The Haryana Health Department has introduced a toll-free helpline, 104, enabling patients to conveniently book doctor’s appointments at government hospitals from their homes. This initiative, designed to reduce patient queues and enhance access to healthcare, was inaugurated on Friday by Haryana Health and Medical Education Minister Arti Singh Rao at an event in Sector-1, Panchkula.
Speaking at the launch, Rao emphasized that the helpline aims to simplify the appointment process, eliminating the need for patients to wait in long queues at civil hospitals. By dialing 104, individuals can schedule consultations in advance, making healthcare services more efficient and patient-friendly.
Beyond appointment booking, Helpline 104 offers multiple services, including registering complaints related to healthcare, which will be addressed within five days. The helpline also provides information on the availability of medicines in government hospitals and supports e-telemedicine services, ensuring patients in remote areas can consult doctors virtually.
The launch event saw participation from chief medical officers (CMOs) across Haryana via video conferencing, highlighting the helpline’s statewide implementation. Additionally, Rao announced that the state’s existing e-telemedicine services would be integrated with the new helpline, ensuring seamless coordination between virtual consultations and in-person hospital visits.
