Soon, PGI Chandigarh to introduce QR code-based payment in OPDs
Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) Chandigarh is embarking on a pioneering venture by introducing a pilot project aimed at streamlining patient services through a dedicated mobile application.
This initiative aims to revolutionize the registration process, enabling patients to schedule appointments online seamlessly.
On Wednesday the facility witnessed a staggering 11,449 patients registering for outpatient department (OPD) treatment at PGIMER. The daily turnout for physical OPDs ranges between 8,000 and 10,000 patients. Some specialized OPDs, such as hepatology and endocrinology, witness an overwhelming footfall, with over 1,000 patients seeking consultations, both existing and new registrations.
As per a recent media report by The Indian Express, expressing concern over the strain on healthcare systems in peripheral areas, Prof Vivek Lal, Director of PGI, lamented the institution's inadvertent role as a "dumping ground." “Cases which can easily be managed by local authorities are sent to us without any basic medical measures. This is leading to disharmony within PGI because of a gross discordance between patient load and working hands. We are trying our best to bridge this gap and our medical staff is as committed as ever,” says Prof Lal.
In a bid to address tardiness among faculty members in attending OPDs, an office order issued by the director mandates their punctual presence by 9:15 am, notwithstanding other professional commitments. Non-compliance with this directive will result in stringent disciplinary action, as reiterated in the order sent to clinical heads, academic deans, deputy directors, and medical superintendents.
According to The Daily, the senior faculty members at PGI have talked about the immense workload, noting that some consultants commence their duties as early as 8 am and conclude OPD sessions late into the evening due to mounting patient volumes. “We cannot leave till the last patient is attended to and the only way forward is better healthcare facilities in the states of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana, and more doctors and medical staff.”
Under these circumstances, these developments underscore PGI's unwavering commitment to enhancing patient care through technological innovation and operational efficiency. “We are in the process of staggering OPD attendance. Each patient is invariably accompanied by 2 to 3 attendants, and computerization is being done on a war footing,” added Prof Lal.
