In a significant move to decongest its busy outpatient services, Bengaluru's Victoria Hospital is set to extend its consultation hours into the evening. The current outpatient department (OPD) schedule, which runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, will now operate until 8 PM, as per a directive from the Karnataka state government.
Addressing Overcrowding and Systematic Care
The decision comes as a direct response to the substantial daily footfall at the hospital. On average, between 650 to 750 patients visit the Victoria Hospital OPD daily, seeking treatment across various specialties, including general medicine. The Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), which oversees the hospital, received instructions from the government to implement this extension specifically to reduce overcrowding and enhance healthcare accessibility.
Dr. Kavya ST, Dean of BMCRI, confirmed the development. "Based on the instructions from the government, we want to have an evening clinic in our OPD from 4 PM to 8 PM," she stated. She further clarified that while the OPD officially closes at 4 PM, patients arriving later are not turned away. They are currently attended to in the casualty room. "The evening OPD clinic will be beneficial to address the needs of the patients in a systematic manner," Dr. Kavya added, highlighting the move towards more organized care.
Planning and Wider Implementation
The proposal is currently in the drafting stage. BMCRI is consulting with heads of all departments to formulate a detailed plan, which will then be submitted to the state government for final approval. The initiative may not be limited to Victoria Hospital alone. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao indicated that the extended OPD hours could also be applied to other hospitals affiliated with BMCRI, such as Vani Vilas Hospital, if the state government insists on a broader rollout.
Minister Rao recently addressed the legislative council, asserting that there is no waiting period for patients at Victoria Hospital currently. He also noted the hospital's wide reach, attracting patients not just from Karnataka but also from neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for treatment of various ailments. The new evening OPD is expected to further streamline services and manage this diverse patient influx more effectively.
Impact on Public Healthcare Access
The extension of OPD hours is a proactive step in public health management for Bengaluru. Key expected outcomes include:
- Reduced pressure on daytime OPD and casualty services.
- Better access for working individuals and those who find it difficult to visit during standard hours.
- A more structured and dedicated consultation window in the evening, improving the quality of patient care.
- Potential to serve as a model for other government hospitals facing similar congestion issues.
This move underscores the state government's focus on adapting healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing and evolving needs of Bengaluru's population, ensuring that essential medical services are accessible beyond conventional working hours.
