Mahal Us Shifa

It is the karam and ehsan of our Moula, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) that he has directed all doctors and health professionals to attend to the sehat of our fellow mumineen. To this regard, He has instructed us to open a Mahal-us-Shifa in every jamaat worldwide.

Saifee Burhani Medical Association America (SBMAA) has developed these guidelines for implementation. These are steps taken by Anjuman e Saifee Chicago when organizing a Jamaat based clinic in 2012.

The following are guidelines to set up a Mahal us Shifa in North America jamiyaat:

1. Clinic National Provider Identifier (NPI): You should apply for a non-profit NPI. An NPI number allows your clinic to negotiate with medical supply companies and labs and obtain non-profit rates (https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/)
2. Malpractice Insurance: It is important to protect the physician, patient, and Jamaat. In Illinois, ISMIE provides $1 million dollar malpractice for certified free clinics (via NPI number) for only $50. Additionally some physicians can work with their work administration to add this Mahal us Shifa clinic to their work malpractice (via NPI number and address). (https://www.ismie.com/Insurance-Products/Custom-Medical-LiabilityCoverage)
3. Volunteer Physician Agreement: In order to manage the liability of your Anjuman, legal teams indicate that a physician agreement is indicated that ensures that physicians who practice at Mahal us Shifa are licensed and insured. Additionally it is recommended not to provide care for non-mumineen on Jamaat property as there is an increased liability with this care. (sample – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ajJDFg5xghJmjH6zjcCnGA_6cn6vE8Aq/view?usp=sharing)
4. EHR: There are many free EHR systems available via open source. However there are many basic limitations with open source. In ASC Chicago we use Perfect Serve EMR. Perfect Serve offers a non-profit discount of $100 per provider per year for members of National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (www.nafcclinics.org).
5. Scheduling Software: There are many free scheduling software programs available online. In ASC Chicago we use www.docmein.com . This software allows patients to self-register in the software and make appointments online. It allows the administrator to
6. Lab Collection: With official NPI non-profit status you can register with many lab companies to receive non-profit lab prices that are significantly discounted. At ASC Chicago we have negotiated rates with Quest Lab. Quest provides us with all lab equipment, including centrifuge, and with a lock box lab samples are picked up from the Mahal us Shifa Implementation Guide Masjid site. Quest contacts are local, however a point of contact can be provided with Quest if needed.
7. Imaging: Many small imaging centers offer “uninsured” rates. Build relationships with these centers and you can avail deeper discounts for your patients.
8. Clinic set up:
   1. Exam room space requirement 10ft x 10ft with exam table, desk and chair, 2 patient chairs, cabinet for medication (lockable).
   2. Lab draw equipment can be held on a mobile cart if space does not allow for a separate lab draw area.
   3. Waiting area for 5-10 patients can be a general multi-purpose space.
   4. Basic requirements: computer or laptop, BP cuff, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope.
   5. Emergency equipment: AED, Ambu bag, EpiPen 0.15mg and 0.3mg, albuterol inhaler and nebulizer, bandages etc.
   6. Basic medications: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, antihistamines, Neosporin, Silvadene, hydrocortisone, antacid, PPI.