PGIMS Rohtak Calls for End to Unjustified Patient Referrals from Government Medical Colleges

The majority of cases could be treated at the original institutions, according to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) Rohtak, which has expressed grave concerns about unnecessary patient referrals from government medical colleges throughout Haryana.

Over 300 patients are referred to PGIMS each month, and an alarming 70% of those patients have general illnesses that don't require specialized care, according to Dr. Kundan Mittal, Medical Superintendent. Despite referring colleges having the required medical infrastructure and qualified specialists, his team's internal analysis revealed a concerning pattern of arbitrary referrals.

Impact on Patient Care and Resources

The practice creates unnecessary hardship for patients and families who must travel to Rohtak for treatment available at their local medical colleges. PGIMS officials emphasize that these referrals not only strain the premier institute's resources but also delay treatment for genuinely complex cases requiring specialized intervention.

"When the state government has provided medical colleges with adequate staff and infrastructure, there should be no reason for patients to be referred to PGIMS without proper cause," Dr Mittal explained. The situation becomes more concerning when patients arrive inadequately stabilized, increasing risks of complications and mortality.

Demand Systemic Change

In order to address this systemic issue, PGIMS has formally approached Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences Rohtak and requested intervention. In order to control referrals and stop medical college administrators from making arbitrary decisions, Dr. Mittal is an advocate for the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures.

By posting the contact information for specialists on its website, the institute has made it possible for physicians at other facilities to consult with experts before deciding which patients to refer. This strategy could preserve standards of high-quality care while drastically lowering needless patient transfers.

PGIMS Proposed Solutions 

In order to create thorough referral policies, PGIMS has asked authorities to meet with the medical superintendents of each government medical college. Reducing unnecessary referrals while maintaining safe, efficient patient care within the framework of the current healthcare system is the aim.

This initiative reflects broader healthcare system efficiency concerns, where optimal resource utilization could improve patient outcomes while reducing institutional burden on specialized centers like PGIMS.