Dr sets up practice in store

Last updated: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 Print Busy Britons scrambling for groceries at the J. Sainsbury supermarket in this northern England city can now add a doctor's appointment to their shopping list. Across from the yoghurt and fruit juice aisle, Dr Mohammed Jiva's instore clinic, the first of its kind in Britain, opened for business Monday.

Although similar services exist in the United States at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., this compact clinic is different because it is part of Britain's National Health Service - which provides treatment free of charge.

"This is not a commodity that you can buy off the shelf, this is something that the taxpayer has a right to," Jiva said. "Therefore if they've paid their taxes we should be providing a service that's convenient to them at no extra expense, whereas in America you pay your taxes, plus you pay for your health care off the shelf."

ASDA Group Ltd. - Wal-Mart's British subsidary - has unveiled proposals in the last week for its own pilot scheme, in London and in Lincolnshire, north-eastern England.

'Might spur responsible shopping too'
While the British Medical Association has raised concerns about health care being provided in the same place patients can stock up on cigarettes and splurge on sweets, Jiva believes his practice might spur some responsible shopping.

"We can assist the public health agenda around obesity and coronary heart disease," said Jiva. "Even a patient who purchases alcohol on the spur of the moment, our presence might make them think twice about any previous incident they may have had which resulted in a doctor's attendance."

While the service at the J. Sainsbury PLC store is free, the clinic is still subject to National Health Service restrictions which bar out-of-towners from using it. Only residents of nearby Middleton can have access to the doctor - and they will have to book appointments.

"I can't see the point really," said supermarket customer Kevin Murphy. "If I still have to book an appointment I may as well go to my normal surgery (clinic), it would be much easier if I could just turn up."

Convenient location suits all
The fully equipped clinic - no bigger than a parking space - is next to the in store pharmacy and will be staffed by a doctor during the day, for two evenings a week and on Saturdays, something Jiva said could draw shoppers who are reluctant to see a doctor during working hours.

"I'm sure there are a number of patients who would put their own work or personal lives before their own health because of lack of time during the day," Jiva said.

Given his lengthy hours, Jiva said he found his location convenient too. "At least I can get my shopping done when I've finished a shift," Jiva said. – (Sapa) - March 2008

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