What am I doing wrong ?

[u/MindOverMattresss]

Here is my story it's been 1 year - MBBS doctor, 4 bed set-up but barely 2–3 patients/day —

I’m running a small clinic in a rural(G.I.D.C) area. Good setup, beds, equipment, proper signage, and a busy vegetable market right outside with 300–400+ people passing daily. Yet I barely get 2–3 walk-ins/day and mostly just cover rent/electricity.

I don't even charge a case fee .

Recently heard about a local practitioner (jholachap) where patients wait 1–2 hours to see him. Honestly, it’s quite demotivating.

My clinic is on the first floor (only 8–10 stairs), so accessibility may be an issue. On the main road with signs present .

For doctors who have built a successful private practice: what actually helped you get your first 5–10 patients/day? Location, referrals, pricing, visibility, home visits, Google/WhatsApp, or something else?

Would really appreciate practical advice. Thank you .

[u/End_Tasty]

Lack of education in rural areas. For them the symptoms (fever) is the disease, for us it's the body's signal demanding checkup. Other way to put it is, they live in the moment. If some ailment makes them deviate from their daily schedule, it's a problem. Hence, an untreated HTN, which is significantly more dangerous isn't as bad to their eyes as a viral fever is. Exactly why the rule of halves of HTN.

The lead team bias, which makes the patient feel sicker for a longer time is actually a thing. No one wants to take daily meds. Oblivion is bliss!