Raj CM directs dept-wise testing, medicine counters at SMS Hospital during surprise visit

Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Saturday directed the administration of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital to provide diagnostic testing and medicine distribution facilities within individual departmental OPDs so that patients can complete consultations, investigations and collect medicines at one location without moving across the hospital.

During a surprise inspection of OPD services at the state’s largest govt hospital, Sharma reviewed patient facilities and stressed the need to make healthcare services more accessible and efficient. He said SMS Hospital serves not only patients from Rajasthan but also those from neighbouring states, making it essential to expand services and adopt technology-driven systems to improve patient care.

The chief minister began his visit at the orthopaedics OPD, where he observed a large number of patients awaiting treatment. He interacted with patients and attendants to obtain feedback on hospital services and facilities. He later inspected the neurology and cardiology OPDs and reviewed the arrangements in place.

Sharma said patients visiting departments for treatment of bone, heart, neurological and other ailments should have access to necessary investigations and medicines within the same OPD. Such an arrangement, he said, would reduce inconvenience and streamline treatment.

At Dhanvantari Bhawan, he reviewed services in the medicine, orthopaedics, cardiology and neurology departments. He also sought details from hospital authorities regarding medicine availability, diagnostic facilities, patient services and cleanliness.

Based on feedback received during the visit, Sharma directed officials to improve facilities wherever required. He instructed the hospital administration to ensure adequate seating, drinking water, shade and cleanliness for patients and their attendants.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, the chief minister said the state govt is committed to strengthening healthcare services at SMS Hospital. He also instructed the hospital superintendent to make additional arrangements for seating, shade and drinking water outside the Dhanvantari OPD, while reiterating that every department should have easy access to essential medicines and investigation facilities to minimise hardship for patients.