Patients visiting Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department of the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu do not have to wait in long queues to see the doctor. The hospital has introduced an appointment system in the department since 1 March.
Such move is intended to reduce patients’ waiting time and provide quality medical services. ENT patients have to dial 77764041 and confirm appointments from 9:30 am-3pm during weekdays. On Saturdays, patients can seek appointment from 9:30 am-1pm.
The Director of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Tshering Yangden, revealed to BBS News that the initiative is the result of the study carried out by the quality management division of the hospital with support from RCSC’s design thinking team.
“The study found that waiting time of each patient is 1 hour and 9 minutes. So we have committed to our Prime Minister in our annual performance target that we have set this as a target to reduce the waiting time.”
ENT department’s appointment maker said, they have received positive feedback from the patients. “Many are saying the appointment system is very convenient as they don’t have to be in queue and wait for hours,” said Leki Dema, the receptionist of the hospital, who attends calls from patients seeking appointments.
Gynecology and obstetrics department, and medical department will also initiate appointment system from 19 March. Timings for appointment during weekdays are from 12:30 pm till 3 pm while on Saturdays, it is from 12:30 pm -1 pm. However, prior to appointment time that is from 9:30 am until 12 pm, walk in patients are allowed as usual.
The appointment services in these three departments are on pilot basis and if proven successful, similar system will be made available in remaining nine Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of the hospital.
