Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 8: Even though authorities have implemented the Scan and Share Queue Management System to reduce wait times at hospital OPDs, elderly individuals and women are encountering difficulties utilizing it at the District Hospital Ganderbal.
Several patients waiting in queues at the hospital informed the ‘Excelsior’ that they find the registration process, which generates a token number, quite challenging and often require assistance from others to complete it.
“Many elderly people do not own phones, and those who do often lack smartphones; for them, this process is difficult. Even though there is a designated counter for the elderly, if they are unable to register, they do not receive any assistance,” remarked Mehraj Ahmad, a local resident.
He criticized the change as “useless,” stating that it does not aid people at all, and instead, makes obtaining an OPD registration card nearly impossible.
Sara, another local, shared her experience of needing assistance from someone at a medical shop to register for the online token.
“I don’t know how to do it; in my desperation, I sought help. They do not provide OPD cards offline, and people struggle to understand how to register online,” she explained.
Nisar Ahmad Zargar recounted his difficulty in registering on the mobile application, prompting him to seek help from a nearby youngster.
“It took him nearly half an hour to register and obtain a token number for my OPD card. Elderly individuals and women find it challenging; we urge authorities to address this issue and streamline the process,” he emphasized.
Ghulam Rasool, another patient waiting at the special counter for elderly people, questioned the reasoning behind subjecting older individuals to a difficult process.
“The elderly should be assisted rather than burdened with this. Not everyone has phones, and some are even illiterate,” he pointed out.
Dr. Nighat Yasmeen, Medical Superintendent of D.H. Ganderbal, informed the ‘Excelsior’ that they are following directives from higher authorities by implementing the Scan and Share Queue Management System and are assisting elderly individuals and others struggling with registration.
“Many households have younger members who are proficient with technology; people should seek their assistance. Furthermore, change always requires adjustment; we are committed to aiding people through this transition,” she stated.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
