SHILLONG: Patients can now book OPD appointments online at the Shillong Civil Hospital with just the click of a button. The online registration system was launched at the hospital here on Monday by Health and Family Welfare Minister, A.L. Hek as part of the Centre’s Digital India campaign.
The initiative aims to reduce waiting time of patients at the OPD counters and streamline the rush for out-patient consultations.
The patients can use their Aadhar or mobile phone number to avail the online registration system facility, Hek informed after the inauguration. Patients using mobile phones can get confirmation through SMS.
Post the launch, Shillong Civil Hospital also became the first hospital in the State to offer online services to patients including registration for doctor’s appointment, status of lab reports etc.
On being asked whether rural folks can grasp the notion of online booking for they are not computer literate, Hek did not give a direct answer but expressed confidence that things will fall into place with time. “It’s a slow process… It is the beginning. Most people did not know how to use mobile phones when they were first introduced,” he said adding that a help desk should be in place to help people under the new system.
On the problem of connectivity that ails mobile phone users in far flung areas, Hek said, “We will try to meet the demands of the people. The CHCs and PHCs in rural areas have internet connectivity and people can make online registration through these health centres. It will be much easier with mobile phones.”
On the occasion, Hek also appealed doctors to be punctual.
“The doctors should arrive on time and should not make the patients wait for hours,” he said even as he urged the nurses to be polite and to patients.
Others present during the inauguration function included K.W. Marbaniang, Secretary Health and Family Welfare, R. Wankhar, DHS (MI), R.O. Budnah, DHS (R), B. Mawlong, Medical Superintendent, Shillong Civil Hospital.
