More registration counters set up at Kullu hospital to manage patient load

The Kar Sewa Dal has stepped in to assist with three additional registration counters at the Kullu Regional Hospital, following the directive of Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur. This move aims to ease long queues, despite the hospital already offering both online and offline registration. Kullu Regional Hospital became the first health institution in the state to introduce online registration in 2021.

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Kar Sewa Dal president Mandeep Singh announced that the number of registration counters has now increased to five, with two in Room 114 and three in Room 142. Additionally, billing counters have been expanded to three, located in Rooms 206, 114, and 415. Singh added that the organisation is also providing support services at these registration counters.

Chief Medical Officer Dr NR Panwar said the Health Department was continuously enhancing patient facilities in the district. The online registration service is available at www.kulluhospital.com, and patients can generate slips quickly by scanning their Abha card. He highlighted that the hospital performs complex surgeries, including knee and hip replacements, using advanced laparoscopic techniques. Additionally, chemotherapy services are available for cancer patients.

Kullu Regional Hospital is now competing with medical colleges in patient care, handling approximately 1,400 OPD visits daily. The hospital has 13 operational OPDs, staffed by 35 doctors, including 20 specialists, with two doctor positions currently vacant. A 24-hour trauma OPD is available for emergency cases. The hospital has a capacity of 300 beds for indoor patients, while the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) section has a 100-bed facility. However, despite being inaugurated in June 2022, staffing for the MCH section is yet to be notified.

The hospital serves patients from four districts, including Lahaul-Spiti and parts of Mandi and Chamba. Previously, the OPD handled 800 to 1,100 patients daily, but the patient count continues to rise.

Residents of Kullu are hopeful that MLA Sunder Singh Thakur will secure a ministerial position, enabling him to push for the establishment of a much-needed medical college in the district. His persistent efforts have significantly improved healthcare services in Kullu. During his visit for Dasehra in October last year, the Chief Minister had also assured that staff for the MCH section would be notified soon.