New initiative enhances patient access to healthcare services by connecting all AIIMS facilities and national institutes, ensuring timely referrals and comprehensive care.
Jotirmoy Roy, AB News, New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has announced an important advancement in healthcare accessibility with the launch of a comprehensive digital platform designed for unified referral and teleconsultation. This cutting-edge initiative connects all AIIMS facilities across India, along with esteemed national institutes such as JIPMER in Pondicherry and PGI in Chandigarh. Developed in New Delhi, this digital solution optimizes patient transfers among healthcare institutions, ensuring efficient and timely medical care for all.
During a recent press conference, Dr. M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, discussed the ‘one-AIIMS’ referral policy, which encourages patients to seek treatment at their closest AIIMS facility first. For instance, if patients at AIIMS Patna encounter resource limitations, the facility can quickly facilitate teleconsultations or expedited referrals to another AIIMS center. This bi-directional referral system guarantees patients not only receive immediate assistance but can also continue their follow-up care at their local AIIMS establishment.
The integration of these services is specifically designed to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for patients in remote areas who may struggle to obtain specialized medical treatments. By harnessing technology, AIIMS aims to minimize delays in care delivery and improve the overall patient experience across its expansive network.
In conjunction with this transformative digital platform, Dr. Srinivas also unveiled a new patient grievance management portal aimed at accelerating complaint resolution. Currently in the testing phase within the mother and child block of AIIMS, this system is expected to be rolled out across the entire hospital, ensuring all patients have the opportunity to voice their healthcare concerns.
The grievance management system empowers patients to register their complaints conveniently through QR codes or a dedicated website. To ensure accountability, the system integrates an automatic escalation feature for unresolved issues, assuring that complaints are addressed in a timely manner and managed through the appropriate administrative channels.
Additionally, the portal includes a discharge feedback mechanism, enabling patients to assess several facets of their care, including medical services, nursing support, dietary provisions, and sanitation. This feedback loop serves to not only enhance the quality of care provided by AIIMS but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement driven by patient experiences.
Through these innovative advancements, AIIMS is reinforcing its dedication to patient-centered care while establishing a new standard for digital healthcare solutions in India. As these systems are fully implemented, they signal the dawn of a new era characterized by streamlined care pathways and heightened patient engagement, making quality healthcare more accessible to all citizens.
