Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, July: The Punjab Government is soon going to introduce ‘Patient Feedback Forms’ in the Govt Hospitals of the state. Directions in this regard had been given by Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Punjab during the 14th Executive Committee meeting of the State Health Society. During the meeting the progress under different health programmes was reviewed by Principal Secretary, Health, under whose chairpersonship the meeting was held.
Giving further information in this regard Ms. Mahajan informed that presently a Patient Satisfaction Survey through PGI is in process. Based on the questionnaire developed by PGIMER, Chandigarh, this feedback format shall be developed, which would emphasize on key service delivery areas in the health institutions. A mechanism to install feedback boxes is also being discussed and will be finalised soon. Ms. Mahajan said that the move is aimed at putting in place more accountability & better behaviour by the staff deputed in the Govt hospitals and providing better health care facilities to the patients. She added that based on the feedback, the Govt shall identify the areas and services that needed further improvement. A direct feedback from the patients shall also help the department to analyze the specific and general problems being faced by patients and thereafter a strategy can be devised to provide effective solutions to such problems. This will not only instill further confidence in the patients visiting public health institutions, but also provide them a platform to share their views and suggestions regarding govt. health facilities.
Ms. Vini Mahajan further shared that a toll free non-emergency medical helpline ‘Dial 104’ is already functioning in the state. Residents of Punjab can easily avail useful information, counseling and medical advice on various health issues from the qualified medical practitioners, clinical psychologists and paramedics by calling this 24 hour helpline. Any suggestions and complaints regarding deficiencies in services in Govt health institutions can be registered on this helpline, for which a mechanism for speedy and effective redressal of the complaints at different levels is already in place.
