Kalaburagi
Patients at the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) are forced to wait for hours in long queues to pay medical bills. This situation has arisen because only two billing counters are currently operational at the hospital.
Many patients from taluk areas and neighboring districts, including Yadgir, Bidar, and Vijayapura, come to GIMS for treatment, as it is the largest government hospital in the district. Patients, especially from rural areas, lack access to medical facilities at their local hospitals and are compelled to visit GIMS for services.
The small number of billing counters at GIMS causes delays, making patients wait for long periods. These delays affect not only outpatients but also those admitted for treatment. Patients who plan to return home on the same day often have to extend their stay due to billing issues. Additionally, delays in the payment process can slow down access to medical services for admitted patients.
Some patients have reported significant delays in receiving necessary treatments due to the long queues. The crowd at the billing counters has become difficult to manage, contributing to dissatisfaction among patients who need immediate medical attention.
To address this issue, it has been announced that the number of billing counters will be increased from the current two to 14. This change is expected to reduce waiting times and improve the overall experience for patients, particularly those from poorer backgrounds. It is hoped that these new counters will help prevent future delays in treatment.
