Patients at OPD often return frustrated
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The shortage of cardiologists at Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital remains a major concern for patients and their attendants. Currently, there is only one specialist (associate professor at the cardiology department) cardiologist, Dr Amar Upadhyaya available to serve both the outpatient department (OPD) and OT. As a result, OPD services for patients with erratic heart conditions are limited to just three days a week which has become a worrisome issue for those seeking treatment.
A patient Gagan Verma looked frustrated over lack of cardiologists at GDMC Hospital. “I frequently visit the cardiology OPD for check-ups, but often I have to return another day due to the limited availability of the cardiologist. As this is a premier medical college of this region, the authorities should prioritise appointing additional cardiologists to solve this recurring problem satisfactorily once and for all,” he stated.
Another patient, Manik Rana echoed the concern, saying that the shortage of cardiologists has been a long-standing concern for patients visiting the cardiology department at GDMC Hospital. “The cardiologist has been performing his duties admirably. But only one cardiologist at the facility results in a long wait for the hordes of patients who throng daily. It happens often that some of the patients have to return frustrated without consultation. This uncertainty should end with the recruitment of more cardiologists,” he suggested.
Upadhyaya said that it is quite a burden due to having only one cardiologist on staff. “Despite this, I along with the team try the best to provide effective service to patients,” he said. He currently works three days a week in the OPD and spends the remaining three days in the OT. “Given the present state of things, postgraduate doctors are present to assist patients when I am not available for the OPD,” he said.
The hospital has recently finalised the appointment of an additional cardiologist on a contractual basis, but this person has not yet joined due to commitments to his previous position. It is expected that the new cardiologist will assume duty soon.
