Panaji: In a significant move to enhance patient convenience, the Goa Medical College (GMC) has introduced an online outpatient department (OPD) appointment system for select departments, starting Wednesday. This initiative aims to alleviate the long-standing issue of patients spending hours waiting in queues to consult doctors, bringing much-needed relief to those seeking medical attention.
Phased Implementation and Initial Response
The new facility, which will be extended to other departments in phases, is expected to ease crowding during the busy morning hours. A GMC official commented on the development, stating, "While it may not eliminate congestion entirely, it will help reduce chaos and streamline patient flow." The e-OPD slot booking system opened with 100 slots each for five key departments:
- Orthopaedics
- General Surgery
- ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
- Medicine
- Dermatology
In the first half of the day, orthopaedics recorded 32 online bookings, while general surgery saw 30 slots filled, indicating a promising start to the digital transition.
Benefits for Patients and Operational Efficiency
The official emphasized that patients who book a slot online will be allowed to see a consultant without waiting in a queue, significantly cutting down on wait times. This is particularly beneficial for patients traveling from distant areas, as highlighted by Dashrath Kanobajuvekar, who traveled from Betul in Salcete with a severely swollen leg. He noted that the system would greatly benefit such patients and expressed his intention to book appointments in advance instead of arriving early to collect tokens.
Challenges and Patient Perspectives
Despite the advantages, several walk-in patients, unaware of the new system, expressed disappointment. Some mentioned they would have waited a day or two had they known about the online facility. Umnesh Parsekar, a Mapusa resident accompanying a relative with a fracture, shared that he would opt for online booking on his next visit, reflecting a willingness to adapt to the new system.
However, not all patients are immediately embracing the change. A Chimbel resident, on her first visit to the hospital, chose walk-in registration due to unfamiliarity. Similarly, a Bambolim resident, a regular at the general medicine OPD, still finds walk-in registration more convenient than online booking, indicating that traditional habits may take time to shift.
Future Plans and Capacity Management
On average, each OPD at GMC handles around 200 patients daily. The official explained, "If we combine walk-in registrations with online slots, we can manage close to 300 patients. Once awareness increases, we will establish a system to handle higher appointment volumes." This phased approach aims to balance innovation with patient needs, ensuring a smooth transition to a more efficient healthcare delivery model.
The introduction of online OPD appointments at Goa Medical College marks a step forward in leveraging technology to improve patient experiences. As the system evolves and awareness grows, it is poised to transform how healthcare services are accessed in the region, reducing wait times and enhancing overall efficiency.
