Srinagar, Apr 15: For the first time, QR code-based OPD registration services have been launched at 11 leading hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which seeks to establish the backbone required to enable integrated digital health infrastructure.
The QR code-based OPD registration service allows patients to scan the hospital’s unique QR code with their mobile phone and submit their personal data with the hospital.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Additional Mission Director Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission J&K, Dr Shafqat Khan said that the department has started the process and it would be a game changer for the health sector in J&K and help patients.
“It will encourage queue-free registrations. A patient with an ABHA health IB must scan the QR code in the hospital OPD and then take the OPD card,” he explained.
The National Health Authority (NHA) is implementing the QR code-based registration system as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to eliminate long lineups and waiting times for patients outside of OPDs
Khan said the health department has started QR Code-based registration services in 11 hospitals, including five hospitals in Kashmir and six hospitals in Jammu division.
The hospitals in Kashmir include Lal Ded Hospital Srinagar, Children hospital Srinagar, District Hospital Pulwama, DH Ganderbal and SKIMS Soura.
In Jammu division, the facility has been started in GMC Jammu, SMGS Hospital Jammu, Govt. Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu, DH Samba and DH Hospital Udhampur.
The hospital issues a token number (queue number) after the profile is shared. The created token is delivered as a notice to the patient’s chosen app and is also displayed on screens located at the OPD registration counters for the convenience of patients.
Patients can walk to the registration counter and instantly obtain their outpatient slips (OP slips) for consultation with a doctor based on their token numbers because their details are already present at the registration counter.
Administrative Secretary, H&ME Department, Bhupinder Kumar, said in the coming five years, J&K would be having a world-class infrastructure besides full coverage of health facilities with geographical presence across UT.
He said JK would have Universal Health Insurance Cover for the entire population and Technical Interventions through ABDM, Tele MANAS, e- Sanjeevani etc. will be a game changer in the health sector.
“Successful implementation of AB PM-JAY & AB PM-JAY SEHAT and its universalization has considerably improved access to quality healthcare services,” he said.