Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 24: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee-ANTCC, has welcomed the introduction of the online OPD appointment facility at G.B. Pant Hospital, ANIIMS, describing it as a positive step towards streamlining patient appointments, improving patient flow and reducing waiting time. However, he has urged the Health Department and ANIIMS to ensure that the new system does not create difficulties for rural residents, inter-island patients, senior citizens and people unfamiliar with digital services.
In a letter to the Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, Bhasker expressed concern that the provision of only 10 online appointment slots per department could disadvantage patients travelling from remote islands and rural areas, particularly those referred by PHCs, CHCs and other hospitals. He emphasised that patients who travel long distances for treatment should not be denied access to medical consultations simply because they are unable to book appointments online.
Bhasker urged the authorities to reserve a fixed number of OPD slots for walk-in patients, introduce a referral-based appointment mechanism for patients from other islands, provide online booking assistance at PHCs and CHCs, and establish a dedicated counter at G.B. Pant Hospital for inter-island patients, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
He stated that while digital healthcare initiatives are welcome, technology must make healthcare more accessible, not create additional barriers for those who need it the most. He appealed to the Health Department and ANIIMS to adopt an inclusive approach so that every patient, irrespective of geographical location or digital literacy, can access timely and equitable medical care.
