PGIMER to Expand Online Appointment System, Plans Mobile App for Registration

Currently, over 80% of follow-up patients utilize online registration, and the system has reserved 200 slots for new patients booking through the website.

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is expanding its online appointment system to streamline outpatient department (OPD) processes.

The Advanced Eye Centre at PGIMER introduced an online registration system in August, prioritizing patients who book in advance.

Dr SS Pandav, head of the department, stated that the initiative aims to improve queue management, reduce morning congestion, and simplify the registration process.

Currently, over 80% of follow-up patients utilize online registration, and the system has reserved 200 slots for new patients booking through the website.

The Advanced Eye Centre also plans to introduce a QR code in January to ease the registration process further. The QR code will allow patients to register without logging into the website, saving time by filling out a simple form.

Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director of Administration at PGIMER, shared that online registration is currently available for select departments. The institute plans to make the service widely accessible and convenient for patients.

“If patients with online registration still face long queues, it defeats the purpose. Departments like hepatology, endocrinology, haematology, and dermatology are being asked to adjust their standard operating procedures based on patient load and allocate specific time slots for online appointments,” Rai explained.

The haematology department has shown interest in implementing the system and is working on modalities for a hybrid approach that includes walk-in and online registrations. A separate room in the OPD is being proposed for patients with online appointments to ensure smoother operations.

Looking ahead, PGIMER is developing a pilot project for a mobile app to facilitate online registrations. Rai mentioned that the app will allow patients to register remotely by depositing INR 10, generating a card number, and obtaining a printout as proof of registration. This initiative aims to eliminate the need for patients to queue at counters, further reducing hospital congestion.

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