How to set up an Alternate Health-care Center

Narendra Kumar

19 Oct, 2019

Alternate Health-care Center

An alternate health-care center offers to heal to the mind and body by using traditional and ancient Indian therapies like naturopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and other therapies like color therapy, acupuncture, and other such alternate methods for wellness and well-being.

The Differences Between a SPA and an Alternate Health-Care Center are:-

• A spa is relaxation based whereas a wellness center is mostly treatment based.
• A spa offers associated services like facials and pedicures whereas a wellness center will treat a specific health-related issue by applying conventional Indian methods of treatment.
• With rising awareness of the positives of getting treated via alternate methods of treatment, a wellness center has become more of a necessity these days. The spa though is still a luxury concept.

What is the Market Trend for Wellness Centers or Alternate Health-Care Centers in India?

This segment is gaining popularity slowly especially in Indian urban cities. The setting up of the AYUSH ministry and support from the Ministry of Tourism amply supports new entrepreneurs to venture into this segment. The centers are often located within city limits as well as outside with the sole purpose of providing mental and physical well-being solutions to people with rising psychological and corporeal issues.

About 35% of the youth in the country today suffer from stress-related issues. There is another good percent of a population that suffers from physical problems. The Indian wellness industry is growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 12 % currently and is expected to touch INR 1.5 trillion by 2020.

What are the Required Registrations and Licenses Required to set up an Alternate Health-Care Center?

As per the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and healthcare providers (NABH) there are certain specific guidelines to open and operate a wellness center. The guidelines are as follows:-

1. The wellness center needs to be in a place that is easily accessible via local transportation and there is no other wellness in close proximity. It is necessary to be located in a place that is close to a residential area, have minimal pollution and noise around. The facility needs to have regular water and electric supply all through the day and night.
2. The center needs to employ trained and experienced staff, both medical and non-medical staff. The alternate practitioners need to well trained and certified in their area of work. The helping staff too should be given ample training to be in line with the concept of the center.
3. The wellness center needs to be equipped with the latest tools and technology as per the services that are being provided by the center.
4. The wellness center has to adopt hygiene practices at all times. There need to be proper plumbing and drainage facilities. The interior of the center has to be in conjunction with the mission of the center – it needs to be aesthetically and visually beautiful and tastefully designed.
5. The center needs to have well-appointed air conditioners and other required electrical connectivity in place. An experienced electrical engineer needs to be employed by the center in case of any issues.
6. Steady water flow is required to run a wellness center and necessary registrations are required for the same.

Government Licenses:

1. Company Registration with the ROC
2. Health Trade license from the local municipal authority for starting operations. The civic bodies conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with prescribed norms.
3. Electric meter license from the State Electricity Board or from a registered local Power company.
4. No objection certificate for fire from licensing authority like the municipal corporation^[1] or police to ensure that the center complies with fire safety standards as per the National Building Code of India 1977.
5. Permission from the local water supply department for water license.
6. MSME Udyog Aadhaar registration so as to benefit from different incentives and support services provided by the Ministry of MSME.
7. GST Registration provides legal recognition to the business and is mandatory if the center is earning Rs. 20 lakh or above annually in all states except for special category states, where the limit is set at Rs. 10 Lakh.

It is also mandatory for employers to take the following registrations so that their employees are able to benefit from various government schemes.

1. Professional Tax registration
2. ESIC registration
3. EPF registration