RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Health Department has directed medical superintendents (MS) of all teaching hospitals across the province and other medical institutions to improve facilities at emergency departments within the first 100 days of the new government.
In order to control patient influx, the health department has directed the vice chancellors of medical universities of Punjab, all principals of autonomous medical institutions in the province, MS’ of teaching hospitals and special health institutions to establish a triage area outside the main emergency and a separate desk for referrals to attend to patients referred by other hospitals.
A senior doctor said the triage area will make sure patients with minor ailments will be attended to within 45 minutes of their arrival or when reported.
The provincial health department also directed the MS’ of teaching hospitals to appoint the in-charges of emergency departments with full responsibility and authority so that serious patients are not ignored.
The availability of free medicines is to be ensured and it will be ensured that all equipments are functional.
The health department has directed that all healthcare providers are to wear a uniform with identification plates and to ensure the repair and maintenance of equipment and buildings.
A change in the bedside manner of healthcare providers is to be ensured via capacity building and counselling and senior faculty is to be available round the clock.
District Headquarters Hospital MS Dr Khalid Ranjha told Dawn triage areas have already been established outside the emergency wards of the three government hospitals in Rawalpindi.
“Triage areas are a good initiative but there is little chances of success in our society because patients do not want to wait when they go to a hospital,” he said, adding that people should be educated about the operations of and facilities in hospitals.
He said such instructions are often received from the health department.
Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2018
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