Free Hamilton doctor's clinic on the move

The clinic, now with 2000 enrolled patients, will remain free. Photo / Thinkstock

A free doctor's clinic in Hamilton previously run by GP Suresh Vatsyayann is moving.

The Family Clinic, which at its peak under the sole charge of Dr Vatsyayann enrolled 7000 patients, has provided free medical care in Beerescourt for the past seven years.

But the new owner, Radius Hamilton general manager Dr Navin Rajan, is moving to Victoria St and merging with Neville Kane Pharmacy.

The GP took over the Family Clinic in September despite protest from Dr Vatsyayann, who has been struck off the medical register for professional misconduct and is awaiting the outcome of another disciplinary tribunal over the death of one of his patients from bowel cancer.

The clinic, now with 2000 enrolled patients, would remain free, and medicine at the adjoining pharmacy would be free for those who qualify.

It is hoped about 1600 Pacific Island patients enrolled at a clinic run by Dr Leo Revell at K'Aute Pasifika in Anglesea St will also join the Family Clinic.

Eligible patients would receive a $20 petrol voucher for transport to the clinic.

Dr Revell said Hamilton GPs had been very accepting of the free doctor's clinic concept.

The clinic provided free health care through funding provided by the Ministry of Health through the Waikato District Health Board and a primary health organisation.