Kerala to set clear norms for Medical college Hospitals referrals

Thiruvananthapuram: In order to streamline the referrals for medical college hospitals in the state, clear cut protocols would be put in place.

New set of guidelines will be required to be followed by all hospitals to refer patients to MCH says Health Minister Veena George.

Due to the extreme footfall of referred patients at the MCH, the doctor was facing trouble handling the patients. In order to prevent the situation, Minister announced the decision to start a referral register at every hospital and back referral system as well.

The referral register will have details of the treatment provided and the reason for referring the patient to a higher medical institution.

The back referral system will also be improved so that patients referred to MCH can be referred back to a hospital for follow-up care. New guidelines will also be made for the system.

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"The treatment facility of the hospital and condition of the patient should be criteria for referrals. The referral register will be monitored at the district and state levels once a month," said Veena.

Dr Aravind C S, state secretary of Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association told TNIE "A lot of patients who can be treated at the peripheral hospitals are referred to the emergency and outpatient sections at GMCHs. A majority of the accident cases which require only minor suture are now treated at MCHs. This should be avoided. Already, the doctors are overburdened due to patient load. A proper referral will enable the doctors to provide maximum care to patients."

Minister George said that the MCH control room should get notified of the information of a referral of a patient to an ICU or in any general ward to check the available bed or ventilator facilities at the MCH.

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She also said to utilize the speciality or super speciality facilities available at district hospitals, Taluk hospitals and health centres instead of referring the patients to MCH.

Dr TN Suresh, general secretary of KGMOA complained about the staff strength by saying "The GMCHs still have PG students and senior residents to look after patients. But in peripheral hospitals, the staff strength is limited. If the patient load increases beyond the capacity, a referral is the only option left. The posts of 128 specialist doctors have been lying vacant for several years."