Key Takeaways:

• BPKIHS launches digital token system in Medicine OPD
• Patients can track queue status and waiting time through QR codes
• Automated machine introduced for laboratory report printing
• Hospital plans to expand the technology to other departments

DHARAN, OCTOBER 14 Patients visiting BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences can now track their place in outpatient queues in real time after the hospital introduced a digital token system and automated laboratory report printing to reduce waiting times and improve service delivery. The new system, launched in the busy Internal Medicine Outpatient Department, allows patients to obtain a token and scan a QR code to check their queue number, the patient currently being served, and the estimated time remaining before their turn, informed institute assistant spokesperson Abhijit Kumar. Hospital officials say the technology will help manage crowds more efficiently and reduce the need for patients to wait inside the department for extended periods. BPKIHS has also installed an automated laboratory report printing machine that enables patients to collect test results more quickly following examinations.

Hospital Director Dr Indra Kumar Limbu said the growing number of patients made technology-driven services increasingly important for improving efficiency and organisation. 'As the number of patients increases, technology is important for making service delivery more organised and effective,' Dr Limbu said. He added that facilities such as token management and automated report printing could save patients time, simplify access to services and reduce unnecessary hassles. Patients have welcomed the changes. Shankar Nalbo Limbu, who travelled from Taplejung for treatment at the Medicine OPD, said the token system made it easier to check the status of his turn and remaining wait time. He also said automated report printing could reduce the time and inconvenience involved in collecting laboratory results. Similarly, Subash Sharma of Itahari said the token system had made the process of seeing a doctor more orderly, while the printing machine had simplified the collection of laboratory reports. BPKIHS plans to gradually expand the token system to other departments and install additional automated report printing machines in its laboratory. The institute expects the wider use of these technologies to reduce waiting times and improve the organisation of hospital services.