IMA moots polyclinic with specialists

Kochi: At a time when doctor clinics and small hospitals are closing amid increased competition from corporate hospitals, Indian Medical Association (IMA) is mooting a polyclinic with specialist doctors in its proposed township. The idea, in its nascent stage, was suggested during an executive council meeting on March 6.
IMA has invited suggestions and opinions from its members and a final decision will be taken at the executive council meeting next month.

A feasibility study would also be then conducted. If okayed, the polyclinic may come up in the 17-storeyed IMA township that will be set up in over 1.5 acres that was recently purchased near IMA’s present building in Kochi.

“We mooted a proposal to set up the polyclinic in our township. Ground plus three is common area and if agreed upon, the polyclinic may come up here,” said IMA president (Kochi) Dr Junaid Rahman.

IMA officials said that the healthcare scenario is fast changing in Kerala with corporate hospitals gaining dominance and many small hospitals closing or facing the threat of closure. Though patients feel the pinch, they shell out more money without complaint as they get all ‘specialist and super specialist facilities’ under one roof.

“We have sent feelers and are trying to get an idea on how to go about the project and what must be include in it. At present, we have decided to leave some floors vacant. What we will set up there will only be decided by consensus after a discussion,” said former IMA president (Kochi) Dr SS Kamath, who is closely involved in this project.

Sources said that last week, the building plan was discussed in detail during the meeting. Accordingly, it was informed that there would be around 150 flats, of which 50 flats would be retirement homes for doctors who had retried from service. “These flats would be senior-citizen friendly,” said Rehman. There would be either one or two-bedroom flats in the building. It would also have amenities like swimming pool and game zone.

Another, one or two floors on the ground may house specialist clinics or offices (1,000-1,500 sq ft) with a separate entrance. The specialist clinic would include any field from rheumatology to dermatology and even cardiology. The township is likely to be ready in 40 months.

“There is a huge demand from doctors to provide space for clinical set-up. But a final decision will be taken after weighing the pros and cons,” said Dr VP Kuriyipe, chairman of IMA house and building committee.