Welcome, Doctors!
Opening an AYUSH hospital is a significant step towards contributing to holistic healthcare. However, to run the hospital legally and smoothly, it is essential for you to understand and comply with various legal and statutory requirements.
In addition to meeting these legal norms, it is equally crucial to ensure that your hospital is equipped with the necessary tools and machinery to provide effective healthcare services.
This article aims to guide you, as doctors planning to open an AYUSH hospital with up to 10 beds, covering both legal requirements and equipment needs.
Legal Requirements for Opening an AYUSH Hospital
When starting a hospital, you must comply with several legal and statutory requirements as per the local or state health authorities.
These requirements ensure that your hospital operates within the framework of the law, maintaining safety, quality, and legal compliance.
Here’s a list of key documents and approvals you’ll need:
- Registration under the Nursing Home Act or Medical Establishment Act: You must register your hospital under the applicable health regulations to establish your hospital as a legal entity.
- Bio-medical Waste Management Licenses: Obtain proper authorization from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) for managing bio-medical waste. This includes having a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a certified vendor for waste disposal.
- AERB Licenses: For machines like X-rays or CT scans, you must acquire the appropriate licenses. These include type approval, layout approval, and specific registrations for equipment like CT scanners.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department: Ensure that the hospital complies with fire safety regulations, and obtain an NOC from the Fire Department.
- Commercial Vehicle Permits for Ambulance: Your hospital ambulance needs to be registered and have the required commercial vehicle permit, including the driver’s commercial license.
- Pollution Control Licenses: Compliance with air and water pollution laws is essential. Obtain the required certificates from the pollution control authorities.
- Building Completion Licenses: Ensure that the building housing your hospital has the necessary completion and occupancy certificates.
- Lift Licenses: If your hospital has lifts, each lift must be licensed and compliant with safety standards.
- DG Set Approval for Commissioning: If you use a diesel generator (DG set) for power backup, ensure it is approved for use.
- Diesel Storage Licenses: A license is required for storing diesel on hospital premises for use in generators.
- Food Safety Licenses: If you provide food to patients, ensure that your hospital has a valid food safety license.
- Narcotic Drug Licenses: If your hospital uses narcotic drugs, you must have the necessary licenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
- Medical Gases Licenses: If you store or use medical gases like oxygen, ensure that proper licenses are in place.
- Clinical Establishments and Registration: Hospitals must register as a clinical establishment as per the applicable laws in your region.
- Blood Bank Licenses: If you plan to have a blood bank in your hospital, ensure that you have the necessary licenses.
- MoU with Outsourced Human Resource Agencies: If you outsource any staffing (such as security, nursing, etc.), ensure that you comply with labor laws and have the proper agreements in place.
- Spirit Licenses: If your hospital uses spirits (for medical or cleaning purposes), a license will be required.
- Electricity Rules Compliance: Comply with the local electricity rules to ensure the safe and legal usage of electricity.
- Provident Fund (PF) or ESI Act Compliance: If you have employees, ensure that you comply with the Employee’s Provident Fund and the Employees’ State Insurance Act for their welfare.
- MTP Act Compliance: If your hospital provides services related to medical termination of pregnancy, ensure compliance with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
- PNDT Act Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act if your hospital conducts diagnostic services.
- Transplantation of Human Organs Act: If applicable, ensure compliance with the regulations under this act.
- Sales Tax Registration: Register for sales tax if your hospital sells goods or services that attract tax.
- PAN Registration: Ensure that your hospital has a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for tax purposes.
- Pollution Control NOC (Air or Water): Comply with air or water pollution control norms and obtain necessary certificates from the authorities.
- Wireless Operation Certificate: If your hospital uses wireless communication, ensure you have the required certification from the Indian P&T Department.
- Arms Act Compliance: If your hospital has security guards carrying firearms, ensure compliance with the Arms Act, 1950.
By meeting these requirements, you ensure your hospital’s legal standing and the safety and well-being of your patients and staff.
Equipment Required for Different Medical Systems in Hospitals
AYUSH hospitals offer a range of healthcare services through various medical systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homoeopathy, Yoga, and Naturopathy.
Each system of medicine requires specialized equipment to cater to the specific needs of the patients. Below is a detailed list of the essential equipment required for both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) departments, as well as equipment specific to the therapies of each system.
- Equipment Required for OPD (Outpatient Department) of Hospitals
The OPD is a critical component of any healthcare facility, providing services to patients who do not require overnight admission. The following equipment is necessary for general consultations in the OPD:
General Equipment:
- Stethoscope
- Blood Pressure (BP) apparatus
- Torch
- Thermometer
- Tongue Depressor
- Weighing Machine
- X-Ray View Box
Additionally, each medical system (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homoeopathy, Yoga, and Naturopathy) may require specialized equipment based on the nature of therapy and services offered.
- Equipment Required for IPD (Inpatient Department) of Hospitals
The IPD is where patients who need hospitalization are treated. This department requires a broader range of equipment to ensure comprehensive care. The standard equipment for the IPD includes:
General Equipment:
- Stethoscope
- BP apparatus
- Torch
- Thermometer
- Tongue Depressor
- Weighing Machine
- X-Ray View Box
- Enema Pot
- Urine Pot
In addition to these, specific equipment based on the medical system being practiced will be provided.
- Equipment for Specific Therapies of Different Systems
Each medical system has its own set of specialized equipment to carry out unique therapies and procedures.
3.1 Ayurveda Equipment
Ayurveda uses a range of therapeutic techniques, and the equipment required for each procedure is listed below:
For Poorva Karma (Snehana/Sweadana):
- Complete bedding/cot (one for male and one for female)
- Abhyanga (Massage) Table/Droni
- Gas/Stove/Heater with fittings
- Lighter/Matchbox
- Plastic aprons, Towels, Dusters
- Measuring glasses
- Swedan Yantra
For Vamana (Emesis Therapy):
- Measuring glasses (50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 1 liter)
- Gas/Stove/Heater with fittings
- Buckets/Plastic tubs/Basins (with provision of measuring scale)
- Kharala/Mortar
- Swedan Yantra
- Vamanpeetha (Adjustable chair)
- Dhumapana Yantra
- Big steel pateela (bowl) 5 liters
- Steel glasses, Table spoons
For Basti (Enema Therapy):
- Kharala/Mortar
- Niruhabasti Yantra (Enema pot)
- Anuvasana Basti Yantra
- Swedan Yantra
- Urinary catheters (Rubber and metallic)
- Gloves, Plastic Aprons
For Uttarbasti (Female Genital Therapy):
- Gynaecological Table with attachment for Lithotomic position
- Uttarabasti Yantras
- Forceps, Speculums, Uterine sound
- Cotton, Gauze pieces, Gloves
For Shirodhara (Head Therapy):
- Shirodhara Yantra
- Stand, Dharapatra
For Nasya (Nasal Therapy):
- Nasyapeetha (Chairs)
- Adjustable Tables, Dropper/Dropper bottles
- Steamer (Facial Steamer)
3.2 Unani Equipment
Unani therapy also requires specialized equipment tailored to specific treatments:
For Hijama (Cupping Therapy):
- Treatment table, Foot Stool
- Mahjama (Glass and disposable Hijama cups)
- Vacuum cupping pump
- Surgical blades, Sponge holder, Tissue forceps
For Fasd (Bloodletting):
- Syringes, Surgical blades, BP manometer
- Blood collection bags, Blood sample bottles
For Acupressure and Acupuncture:
- Acupuncture needles
- Acupuncture stimulator
- Reflexology equipment
3.3 Siddha Equipment
Siddha medicine employs specific tools for unique therapies:
For Thokkanam (Massage Therapy):
- Thokkanamesai or Thokkanapalagai (Adjustable stand)
- Electric/Gas stove, Towels
For Vedhu (Steam Therapy):
- Steam chamber, Steam generator, Steam controller
- Sitting stool, Foot rest
For Kattu, Seelai, Kalimbu (Herbal Treatments):
- Stone mortar and pestle
- Stove or oven, Knife, Sterile cloth roll
For Vamanam (Therapeutic Vomiting):
- Water Jug, Stone mortar, Measuring cup
3.4 Sowa-Rigpa Equipment
Sowa-Rigpa, a traditional Tibetan medicine system, involves equipment like:
For Kyug (Vamana – Emesis Therapy):
- Buckets/Plastic tubs
- Kyugpeeth (Adjustable chair)
For Na-sMan (Nasal Therapy):
- Na-sMan Set, Plastic aprons, Gloves
For Tarka (Bloodletting):
- Storage aquarium for fresh leeches
- Forceps, Suturing material, Dressing tray
3.5 Yoga & Naturopathy Equipment
Yoga and Naturopathy focus on natural therapies and physical exercises. The equipment for both departments includes:
Yoga Department:
- Yoga Mats, Jalneti Pots, Yoga props such as Cushions, Wooden Blocks, Ropes
Naturopathy Department:
- Hydrotherapy: Treatment couches, Steam bath Chamber, Spinal bath tub, Foot & Arm Bath Tub
- Massage Therapy: Massage Couch
- Acupressure/Acupuncture: Acupressure Accessories, Acupuncture needles
- Other Naturopathy Equipment: Hot Water Bags, Ice Bags, Jet Bath, Woolen Blanket, Mud storage unit
Optional Naturopathy Equipment: Sauna Bath, Vibro-massager, Cold Irrigation, Jacuzzi, Electrotherapy equipment, Exercise therapy equipment
Wrapping it Up
Setting up an AYUSH hospital with up to 10 beds involves meeting various legal requirements and ensuring that you have the right equipment to provide quality care to your patients.
By carefully following the outlined legal processes and investing in essential therapeutic equipment, you can create a compliant, well-equipped, and efficient healthcare environment that serves the community effectively.
It’s essential to stay updated with local regulations and ensure that all equipment is maintained and functional for patient safety and quality service. By doing so, you can focus on offering holistic and effective treatment in line with AYUSH principles.
See Also: How To Open An AYUSH Hospital With Up To 10 Beds In India: A Complete Guide
