Polyclinic setting up based on criteria such as location, geography and operational parameters is an important aspect to be considered. A variety of parameters have to be considered for choosing a location to set up an Out-Patient Department. Your clinic must be ideally situated for the growth of the business.
- The population of the area to be considered before polyclinic setting up
The target area should be sufficiently populated to establish a good number of prospective customers.
- Socio-economic conditions of the area
The socio-economic conditions are an indicator of the basic demographics like birth rate, mortality, age structure, racial composition, sex ratio and economic conditions like income, unemployment, etc. ideally an area with decent socio-economic conditions should be preferred.
- Per capita income of the area to be considered before polyclinic setting up
An area with good per capita income should be preferred as the emerging middle class, upper-middle-class and rich/affluent only spend a good proportion of their income.
- Ease of accessibility to be considered before polyclinic setting up
Location of the clinic should be very accessible with lots of commute options from across the city/town.
- Personal commute time
The location of the clinic must be such that the minimum time in commuting should be required which will allow us to spend more time with the patients.
- Locality to be considered before polyclinic setting up
The set-up area should have a decent reputation among the target patients. Setting up a clinic in a substandard area could get the patients disinterested while setting up a clinic in a way too posh area could keep the customers away thinking the services might be too expensive to use.
- People perception
It is important to understand the general perception of the people towards the services of the clinic in the target area. People who are concerned will only be prospective customers.
- Residential area
The area should be residential with minimal pollution (air, water or noise) and clean surroundings
- Visibility to be considered before polyclinic setting up
The clinic should be easily visible to passers-by so that they can recall it when in need. A space with prime visibility might cost a little more than a clinic in a basement or perhaps in a small by-lane, but, it can be an investment in marketing which will give long term results. Also, ensure to check that space comes with ample provision for displaying a banner and required signage.
- Neighborhood
The adjacent and nearby shops and offices play a very important role in building an early impression of the clinic. A clinic is expected to be a clean place with minimal pollution (noise, air or water) or litter in the neighborhood.
- Similar clinics in the vicinity
Having too many other clinics in the vicinity can hamper your practice as the customers of the target area will have several options.
- Existing established clinics in the area
Setting up a practice in the middle of too many established clinics could mean that you have to put in a lot of time and effort in making a place for yourself in an area with a bunch of trusted clinics. Given that patients are resistant to switching doctors, it might not be a very wise idea.
- Rental cost or purchase cost and rent agreement
The cost of renting or purchasing the clinic space depends on the area, so your budget could also be an important criterion for finalizing the area of the clinic.
- Building / Premises
Several factors have to be considered while finalizing the type of building or office space for your clinic. It could be a standalone facility, mall, office park or storefront retail space and each one has its unique pros and cons
- Standalone
- Pros: Unique location for the brand, fully customizable, less/no worry about landlord, private parking
- Cons: Cost, tenant improvement budget less common
- Mall
- Pros: Convenient location, brand recognition by street/foot traffic (though walk-ins in this industry are minimal), tenant improvement budget likely negotiable
- Cons: Cost, non-discrete location, limited parking
- Office Park
- Pros: Cost, tenant improvement budget negotiable, discreet location
- Cons: Possibly difficult to access
- Storefront retail space
- Pros: Brand recognition by street/foot traffic, tenant improvement budget negotiable
- Cons: Cost, non-discrete location, limited parking
- Parking space
Maintaining adequate parking is vital, as target customers will simply go elsewhere if their journey is frustrated by lack of parking options. A secured or monitored parking area will provide an extra level of comfort for patients that their welfare is being considered both inside and outside the building.
- Exteriors
The exterior appearance of your clinic is one of the first things that strikes your customers and makes an early impression for the consultation, therefore, project and maintain a manner which attracts and invite patients to the clinic.
- Elevators
Having an elevator is very essential especially if your clinic is not on the ground level. An elevator will ensure that your customers do not have problems entering your clinic.
- Size of the clinic to be considered before polyclinic setting up
It is always advisable to go for a shop that is at least 20% larger of your current requirement in terms of size. As when you practice becomes popular and you want to include more seating or perhaps another cabin, the extra space will come in handy. If not, then you would have to start searching for a bigger clinic to accommodate your needs.
- Average income
The average household income of the population in the neighborhood will serve as a good indicator for you to decide your consultation fees. In case you have specific charges in mind that could be on the higher side make sure that you set shop in an upscale locality so that the patients could afford it.
- Water and electricity
The area should have 24 hours supply of water and electricity supply to avoid hassle during the treatment procedure.
