In a significant digital healthcare initiative, the Goa Medical College (GMC) in Panaji is set to launch an online booking system for Outpatient Department (OPD) services, commencing from February 4. This move aims to streamline patient access and reduce waiting times at one of Goa's premier medical institutions.
Trial Phase Begins with Five Key Departments
The online slot booking will initially be implemented on a trial basis, covering 100 OPD slots each in five major departments: general medicine, general surgery, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), orthopaedic, and dermatology (skin). This phased approach allows GMC to assess the system's efficiency and public response before a full-scale rollout.
How to Book Your OPD Appointment Online
Starting February 4, the public can visit the official website gmcgoa.edu.in, where the appointment link will become active. The registration process is designed to be user-friendly and secure.
Patients have multiple options to complete their registration:
- Register using a mobile-based OTP (One-Time Password) and fill in basic personal details.
- Utilize existing health records by linking their ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) card database.
- Use details from their DDSSY (Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana) card database for seamless registration.
One-Time Registration Fee Structure
Every new patient opting for online appointments will be required to pay a nominal one-time registration fee. For Indian citizens, this fee is set at Rs 100, while foreign nationals will be charged Rs 250. Importantly, this registration remains valid for two years, regardless of the number of appointments booked during this period.
Upon successful booking, patients will receive a confirmation slip that must be presented at the OPD counter on the appointment day. GMC authorities have clarified that "the online slot booked will ensure services at the concerned OPD in GMC based on the availability of the doctor on the said date."
Hybrid System: Online and Offline Appointments
GMC is implementing a hybrid appointment system to ensure no patient is left behind. While online booking is being introduced, the traditional offline appointment process will continue simultaneously for the balance slots.
Key features of the hybrid system include:
- Online slots will be available for booking up to seven days in advance.
- Booking for the next day will close at 5 PM on the preceding day.
- Any vacant online slots remaining at day's end will be added to the offline quota for the following day.
- These offline slots will be accessible through the existing queue system at GMC on a same-day basis.
Future Expansion Plans
The success of this trial phase will determine the system's expansion. Based on public feedback and operational response, GMC plans to extend online booking slots to all departments in a phased manner. This gradual implementation allows for necessary adjustments and improvements to the digital infrastructure.
This initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing healthcare access in Goa, aligning with national digital health missions while addressing local patient needs through a balanced online-offline approach.
