Free online registration to consult doctors at govt hospitals

PATNA: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal for advance free online registration of outdoor patients to consult doctors at all government hospitals, from medical colleges to the primary health centres (PHCs). With this facility, the government abolished the registration charges at all its hospitals, cabinet secretariat department principal secretary Arun Kumar Singh said.

Under the existing system, the registration fee for outdoor patients was Rs5 at medical college hospitals, Rs2 at district and sub-divisional hospitals and Re 1 at the PHCs.

Besides, the registration for patients under the Sanjeevani system would continue to be free. At present, average 10,480 patients register for outdoor consultation in government hospitals per month.

As the Centre is slated to launch Ayushman Bharat from September 25, the cabinet also sanctioned the health department’s proposal for taking necessary steps for its implementation in the state.

In tune with the same, the government has decided to form Bihar Swasthya Suraksha Samiti (BSSS). The cabinet gave its approval to the memorandum of understanding for its registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The identified families from weaker sections would be given insurance cover of Rs5 lakh and the scheme would be implemented by the state health authority. The BSSS would be its subsidiary.

The cabinet also approved the Mukhyamantri Gram Privahan Yojana under which five aspirant drivers from weaker sections of the society in every panchayat would be given grants for purchasing five-seat three-wheel vehicles to provide connectivity between the panchayat and the block headquarters.

The cabinet also sanctioned the animal and fisheries resources department’s proposal for the publication of inquiry report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) into the sale of milk of COMPFED to Joya-based dairy in Moradabad (UP). Earlier, the government had sought governor’s approval for the publication, but the governor said it be first cleared by the state cabinet.

The cabinet cleared 24 items on the agenda.