PGIMER Chandigarh Introduces New Walk-in OPD for Liver Clinic
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Chandigarh, Jan 10 (NationPress) The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research’s (PGIMER) Department of Hepatology has launched a specialized walk-in OPD service aimed at optimizing the follow-up procedures for patients visiting its liver clinic, which currently manages around 1,000 patients weekly.
Commending this initiative designed to reduce lengthy waiting times, PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal stated that this new online system represents a significant advancement in patient care, allowing timely consultations and alleviating the load on the outpatient department.
According to Hospital Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai, the intention is to connect this service with local service centers such as e-Sampark and Lok Mitra Kendras in nearby states to aid patients who may not be technologically inclined.
“We aim to ensure that this facility is accessible to all, regardless of their tech skills,” he remarked.
The launch event attracted over 500 patients. Head of the Department of Hepatology, Prof. Ajay Duseja, expressed that the new service is “a game changer for our patients”, enabling them to proactively manage their appointments, which is essential for those dealing with chronic conditions like liver disease.
The liver clinic has long been a resource for individuals suffering from chronic liver disease (CLD), many of whom relied on conventional walk-in registration methods.
The hospital noted that the long wait times and unpredictability regarding daily patient numbers have created difficulties for both patients and healthcare providers.
The Department of Hepatology has transformed two rooms within the clinic—one dedicated to scheduling online appointments and the other focusing on prioritizing follow-up assessments.
“By piloting this service for 30 patients in each liver clinic, we are laying the groundwork for future expansion,” Dr. Duseja added, stating: “As more patients utilize this service, we will gradually enhance the capacity and the number of specialized examination rooms.”
