New toll-free service to ease hospital visits, address plaints

In a step towards digitising healthcare services, the Haryana Health Department has launched a toll-free helpline — 104 — to help patients book doctor appointments at government hospitals. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

Health and Medical Education Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao inaugurated the helpline today from Sector-1, Panchkula. Speaking at the event, she described the launch as a milestone for the Health Department. “Today is a historic day. This helpline will not only allow patients to schedule doctor appointments in advance but also enable them to register complaints regarding healthcare services, which will be addressed within five days,” she said. Additionally, the service will provide information about available medicines in government hospitals.

Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) from across the state participated in the inauguration via video conferencing. Highlighting the helpline’s significance, the minister said, “The main objective of this portal is to prevent people from standing in long queues at civil hospitals. Appointments for doctor consultations can now be scheduled in advance by dialling 104.”

Responding to queries, she assured that necessary measures would be taken to ensure the safety of healthcare workers in hospitals. She also announced that 761 new doctors have recently been appointed to address staff shortages in government healthcare facilities. Furthermore, she said Haryana’s existing e-telemedicine services will be integrated with the new system to enhance patient care.

She also mentioned that discussions with the Public Works Department would be held soon to address hospital maintenance and repair work, ensuring better infrastructure for public healthcare services.