The Mediterra Clinic in Prague 5 offers all the services you'd expect to see at a medical center: internal medicine, surgery, intensive care, gynecology, ophthalmology and so on.

"But it's the center's efforts in rehabilitation that really get its director fired up.

"Rehabilitation is the future of medicine because it involves so many different areas of medical practice," says Dr. Luboš Kmeť, Mediterra's director and a surgeon specializing in laparoscopy.

Kmeť says that in the past patients typically underwent rehabilitation programs only after accidents, but nowadays the discipline is growing to encompass those who are recovering from heart attacks, lung problems and surgeries.

Mediterra, which opened its doors in March 2003, is stocked with professional equipment that helps its therapists nurse their patients back to top physical form. Complex care programs include electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, magnetotherapy, whirlpool therapy, gym equipment and a swimming pool.

Walking through some areas of the clinic — with its saunas, steam rooms, swimming pool, lawn chairs and terraces — it's easy to imagine that you have entered a relaxation spa rather than a medical center. Indeed, at least one recent patient has taken advantage of the tranquility for nonmedical reasons. According to one member of staff, "a well-known actor" signed up for a week-long rehabilitation program simply to relax, watch the Olympics on TV and get a bit of space from his wife.

In May 2005 Mediterra introduced a complete care program for patients undergoing hip and knee-joint replacements, under the direction of Dr. Pavel Kolář. In the past, patients in need of such procedures would typically have surgery and intensive postoperative care at a hospital, and then start to visit a rehabilitation center to work toward complete recovery. At Mediterra, they can now have their diagnosis, surgery and rehabilitation under one roof. More than 100 patients have been treated in such a manner since the program began. Many are elderly, Kmeť says, but the clinic also frequently sees sportsmen and accident survivors.

Twenty-five doctors work full time in the 150-bed center, and even more external doctors contribute services part time.

Together they treat an average of 200 inpatient and 1,000 outpatient clients per month. Kmeť says the clinic cooperates with many embassies and international companies as well as treating local patients.

With patient numbers increasing, programs growing in popularity and more doctors entering the fold, Mediterra will soon be expanding its facilities to accommodate more.