DOHA: The waiting time for patients at several health centres has reduced to 15 minutes as a result of complete implementation of appointment system, according to a recent survey.
The survey by Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has found that over 40 percent of patients at the health centres in Dayeen, Omar Bin Khattab, West Bay and Al Grarafah are seen by a doctor within the first 15 minutes.
Only two to four percent of patients had to wait for more than one hour due to the less seriousness of their condition.
The survey was conducted between March 15 and September 15 and the findings were presented by Mariam Al Hanadi, Executive Director, Communication Department, PHCC, and Dr Mohamed Bekheit, Executive Director, Operations, PHCC yesterday at a ‘Thinking Session’ at Millennium Hotel.
The PHCC has developed a system which classifies patients based on their condition, into 1 to 5 levels. Patients in levels 1-3 can see the physician while those in levels 4-5 will be given an appointment after 24-72 hours. And if they choose to stay, they may have to wait.
Separately, the PHCC’s helpline ‘Hayak 107 has received 80,223 calls for services such as to book appointments, make inquires and complaints.
Among them, 63,037 were regarding making or rescheduling appointments with doctors. A total of 16,987 calls were made for general information. Majority of calls were by Arabic and English speakers and others were in different foreign languages such as Hindi and Tagalog.
The highest number of calls were regarding Al Wakrah Health Centre (10,348) and Mesaimeer Health Centre (10,929).
According Dr Bekheit, over 85 percent of patients at primary health centres are satisfied with services provided through ‘Hayak 107.’
The PHCC has unified ‘Hayak 107’ to include all health centres to make it easier for visitors to receive information and is increasing services gradually.
‘Hayak 107’ was launched in five health centres in June 2014.
The service is available seven days around the clock and 36 call centre agents are employed to answer queries.
The Peninsula
