Starting a clinic or polyclinic is a great way for doctors to serve the community and build a strong, independent medical practice. But before you begin treating patients, it’s important to know what licenses, space, and staff you need.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your clinic setup the right way — whether it’s a solo practice or a multi-specialty polyclinic.

📏 Minimum Space Requirement

• Clinic Consultation Room – At least 100 sq ft
• Pharmacy Setup – Minimum 100 sq ft, with proper storage and a registered pharmacist
• Diagnostic Lab – Minimum 150 sq ft, depending on tests
• Waiting Area & Reception – Around 150–200 sq ft
• Toilet Facility – Required for patient use
• Total area for a basic polyclinic – Approx. 500–800 sq ft

📜 Licenses and Registrations Required

✅ Clinic Registration

• Register under the Clinical Establishment Act (CEA) if applicable in your state
• Apply via the District CMO/DMHO office or your state’s health portal

✅ Pharmacy License (if you plan to sell medicines)

• Need Form 20 & 21 (Retail Drug License)
• Must have a registered pharmacist
• Space required: Minimum 100 sq ft
• Apply via your State Drug Control Department

✅ Diagnostic Lab License

• Required under the Clinical Establishment Act or PC&PNDT Act (for imaging)
• For basic lab: tie-up with a registered pathologist
• Optionally, apply for NABL accreditation for advanced setups

✅ Bio-Medical Waste Authorization

• Mandatory from your State Pollution Control Board
• You must tie up with an authorized waste disposal agency
• Even small clinics generating minimal waste must comply

✅ Trade License / Shop & Establishment Registration

• Obtain from the Municipal Corporation or the Panchayat
• Confirms your clinic as a legal commercial entity

✅ Fire NOC (if applicable)

• Optional for <500 sq m, but mandatory in many states for larger clinics or multi-floor setups

✅ GST Registration

• Required if annual turnover is above ₹20 lakh
• The pharmacy is taxable
• Clinic and lab may be exempt (consult your CA)

👩‍⚕️ Staff Requirements for a Basic Clinic or Polyclinic

• Doctors (MBBS/MD) – Must be registered with the State Medical Council
• Pharmacist – Registered with the Pharmacy Council
• Lab Technician – Qualified with DMLT / BSc / MSc
• Receptionist/Admin – Trained in billing & clinic software

🔐 Recommended Professional Practices

• Display:
  • Doctor’s registration certificate
  • Clinic rate list and consultation fees
  • Timings and available services
  • Lab or pharmacy affiliations
• Use:
  • Billing software or EMR (optional, but makes your practice look professional and improves patient trust)

📣 Ready to Set Up Your Clinic?

Starting a clinic is exciting, but setting it up the right way is key to long-term success and compliance.

If you need step-by-step guidance, expert help, or ready-made tools to build your clinic setup faster:

💬 The Doctorpreneur Academy helps doctors like you with clinic setup, licensing, compliance, marketing, and EMR implementation — all in one place.

✅ Start your journey toward owning a successful, modern clinic today!

👉 To register for our next masterclass, please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur