'Double-Shift' mode in GMCH to reduce patients' grievances: Health Minister Keshab Mahanta

Remaining seven government colleges and hospitals to be covered in subsequent phases

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: From today onwards, patients will enjoy the basic medical aid and also OT (Operation Theatre) services in GMCH (Guwahati Medical College & Hospital) till 10 pm daily.

These important public health services will be in the 'Double-shift' mode. The remaining seven such colleges and hospitals in the government sector will also be covered in this system in the subsequent phases.

Health Minister Keshab Mahanta said, "The new move will significantly reduce the waiting period of the patients.

"This is a follow-up of the meeting held in Guwahati with the management of all the eight government medical colleges and hospitals on September 25, 2021. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma." He explained, "It has been observed that patients have to wait for even two or more days for undergoing various health tests in the GMCH.

"The 'Double Shift' mode has been introduced in the GMCH today. It means that such health tests will be in two shifts — first from 8 am to 3 pm; second from 4 pm to 10 pm. In the initial phase at GMCH, the following tests have been included: X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan and Ultrasound. Blood test facilities will also be available till 10 pm."

"Even the surgeons will be getting more time to carry out operations. Additional health personnel have been recruited to streamline the system." To tackle the rush of patients in the government college and hospitals, Minister Mahanta added, "The online system has been mooted in this regard. It will help the patients to get appointments with doctors faster. Moreover, they will also receive their test reports online.

He pointed out, "In GMCH, construction work of one super speciality unit will be completed in February 2022. The work of the other such unit is in full swing. "Once the work is completed, 10 important departments including cardiology and neurology will be shifted from the present location to the two new super speciality units in GMCH.

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