Haryana launches toll-free helpline for patients

Chandigarh: The Haryana health department on Friday launched a toll-free helpline – 104 – to help patients book appointments with doctors in govt hospitals. The service was inaugurated by health and medical education minister Arti Singh Rao from Panchkula.

Addressing the media, the minister said it was a historic day for the health department. The helpline will also allow people to register complaints related to healthcare services, which will be addressed within five days, she said, adding that the helpline would provide information about medicines as well.

The CMOs from across the state participated in the event via video conferencing.

Arti Singh said the main objective of the portal was to prevent people from standing in queues at civil hospitals. Appointments for doctor consultations can be scheduled in advance by dialing 104, she said.

Responding to queries, the minister said necessary steps would be taken to ensure the safety of healthcare workers in hospitals. She also informed that 761 new doctors were recently appointed to address staff shortages.

Arti Singh mentioned that the existing e-telemedicine services would be integrated with the new system. Besides, she said, a meeting with the public works department would soon be held to discuss hospital maintenance and repair works.

Additional chief secretary, health department, Sudhir Rajpal; director general, health services, Manish Bansal; director, national health mission, Virender Yadav; Kuldeep Singh, and other officials were also present.

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