October 24: A representative visits the `client' at an appointed hour. She collects blood and urine samples, checks the blood pressure, weight, and takes notes on exercise and sleep patterns. Back at the clinic, this data is analysed on computers. By evening, the representative meets the client with a folder that apprises him/her about the current health status, and offers advice.A scene from the future, but one not too distant, now that the pioneer of corporate medical care in India, Apollo, has come to Mumbai. An Apollo clinic-cum-diagnostic centre recently opened at Kalaghoda, with all the trappings of granite, chrome and power breakfasts. Apollo is also planning a corporate hospital in the city. According to Dr Prathap Reddy, director of the Apollo chain of hospitals, the architect and financers for the proposed hospital have already been finalised, and now various sites are under consideration.The clinic, located at the place formerly occupied by Thackers' Book Shop, is open from 9 am to 8 pm, but the opening time will soon change to 7 am. ``We want to make it convenient for the busy executive to drop in for his tests before he goes to work and pick up the reports on his way home,'' company sources said, assuring a `check-up at home' facility will materialise in the future.A company spokesperson said, ``When a person enters our clinic, we want him to feel he has stepped into a five-star hotel. Why should he be forced to do the rounds of dingy clinics just for a check-up?''However, the space crunch synonymous with Mumbai hasn't spared Apollo, which has huge premises in other cities. The company had to make do with compact cubicles, low ceilings and a mezzanine floor.Shortage of space has also forced Apollo to forego the area earmarked for a cafeteria serving health food. Apollo's high-profile patients can now hop across to Copper Chimney restaurant for a brunch. ``We thought executives will be averse to the idea of coming for a test at seven am on empty stomach. With the health food plan, they can do tests early in the morning, have a healthy breakfast/brunch (comprising two plain rotis, two dals, salad, fruits and the like) next door and also attend a 9 am business meeting,'' the spokesperson said.Immediate plans include a HealthScan to be first launched in Mumbai. Dr Reddy said, ``Apollo has conducted over 1,75,000 check-ups so far. Over 60 per cent of the people checked were found to have some illness related to their job profile. This lifestyle check-up comprises a 20-page questionnaire with details like blood pressure, weight, age, etc. A panel of doctors will study the questionnaire and give the person a report on his current health status, along with advice on what needs to be done. This package will cost Rs 200 per person. ''
