Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University (KGMU) is preparing to launch a pioneering ‘bedside-medicine’ facility to simplify the procurement of prescribed medicines for patients and their attendants. Under this initiative, medicines prescribed by doctors will be delivered directly to patients by the hospital’s pharmacy, eliminating the need for attendants to procure them manually.
The announcement was made by Professor Sumit Rungta, who oversees KGMU’s hospital revolving fund. According to him, the infirmary is being readied for the implementation of this facility as part of a pilot project. Commonly used hospital medicines will be stocked in the infirmary to ensure availability. The specific department where this service will begin is expected to be chosen within the next 15 to 20 days. Following the project’s trial phase, successful outcomes will lead to the expansion of the service across other departments.
This concept is not entirely new, as a similar bedside medicine delivery system is already operational at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS). KGMU officials have confirmed that a comparable setup will be developed, along with provisions for seamless payment options, to enhance patient and staff convenience.
In another notable development, KGMU’s Trauma Surgery department has introduced ultrasound examinations on-site with the installation of a Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) machine. This advanced diagnostic tool is expected to significantly improve patient care by allowing ultrasound tests to be performed at the patient’s bedside.
Prof Sandeep Tiwari, the head of the Trauma Surgery department, emphasized the benefits of the POCUS machine. “Injuries that cause internal damage often require ultrasound examinations to confirm their extent. Previously, patients had to be transported to other locations for such tests, which caused delays and discomfort. The new equipment ensures faster diagnostic processes and more effective treatment delivery,” he explained.
The addition of the POCUS machine is anticipated to enhance care for trauma patients by enabling immediate imaging without moving them to diagnostic facilities. This is expected to save valuable time during critical situations, leading to improved outcomes and streamlined emergency care.
Reference:
1. Oh, Ai Ling et al. “Improving bedside dispensing services through early medication discharge planning: a pre-post intervention study.” Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice vol. 15,1 7. 24 Jan. 2022, doi:10.1186/s40545-022-00405-3
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
