Berhampur, Oct 23: In a significant step towards improving access to primary healthcare, the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) at Red Cross in Berhampur has become the first government-run healthcare facility in Odisha to introduce 12-hour Outpatient Department (OPD) services on a pilot basis.
Under the initiative, patients can access consultations in general medicine, gynaecology and paediatrics from 8 am to 8 pm every day, offering greater flexibility for residents seeking medical care.
The extended OPD service, along with a mega health camp, was inaugurated on Thursday at the AAM-UPHC Red Cross by Berhampur MLA K Anil Kumar in the presence of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei, Commissioner A Sasya Reddy, health officials and corporators.
Extended Hours to Improve Patient Convenience
The UPHC, which began operations six years ago, previously provided OPD services for six hours daily, from 8 am to 11 am and again from 5 pm to 8 pm.
With the new arrangement, the facility will offer continuous OPD services over a 12-hour period, making consultations more accessible to people who may find it difficult to visit hospitals during conventional hours.
Speaking at the inauguration, MLA K Anil Kumar said the extended schedule would allow residents to access healthcare services more conveniently.
The initiative aims to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by ensuring that patients have a longer window to consult doctors for routine medical needs.
Move to Ease Pressure on Major Hospitals
Officials expect the extended OPD facility to help reduce the patient burden on MKCG Medical College and Hospital and City Hospital in Berhampur.
These institutions cater not only to residents of the city but also to patients from neighbouring districts. Improved access to consultations at the urban primary health centre could help direct patients with routine healthcare needs to an appropriate local facility.
The pilot project is also expected to provide valuable insights into the demand for longer OPD hours and the feasibility of expanding similar services to other government healthcare facilities.
Focus on Accessible and Affordable Healthcare
The Berhampur Municipal Corporation welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards accessible, affordable and patient-centred primary healthcare.
By extending consultation hours, the facility seeks to bring essential medical services closer to residents and reduce the inconvenience associated with restricted OPD timings.
The initiative marks a new approach to delivering urban primary healthcare in Odisha, with its progress likely to be closely watched as authorities assess the benefits of the extended service model.
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