PGI plans to scale up elective outpatient services

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30

In view of the dip in the number of Covid-19 patients, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) today stated that it would attempt to scale up elective outpatient services.

Visit OPDs after appointment

“The institute requests the public to come to OPDs with prior appointment only and ensure that only one attendant accompanies a patient to the OPDs. This is vital to prevent the spread of Covid infection in the community,” reads the official statement.

The institute has been providing regular elective outpatient services through tele-consultation and in physical form for cancer patients, obstetrics and those requiring semi-urgent medical or surgical care.

The institute also released a public notice urging residents to come to OPDs with only one attendant and prior appointment.

“The institute requests the public to come to OPDs with prior appointment only and ensure that only one attendant accompanies a patient to the OPDs. This is vital to prevent the spread of Covid infection in the community,” reads the official statement.

Tele-consultation will continue to remain the initial point of contact of patients and doctors.

Patients will be evaluated first through tele-consultation. Only those requiring further evaluation and examination will be called to the OPDs by appointment from November 2 onwards.

The date and time of appointment will be intimated to the patients through SMS. This will ensure requisite physical distancing among patients/attendants visiting the OPDs.

The official statement of the PGI reads: “Overcrowding can lead to an outbreak of Covid-19 among this susceptible population. Hence, physical OPDs will be run through appointment system only and patients coming without appointment will not be entertained.”