Prescriptions, ECG reports, X-ray sheets ? the endless mire of papers and the tiresome shuttling between various departments to gather them will soon be a thing of the past at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH). Dispur has decided to execute a mega computerisation project at the region’s largest hospital, which will make any patient’s medical profile accessible at the click of a mouse.

“The project is aimed at doing away with paperwork. For a large hospital like the GMCH, it is difficult to keep records of all patients. More importantly, papers related to different stages of treatment are often found missing at the hospital, causing great inconvenience to doctors,” an official said.

Under the new project, to be executed by the Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (AMTRON), computers will be installed in every department and ward, starting from the reception counter.

All computers will be networked and entry of patients’ data will begin at the reception itself. Doctors and nurses will be able to access reports and other information about patients from any department.

“In case a patient is shifted from one department to another at the GMCH, treatment often gets delayed as the reports are not easily available. It would be an excellent idea if we get a patient’s profile at the click of a mouse,” a doctor said.

AMTRON has already begun its survey and data collection for the project.

Besides connecting all the departments through the computer network, the scheme will also help maintain transparency and prevent irregularities in utilisation of hospital funds.

Health and family welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a recent meeting with GMCH doctors and health department officials said the government would not allow the present manual system to continue, especially in the accounts department, as it gives ample scope for manipulation of funds.

The decision to computerise the GMCH comes after allegations of misappropriation of funds meant for treatment of poor patients. About Rs 1 lakh was found missing from the hospital records a year back.

Flower power

After medicines, it’s now the turn of flower power to heal patients at the GMCH. No, the hospital is not starting an ayurveda or a herbal department, but is planning to build a garden to make the premises look more presentable and cure a few patients in the process, perhaps.

During a recent visit, health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked the hospital management to select a spot on the premises for a garden.

Many doctors agreed that flowers do have healing powers.

“The sight of a beautiful flower makes you feel good, which may help in early recovery of a patient,” a doctor said.

Cyber woes

Doctors and patients at the GMCH are angry with the National Informatics Centre for failing to update the hospital’s website, www.gmchassam.nic.in. The website contains important information about the hospital, including the list of super specialists, fees charged, facilities available and achievements of students.

The GMC Students’ Union has demanded that the website be updated without further delay.

A staff reporter

The plan

• Patients’ documents to be accessible at click of a mouse
• All departments in the hospital to be networked

The boon

• A paperless hospital
• Greater transparency
• Fewer irregularities