Referral system in hospitals will be strengthened; Will implement proper criteria, says Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has said that a proper referral criteria will be implemented to refer patients to medical colleges. The minister also said that expert treatment should be ensured on time for the patients. The minister gave these instructions in a high-level meeting of the Health department.

People should benefit from hospital facilities. There must be a valid reason for referring to medical college and it must be clearly mentioned. Referral is allowed only after considering treatment facilities and patient's condition. Each hospital will have a referral register which should specify the treatment given and the reason for referral. The minister also stated that it will be inspected once a month at the hospital, district and state level.

If a patient is referred to a Medical college, it should be informed to the control room of the Medical college. ICU, ventilator facilities should be ensured before referral. Through this, treatment can be obtained without delay in the medical college as well. Currently speciality services are available from Taluk Hospitals. The services of Speciality and Super Specialty Doctors are available in selected Primary Health Centres, Family Health Centres and also through E-Sanjeevini Doctor to Doctor system as well.

Unnecessarily referring patients to medical colleges without making use of these facilities, causes great difficulties to the patients and their relatives. By strengthening the referral system, patients will be able to get expert treatment nearby without delay. Along with this, the patients who reach medical colleges can be treated in a timely manner.

Along with this, the back referral system will also be strengthened. After specialist treatment in the medical college, the patient is referred back to hospitals near his home for further treatment. The minister also directed to formulate proper criteria for back referral.