Sec 48 hosp to get Ayushman payment kiosk
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Chandigarh: In a move aimed at enhancing patient convenience, the department of radiotherapy at Sector 48 hospital is set to launch an Ayushman Bharat payment kiosk from Thursday onwards.
This crucial facility, previously located at GMCH-32, will now directly serve cancer patients at the Sector 48 campus, eliminating the arduous commute between the two hospitals for financial aid.
The relocation comes as a welcome relief for numerous cancer patients, many of whom are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Previously, despite their OPD and day-care services, including chemotherapy, being shifted to Sector 48 in April, patients were still required to travel to GMCH-32 solely to access their Ayushman benefits and collect medicines.
This logistical challenge often added to the already considerable physical and emotional burden of undergoing cancer treatment.
Prof G P Thami, medical superintendent of GMCH, said, "We initiated services at the south campus some time back, and due to initial low footfall, the Ayushman counter was not immediately operational here. However, with the expansion of services from June 12 onwards, the counter will now be fully functional within this campus for these patients."
A faculty member said, "The OPD and day care were specifically shifted from GMCH so that patients could receive chemotherapy and consult doctors for follow-ups in the same campus. But having to travel to GMCH-32 for financial aid made no sense." Following a surprise visit by Panjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria last year, who called for enhanced patient care, it was decided to utilise the Sector 48 hospital as an extension of GMCH.
"We are also procuring 30 additional POS machines and plan to have them installed in the sample collection area as well so that patients need not make another queue for fee payment," said the medical superintendent.
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