BSMMU to launch online appointment service from March 1

The outpatient department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) will launch an online appointment service starting from March 1.

This long-awaited service, to be introduced in observance of March, the month of independence, is expected to ease patients' suffering and improve medical services at BSMMU, according to the university authorities.

BSMMU Vice-chancellor Prof Md Shahinul Alam came up with the announcement during a meeting at the university's auditorium this afternoon, attended by outpatient department doctors, officials, and staff involved in the online appointment process.

Shahinul stressed that the outpatient department is the largest hub for medical services. To enhance service quality, ensure convenience for patients, and support academic and research activities, implementing an online appointment system has become essential, he said.
 

"Therefore, in honour of the month of independence, we decided to launch the online appointment service from March 1," he said.

The new online system will enable efficient storage of patient data. With full automation of both outpatient and inpatient departments, all medical records, including test results and treatment details, will be preserved. This will allow doctors to access necessary patient information and provide better medical services. Additionally, the collected data will facilitate new research opportunities.

Shahinul assured that doctors would be required to allocate sufficient time for patients who book appointments online. The initiative aims to shift the mindset of resident doctors, who often rush consultations without proper examination. The system will encourage a more patient-centric approach, ultimately improving healthcare quality and patient satisfaction.

Prof Alam also prohibited writing the names of unregistered products on prescriptions issued in the outpatient department.

The online appointment initiative is designed to improve outpatient services, reduce patient suffering, avoid unnecessary crowds, save time, eliminate the hassle of standing in long queues for tickets, and ensure superior and satisfactory medical care.

The meeting was conducted by BSMMU Registrar Prof Md Nazrul Islam, also attended by Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Md Abul Kalam Azad, Pro VC (Research & Development) Prof Md Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, Treasurer Nahrin Akhtar, Proctor Sheikh Farhad, and Hospital Director Brigadier General Abu Noman Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, among others.