No more endless wait, GMCH gets new queue management system

Chandigarh: To alleviate patient anxiety and streamline the waiting process, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) will launch a state-of-the-art queue management and display system in its ENT OPD from Wednesday. This unique initiative promises to enhance the patient experience by providing clear and real-time information about their consultation turn.
The system was conceptualised by Dr Surinder K Singhal, former Head of the IT department at GMCH, and materialised through the support of Rotary Ambala. Rotary Ambala donated both the hardware and software for this patient-centric project.
The newly implemented system comprises a large display screen strategically placed in the ENT OPD waiting area, along with smaller screens installed outside each consultation room. These screens are seamlessly connected via the hospital's computer network to provide up-to-the-minute information to patients.
Upon registration at the ENT OPD counter, each patient will receive a slip containing a unique token number, their name, and the name of the assigned doctor. The token number is intelligently structured, with the first four digits indicating the consultation room number and the last three digits representing the patient's serial number. For instance, a token number like 3402001 signifies that the patient will be seen in Room No. 3402 and is the first in the current queue for that room.
This token number is prominently displayed on the large screen in the waiting area, alongside the status of other consultation rooms. Simultaneously, the smaller screens outside each doctor's chamber will display the name of the attending doctor, the patient currently being consulted (highlighted in red and blinking), and the patient who will be seen next (indicated in green).
This transparent system eliminates the need for patients to repeatedly inquire with OPD attendants about their waiting time or the doctor they are scheduled to see. Patients can now comfortably sit and relax in the waiting area, knowing exactly when and where their turn will come.
"Looking towards the future, GMCH plans to further enhance the system by incorporating a QR code on the patient slips. This will enable patients to track their waiting status even if they choose to step away from the immediate waiting hall, offering greater flexibility and convenience," said Dr Singhal.
How it Works?
1. Registration & Token: Patients receive a slip with a token number (first four digits: room number, last three: serial number).
2. Waiting Area Display: The large screen shows all waiting token numbers.
3. Room-Specific Display: Screens outside each room show the doctor's name, the current patient (red blinking), and the next patient (green).
4. Relax and Wait: Patients can comfortably monitor the screens for their turn without needing to ask staff.
Future Enhancement: A QR code will be added to slips, enabling patients to check their waiting status remotely.
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