In India it's a new concept, but it is catching up fast. Many doctors are equipping themselves with toy rooms. Kids have also started pestering their parents to consult those paediatrician who has toy rooms in their clinics.The concept of having toy rooms at playpens or schools has just taken off in India. When one sees kids having a whale of time in toy rooms at `see saw' and `slide', one is pleasantly surprised. At Dr Ravi Mullick's Mother & Child care, Nirman Vihar, East Delhi, the toddlers are always busy onthe slides. The toy room has all the ambience of a playground in a park. The kids smile, laugh, fondle the colourful, huge stuffed toys, the sort of toys usually not available at homes. When the nurse calls a boy's name and asks him to precede to the doctor's chamber, the child does not appear apprehensive. There is a satisfied, happy look on his face. He gleefully runs in and shakes hands with the doctor who he sees as a friend, a father figure. The doctor examines him easily, gives the routine injection. A special rapport is built. A far cry from the old times when mothers put infear of the doctor in child's mind with, ``if you do not obey, the doctor will come and give you an injection.''

In South Delhi, a few paediatricians have set up toy rooms at their clinics. The changing scenario owes its existence to western influence. `'I got the idea from my doctor friends settled abroad in the UK and the US,'' says Dr Ravi Mullick.

The advantages of toy rooms are many. The doctor, parents and the youngpatients all stand to gain. `'The child cooperates,'' says Mullick. Adds Dr Ashok Motiwal, `'A happy child is easier to examine.'' This also saves doctors time. As the kids are busy in toy rooms, the parents feel carefree and relaxed. They watch television, discuss or simply relax while the kids enjoy themselves. In present times the kids are the decisions makers and they dictate which doctor to consult. Obviously, the paediatrician with toy room scores.

But the service doesn't necessarily come with a high price tag. Says Dr Mullick, ``I charge Rs 190 per visit, the same as any good paedatrician charges. And I also provide toy room facilities.'' He adds that he still gains because his turnover is more. The more business yields better returns.The toys are selected with care. The doctors say that they do not keep toys which kids insist on taking home. Only those games are preferred which kids can play for better interaction and comradeship. The basic idea is to hold their attention and take their minds offthe problems. And the child feels comfortable with the doctor.

The orthodontists who deal with teenagers do not have toy rooms but their focus is on better relationship with patients. Some orthodontists play soft music while the patient lies on couch for treatment or he giggles away on comics or enjoys cartoon network on television. Some doctors even provide incentives or little gifts to cooperative patients. Dr Sunil Khosla, dentist at Safdarjung Enclave, says, `'We cannot have a toy room because of space constraints but I try to make atmosphere congenial so that kids and teenagers enjoy while we do our work on their teeth.'' Birthday greetings, Getwell cards and flowers, etc, are a part of the strategy to attract young clients. Some orthodontists have aquariums and playing cards, etc to entertain their clients, and attract more business.