To provide hassle-free service to patients and enable them to book appointments with specialist doctors, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has started its online booking facility on its new website www.esichospitals.gov.in. However, till date not more than three patients have availed the facility in the ESIC Model Hospital at Rajajinagar.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Rachita Biswas told The Hindu that the online booking system was open for the hospital’s speciality clinics such as the ones for high risk pregnancies, diabetes and hypertension. “The system is yet to pick up and it could be because of lack of awareness. We are now focussing on propagating it by putting up notices in the out-patient department and also sending information to employers requesting them to popularise it among employees,” she said.
Admitting that the section of people, who are covered under ESI, may not be computer literate, she said sooner or later online appointments would replace the traditional method of walk-ins.
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“Computers have become a part of our system. Online booking is helpful as helps in optimal use of both the doctor and patient’s time,” Ms. Biswas said.