PGI’s much-hyped online lab report system fails to deliver

Ritika Jha Palial

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 28

Even as the PGI was quick to announce the launch of online access to laboratory reports (in the biochemistry department) six months ago, a reality check revealed that the system is non-functional. While the PGI website still displays the link for online viewing of reports, stating that a one-time password will be sent to the patient’s mobile number -- a prerequisite for accessing the report -- this reporter’s first-hand account after undergoing a blood test revealed that no such system exists.

Even two weeks after giving the sample, no SMS alert or one-time password was received on the registered mobile number. Also, the website clearly mentions that “the OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number (mentioned on the OPD registration card) and the report will be available only for the tests conducted for the past 15 days.”

The staff at the sample collection centre were caught unawares regarding the online access facility. The biochemistry department caters to a majority of the diagnostic tests, including liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood sugar levels and others. The department conducts around 12,000 to 14,000 tests every day.

"A provision for viewing the investigation report of New OPD patients through the PGI web portal www.pgimer.edu.in for the biochemistry lab is another step in this direction (of computerisation)," the PGI had stated in a press note issued on July 28 this year.

* Attendant at centre unaware of online facility

On December 12, this reporter gave a blood sample for biochemistry tests including blood sugar, urea level and calcium at New OPD Block of the PGI. The process of submitting fee on level 4 and giving the sample at level 1 after standing in queues took two hours (10.30 am to 12.30 pm). Asked about the delivery of reports, the attendant at the sample collection centre said, “You can visit counter number 4 after three days to check if the reports are ready”. Asked whether the reports could be seen online, she said she was not aware of it. On December 15, despite a one-hour wait at counter number 4, level 1, the receptionist informed that the reports were not ready. The purpose of the online access facility was to save patients’ time and efforts in frequenting the report delivery counter with uncertainty.

* What PGI spokesperson said

“This needs to be checked,” said PGI’s official spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar.