Kolkata: Having completed their staff training for Ayushman Bharat, several city hospitals are strengthening and reshaping their operational capabilities to usher in the central health scheme. Anticipating a patient rush once the distribution of Ayushman cards begins, some plan to extend their facilities, employ dedicated medical teams, and earmark spaces for patients admitted under the scheme.
Ruby General Hospital's Expansion Plans
Ruby General Hospital is setting up five additional modular operation theatres (OTs) to meet the patient load. These OTs are expected to become functional by the end of July. Subhashis Datta, Chief General Manager-Operations at Ruby, stated, We are adding 45 beds to our critical care unit and extending the emergency area. As most Ayushman patients will be admitted either for critical surgeries or for emergency care, they cannot be asked to wait. Therefore, we need the additional OTs. He also highlighted that the number of Ayushman patients from neighboring states has already risen from 110 per month to 150, and a further surge is anticipated once the scheme opens up locally. The hospital will also deploy more six-member teams for critical care, replacing the current single team, each comprising two doctors, nurses, and managers.
BP Poddar Hospital's Preparations
Supriyo Chakrabarty, Group Adviser at BP Poddar Hospital, noted that a significant number of doctors were already registered under Ayushman Bharat, and the hospital infrastructure was being boosted to support the expected patient load. A patient service team has been created to ensure a smooth process for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. Anticipating a rise in the number of beneficiaries, we have made provisions for expansion of our patient service and coordination team. We have a registered and active Ayushman Bharat portal, and patients already avail of treatment under the scheme, said Chakrabarty. However, he added that Ayushman patients would not be allotted to a separate ward.
Desun Hospital's Coordination Efforts
Desun Hospital is strengthening back-end coordination, streamlining admission and documentation processes, and sensitizing teams on protocols. Our Ayushman Bharat coordination team has undergone training by Swasthya Bhavan. We plan to have a dedicated helpdesk, along with earmarked beds and resources, to manage Ayushman patient flow. There will not be a separate medical team exclusively for Ayushman patients, but dedicated coordinators and administrative staff will facilitate smoother processing, guidance, and timely access to healthcare services, said Sajal Dutta, Chairman and MD of Desun Hospital.
Charnock Hospital's Existing Mechanisms
Prashant Sharma, MD of Charnock Hospital, stated that the hospital already has an established mechanism for handling patients under various health schemes. We deal with other schemes, such as CGHS and ESIC, as well, and we are well prepared both at Charnock Hospital and at Charnock Lohia, said Sharma.
Techno India DAMA Hospital's Readiness
The health administration at Techno India DAMA Hospital has received Ayushman training, and the facility will expand services to ensure patients continue to receive seamless treatment, according to M S Purkait, Medical Superintendent. We are prepared to restructure and strengthen our operational framework. We are ready to accept Ayushman patients as soon as the scheme is implemented at hospitals, he added.
HCG Cancer Hospitals' Non-Discriminatory Approach
Consultants and senior nurses at HCG Cancer Hospitals have completed the Healthcare Facility Registry and the Healthcare Professional Registry. Senior doctors here treat all patients, irrespective of whether they come under government schemes, private insurance, or cash payment, said Rupali Basu, Regional Business Head at HCG Cancer Hospitals. She emphasized that no discrimination is made in allocating wards either.
