How to open a clinic in Malaysia , part 1

Ok... As concise as I can, in point form, how to open a general practitioner private clinic in Malaysia.

1. Location location location

- make sure you scout all the potential areas for a suitable place to set up a clinic. Population, commercial and industrial areas, financial status, growth and development, costs, convenience, image. Many factors influence the future prospect of your clinic. Although if there are other clinics around, a healthy competition is welcomed. Usually a shop lot is required. Ensure ample parking and a populated area.

2. Obtain the premises.

- if you own the lot, then it's a breeze. If you rent, prepare 3 months rental payment plus 1 month for utilities. Then the tenureship agreement will be signed. 

3. Approach MOH for borang A

- approach the state MOH jabatan kesihatan to obtain borang A (application for opening GP clinic). Instructions are included in the form on what documents to prepare and how to submit. An online version must also be submitted on medpcs.com and printed out for submission. Prepare money order or bankers cheque of RM 500 for processing fee. Once forms are completed , submit with all the required documents and a floorplan of 1:100.

4. Floorplan layout

- this is crucial as many criterias are needed to get this approved, such as corridors 1.2m wide, janitor closet...etc..work closely with your contractor to draw out the plan (I'll include a few samples later). The layout is not standard so feel free to be creative as long as it falls within the kkm plan criteria. Layout mostly includes consultation room, treatment room, pantry, counter, pharmacy and dispensary. You can add a Surau or play area for kids if space permits.

5. Approach your Majlis perbandaran (once approval of clinic renovation is obtained from kkm)

- go to majlis perbandaran to get approval for partition... Prepare payment of RM 100 per room.. Get their form

- once partition forms filled up and submitted, head for approval of sign board. To fill up another form there with the concept art for the sign.

- license for business will be given there . Prepare RM 200.00 

- charges for box light signboard RM 120 and without light RM180. 

- once partition form n signboard forms filled, submit and within an hour, license is approved.

To be continued....