BHU hosp runs telemedicine OPD for general patients

Varanasi: Sir Sunderlal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University which is fully equipped with level-3 facilities to meet the challenge of COVID-19 outbreak is also running a telemedicine OPD for the general patients. The unique thing about is the fact that it is catering to the needs of people wishing to consult the doctors from their homes. The doctors of five departments as per the duty roster are providing their services from 9 am to 5 pm.
“On an average, over 250 patients from eastern UP and other states consult the doctors every day. Most of them are old patients needing follow up consultation,” said the BHU spokesperson Rajesh Singh.
The telemedicine OPD started functioning from April 7 on the instruction of the vice chancellor Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar.
“The telemedicine OPD is proving a sigh of relief to the patients, as the general OPDs were closed after the outbreak of COVID-19. As the hospital caters to a big population covering the districts of eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and other neighbouring states, the doctors are receiving calls from these areas,” Rajesh said.
“Presently, doctors of five departments including general medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, gynecology and orthopedics are providing their services through telemedicine OPD. The service can be extended if required,” he added.
The VC had instructed to ensure smooth running of telemedicine facilities. He had also asked the officials of the Institute of Medical Sciences to ensure smooth functioning of emergency services of the hospital other than COVID-19.
The BHU hospital has been declared level-3 category for the treatment of COVID-19 patients after the outbreak of coronavirus. The super speciality block of the hospital is fully equipped with a 40-bed ICU, besides all other emergency services. The hospital is also ready to take care of the level-1 patients referred from district hospital. Besides, 200 rooms for quarantine purpose have also been arranged for the health professionals including doctors, nurses and other supporting staff at New Nursing Hostel, LD Guest House and the building of psychology department.