How to Start Your Own AYUSH Clinic Legally in India

Starting your own AYUSH clinic – whether in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy – is a dream for many practitioners. It not only gives you professional independence but also allows you to serve society with holistic healthcare.

However, setting up a clinic requires legal compliance and systematic planning. Here is a step-by-step guide to start your AYUSH clinic legally in India:

Step 1: Verify Your Qualification & Registration
Before starting your clinic:

Ensure your qualification is recognised under respective councils:
BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, BHMS, BNYS, or Diploma in Naturopathy/Yoga from recognised institutions.

Register with your State AYUSH Board or Council. For example:
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy doctors must have registration numbers.
Yoga & Naturopathy practitioners should check specific state regulations.
Your registration certificate will be required for clinic permissions and prescriptions.

Step 2: Select a Suitable Location

Choose a place:
Easily accessible to patients
With proper ventilation, sanitation, and natural light
Minimum space as per practice type (generally 150-300 sq ft for consultation + treatment room)
If renting, ensure you get NOC from the landlord for clinic operation.

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Licenses & Permissions
A. Local Municipal Permission
Apply for Trade License (Clinic License) from your Municipal Corporation or Panchayat office under their health trade regulations.

Documents needed:
Qualification and registration proof
Identity & address proof
Clinic site address proof / rent agreement
NOC from landlord (if rented)

B. Clinical Establishment Registration
Under the Clinical Establishments (Registration & Regulation) Act, 2010, many states require clinics to be registered with the District Health Authority. Check your state’s implementation status.

Documents generally required:
Qualification certificate
Registration certificate (AYUSH Council/Board)
Premises proof
Bio-medical waste management agreement (if applicable)
Fire safety certificate (for bigger clinics)

C. Bio-Medical Waste Management Authorization
If your clinic generates medical waste (used dressings, syringes, gloves), you need:
To tie-up with an authorised bio-medical waste disposal agency
Maintain records and annual reports

D. GST Registration (If Applicable)
If your annual income crosses the exemption limit under GST Act (currently ₹20 lakh for most states), apply for GST registration.
Healthcare services are generally exempt, but if you sell AYUSH medicines or products, GST may apply on sales.

Step 4: Clinic Setup Essentials

✔ Clinic Board: Display your qualification, registration number, and system of medicine clearly.
✔ Basic Furniture & Equipment: Depending on your practice – consultation table, chairs, treatment bed, BP apparatus, weight machine, thermometer, diagnostic kits, etc.
✔ Patient Record Register: Maintain records as per government or council guidelines.
✔ Receipt Book: For payments received (essential for income tax purposes).
✔ Consent Forms: For procedures like Panchkarma therapies or minor invasive treatments.

Step 5: Comply with AYUSH Practice Ethics
Prescribe only in your registered system of medicine.
Avoid cross-pathy unless allowed under local state orders.
Follow guidelines of your respective AYUSH council for prescription writing and procedures.

Step 6: Branding & Promotion Legally
Design a simple and clear name board stating your clinic name, qualification, and registration details.

Use ethical promotional methods:
Educational posts on social media
Awareness camps
Patient testimonials (without violating privacy)
Avoid misleading claims or advertisements not allowed under Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

Step 7: Financial & Tax Compliance
Maintain daily income and expense records.
File annual Income Tax Returns (ITR) as per your tax slab.
Consult a CA for GST, if you start selling AYUSH products.

Step 8: Upgrade Your Practice Regularly
✔ Attend CME programs, workshops, and association seminars (like those organised by ADPMA)
✔ Introduce therapies like Panchkarma, Marma therapy, Yoga sessions, Diet counselling (as per your qualification and clinic space)
✔ Stay updated with latest AYUSH government schemes to expand your services

💡 Final Thoughts
Starting your own AYUSH clinic is a fulfilling journey when done legally and ethically. Follow these steps to:

✨ Serve your patients with confidence
✨ Build your reputation as a trusted AYUSH professional
✨ Grow your practice systematically

🌟 How Can ADPMA Help You?
At AYUSH Doctors & Para Medical Association (ADPMA), we guide our members in:
Legal compliance for clinic setup
Practice management tips
Training and skill development to enhance clinical services
Networking for referrals and collaborations