THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has announced the introduction of digital payment systems across government hospitals in Kerala. The initiative will allow patients to make payments for various services using POS machines, with options for Debit Card, Credit Card and UPI transactions. In the first phase, this system will be implemented in all government hospitals where the eHealth scheme is already operational, ranging from taluk hospitals to medical colleges. A total of 63 hospitals under the eHealth scheme will adopt this digital payment system initially.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce an online system for Advance OP ticket booking in all state-run hospitals. The eHealth initiative, currently set up in 624 hospitals, will see this service made available in all participating facilities. For hospitals where the eHealth scheme is not yet implemented, this system will still be rolled out, starting with 80 hospitals in the first phase. Patients will have the convenience of booking OP tickets online and if applicable, paying any associated fees digitally.

One of the key features of this initiative is the ability for the public to scan a QR code displayed in the hospital to book OP tickets without standing in long queues. This will be implemented first in hospitals that already have the eHealth system in place and then extended to all taluk hospitals and medical colleges that have yet to adopt the scheme.

The eHealth program also includes the launch of a mobile app compatible with the Android operating system. This app will enable patients to access their health records, lab reports and pharmacy reports from hospitals with eHealth facilities. Online ticket booking and payment options will also be available through the app, as well as via the eHealth portal. This digital transformation aims to streamline healthcare services and enhance the patient experience in government hospitals across the state.