Chronic patients may get up to six months of medicines without a fresh consultation, while emergency lab samples will receive priority.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Department will set up ‘May I Help You’ desks in every block of government hospitals, from taluk-level facilities to general hospitals. The desks will guide patients and their attendants and will be staffed by trained personnel expected to deal with them courteously.
According to a Health Department order, staff at the help desks should coordinate with wards to obtain patient information and communicate it to relatives.
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Digital facilities in OP departments
Government hospitals will introduce a transparent token system in outpatient departments, following a first-come, first-served system. A ‘Scan and Book’ facility will also allow patients to scan a QR code to obtain an OP token and pay the ticket fee online.
OP services will generally be available from 8 am to 1 pm. However, doctors will remain available until the last patient who has received a token is examined.
Patients with chronic illnesses will be provided medicines for up to six months without requiring a fresh consultation.
Lab results within 48 hours
Most laboratory test results should be made available within 48 hours, with emergency samples given priority.
Ward staff will also be responsible for arranging diagnostic procedures, including CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds.
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Discharge procedures to be completed by morning
Discharge procedures should be completed as early as possible in the morning. Every patient must be given a detailed discharge summary covering the diagnosis, treatment and medicines prescribed.
Doctors should also clearly explain the patient's condition and treatment progress to their relatives.
Complaint mechanism and district-level monitoring
All OP, IP and emergency departments must maintain numbered complaint and suggestion registers.
Supervisory officers should check these registers daily and submit reports to the deputy superintendent.
Published: 20 Aug 2026, 12:48 pm IST
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