Council.
Process Requires in Clinics/Polyclinics in India
Registration: Every patient visiting the clinic must be registered.
Assessment: Every patient must undergo an assessment. The patient’s findings, medications, and investigations should be documented with the working diagnosis, and the assessment must be signed and dated by the attending doctor.
Infection Control: The clinic should follow strict infection control protocols, including hand hygiene and maintaining clean water and sanitation throughout the working hours. Further, the clinic should ensure that toilets, if available, are kept clean and sanitary.
Safety Considerations: The clinic should implement measures to ensure patient safety, like preventing falls and maintaining a pest-free environment.
Biomedical Waste Management: Biomedical waste must be managed according to the Biomedical Waste Management and Handling Rules, 1998. Also, the waste should be segregated at the source. Needles and sharp waste should be stored in puncture-proof containers.
First Aid: The clinic must provide provisions for first aid. Emergency equipment such as resuscitation equipment (Ambu Bags for adults and children), oxygen concentrators/cylinders, and fire extinguishers must be available.
Further, the contact details for emergency services such as ambulances and hospitals must be available. Additionally, the clinic must have a minimum quantity of emergency drugs such as adrenaline, hydrocortisone, atropine, Avil, phenergan, and others in the specified quantities.
Furniture & Fixtures
The clinic should be equipped with functional furniture and fixtures that meet the requirements of the services being provided. This includes tables, chairs, examination tables, screens, footrests, stools, storage cabinets for records, and a designated area for biomedical waste storage.
Support Service
In addition to the doctors, clinics must have at least one support staff member to handle non-medical tasks like reception, patient records, and other operational duties.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, opening a polyclinic in India is a promising venture that can significantly contribute to the healthcare system by providing accessible, specialized outpatient services.
By adhering to the standards outlined in the Clinical Establishment Act, polyclinics can ensure compliance with legal, operational, and patient care requirements. From maintaining adequate infrastructure and staffing to managing equipment, medications, and biomedical waste, every detail plays a critical role in ensuring the clinic’s success.
By offering a wide range of medical services under one roof, polyclinics in India not only cater to the growing demand for specialized care but also contribute to a more efficient healthcare delivery model.
Ensuring a safe, hygienic environment, along with proper legal documentation and record-keeping, will help build trust and loyalty among patients, ultimately leading to the polyclinic’s sustained growth and success.
With careful planning and compliance, a polyclinic can become an integral part of the healthcare landscape, benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
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