In a commendable effort to enhance healthcare accessibility, Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the establishment of a dedicated counter for senior citizens at the Goa Medical College (GMC).
This new initiative addresses a long-standing issue faced by the elderly population during the registration process, especially considering the stress and discomfort that can be caused by long waiting periods and overwhelming crowds.
The new priority line is intended specifically for senior citizens aged 60 and above who hold a priority card.
Open from 9 AM to 5 PM, this dedicated service ensures that they have preferential treatment when it comes to outpatient department (OPD) visits and other necessary medical procedures. For many elderly individuals, the health system can feel daunting, particularly when confronted by lengthy registration queues. These new arrangements aim to provide a supportive environment for seniors, allowing them to access medical services with enhanced comfort and ease.
Alongside the dedicated counter, the initiative also includes the presence of assistance staff and a Public Relations Officer (PRO) to guide seniors through the process.
This is a crucial addition, as many elderly individuals may have difficulty navigating the healthcare system.
Assistance at the counters and guidance to OPDs ensure that seniors can get to their appointments on time, thus minimizing confusion and anxiety. The efforts from the Goa government reflect a much-needed shift toward empathetic healthcare for one of society’s most vulnerable groups.
However, while these measures are a significant step in the right direction, there remains an urgent need to further improve the OPD number registration process.
Currently, the OPD token system has faced scrutiny, as allegations of tokens being sold have surfaced.
This issue not only compromises the integrity of the healthcare system but also adds to the stress already faced by patients waiting to be seen. Many individuals have been seen camping out overnight just to secure a spot in line, which is both troubling and indicative of a flawed system.
To address these concerns, Minister Rane could also consider implementing an online OPD registration process.
Such a system would allow patients, particularly senior citizens, to secure their appointments from the comfort of their homes, alleviating the need for exhausting waits. Not only would this reduce foot traffic at GMC, but it would also help in maintaining a structured and organized approach to patient management.
The establishment of a dedicated counter for senior citizens at GMC marks a significant milestone in enhancing the healthcare experience for the elderly in Goa.
While these changes will make a notable difference, looking into a more modernized, user-friendly registration process – such as online OPD registrations – would be a logical next step. By continually innovating the patient experience and remaining attentive to the unique needs of senior citizens, the Goa government can further affirm its commitment to providing compassionate and effective healthcare to all its residents.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
