JIPMER introduces new regulations for OPD services, teleconsultation

Puducherry: New regulations regarding outpatient department (OPD) visits and arranging teleconsultation services has been introduced by JIPMER.

The new guidelines have been formed to reduce COVID transmission risks as COVID-19 cases are increasing over the last couple of weeks in Puducherry. However, all emergency medical and surgical services will be provided unaffected.

As per a recent media report, considering that there could be a chance of transmission of the virus during the OPD for consultation, authorities have decided to commence teleconsultation services from Tuesday. It has been also decided that only 50 patients in each department will be allowed for in-person OP consultations from Wednesday.

In a recent press release, Jipmer Director Rakesh Aggarwal stated that the number of COVID-19 patients in Puducherry made a surge in the last three weeks. There has been an increasing burden of patients as positive patients are being admitted to the hospital. Jipmer also stated that any patient in need of consultation from any specialty at the hospital should first register by calling the designated number. The number has been provided on the Jimper website (www.jipmer.edu.in) to book an appointment for teleconsultation.

As far as in-person OP consultations are concerned, those will be provided for elective patients and will be based only on prior appointments issued by each department. Moreover, OPD services will be carefully regulated so that there should be minimum chances of transmission of the virus in the community, as well as within the hospital. The hospital has ensured precautions and measures such as universal masks for all patients and attenders, visits by prior appointment and teleconsultation before physical visits, and allowing of only one attendee per patient, reports The Hindu.

It was also made mandatory for patients visiting the OPD to maintain social distancing among themselves. Authorities are also taking initiatives to encourage patients and their attendants to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the earliest, if not vaccinated already, as it has been proved fruitful against the Omicron variant of the virus as well. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan had connected with the Jimper Director via a call and asked him to ensure that there was no inconvenience for the patients due to the new regulations and restrictions.