Lack of transport facility continues to limit patient footfall at District Hospital

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Although the inpatient department (IPD) at Deen Dayal Upadhyay District Hospital has recorded an increase in patient footfall, the persistent lack of public transport remains a longstanding challenge that has adversely impacted hospital visits.

 The hospital administration has approached the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to address transportation concerns as soon as possible.

Recently, ‘The Pioneer’ highlighted that many patients have expressed difficulties reaching the hospital due to insufficient connectivity, leading some to seek treatment elsewhere. 

Regarding the patient footfall at the district hospital, principal medical superintendent Dr Manu Jain stated that compared to last year, patient visits to the IPD have increased by 15 per cent. He noted that last year, out of the 300 available beds, only 120 were typically occupied in the IPD per day. Currently, the occupancy has risen to between 160 and 170 beds daily. The district hospital’s IPD includes 300 beds, comprising 30 gynecology beds, 10 orthopaedic beds, 10 ENT beds and others.

Jain explained that the increase in patient footfall is partly due to a decrease in referral cases, which has improved the hospital’s public image. He said that deliveries in the Gynecology department have increased during nighttime hours and unnecessary referral cases have decreased. Jain said he has been regularly monitoring patient status from doctors and ensuring that referrals are made judiciously.

Despite the increased patient footfall due to these efforts, the lack of public transport continues to impact patient numbers significantly. He indicated that a letter has already been sent to the RTO requesting a solution for public transport access to the district hospital. As of now, no response has been received. Jain stated that a reminder letter will be sent to the RTO to follow up on this matter.