Have OPD timings changed in Chandigarh government hospitals…

Chandigarh : In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare services and reducing patient wait times, the administration of Chandigarh has announced a change in the Outpatient Department (OPD) timings at government hospitals across the city. According to the revised schedule, doctors will now start seeing patients earlier in the day, allowing for smoother operations and better patient management, especially during peak hours.

Effective immediately, the new OPD timings for all government hospitals in Chandigarh, including Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) Sector 16 and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Sector 32, will be from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Previously, the OPD hours began at 9:00 AM and lasted until 1:00 PM. This adjustment has been made keeping in mind the increasing number of patients and the demand for timely medical attention.

Hospital authorities have confirmed that the decision came after analyzing footfall data and collecting feedback from both patients and medical staff. A longer OPD window not only accommodates more patients but also eases the pressure on doctors, allowing for more comprehensive consultations. Additionally, starting the OPDs earlier in the day will help patients avoid the scorching afternoon heat, which becomes a challenge during the summer months.

Patients who visit government hospitals for routine check-ups, follow-ups, or specialist consultations will now need to arrive earlier. Hospital staff have already begun informing regular patients about the updated schedule through on-site notices, SMS alerts, and social media posts. Medical superintendents of various hospitals have instructed their teams to ensure smooth implementation and avoid any confusion during the transition period.

For senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and those coming from rural areas, the earlier start is expected to be especially beneficial. Health department officials believe that this move will lead to more efficient handling of daily patient loads and reduce the need for repeat visits caused by time constraints.

Doctors across the city have responded positively to the change, with many acknowledging that the extended hours give them more flexibility to manage critical and non-critical cases. Some departments may also explore extending OPD operations into afternoon shifts on specific days, depending on demand and availability of medical personnel.

The Chandigarh Health Department plans to monitor the new schedule closely for the next few weeks and gather feedback to assess its impact. If the results are positive, a similar approach may be extended to polyclinics and dispensaries under the municipal health infrastructure.

Overall, this step reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing public healthcare services and making government facilities more responsive to patient needs. Citizens are encouraged to check the updated OPD timings for their respective hospitals before planning visits.