To handle OPD load, RML looks to streamline queues, minimise tests – ET HealthWorld

“Now that the pandemic has reached a near-stagnant stage, we are expecting a footfall of about 9,000 patients every day in the OPDs. We have chalked out a plan to improve crowd management. Tackling the daily rush is our priority,” said Dr B L Sherwal, medical director of the institute.

Dr Sherwal said the hospital will focus on reducing or minimising multiple tests. “We want to put a stop to unnecessary tests prescribed to patients coming to OPDs. Also, the queueing system for each department will be streamlined. We will soon get a kiosk machine that will shorten the time taken for registration and reduce crowds,” he said.

Dr Sherwal further said the hospital has also extended the timings for collection of blood and urine samples by 90 minutes. The timings have been revised to 8am to 11.30am from 9am to 11am earlier. The decision was taken last month by the pathology department, keeping in mind an increased footfall after Covid.

The hospital administration also plans to come up with an evening OPD.

However, a decision in this regard has been kept on hold for the time being.

A key focus area will be getting the new building for MBBS students completed as early as possible, Dr Sherwal said.

“The land provided is 30 acres whereas the requirement is 60 acres. But we hope that the building is completed at the earliest,” he added.

In August 2019, MBBS studies were started at RML Hospital and the name of the medical college was changed to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences.