OGH’s round-the-clock helpline to support medical emergencies

Osmania General Hospital introduces 24/7 patient assistance services with dedicated help desk and helpline for critical care support.

Nearly 25% of medical emergencies at Osmania General Hospital (OGH) arrive late at night. This has prompted the hospital to introduce round-the-clock patient assistance services to better support patients during critical hours.

The hospital, on Tuesday, launched a dedicated help desk, along with a helpline, to provide continuous mobility, navigation, and patient care support.

An unused space beside the ramp near the OP block and casualty area has been transformed into a well-equipped war room-style facility to coordinate patient assistance.

The service aims to ensure the timely availability of essential equipment such as wheelchairs and stretchers, which are often critical in emergencies, especially within the large and complex hospital premises. With the dialysis centre at the hospital catering to 120-130 patients daily and numerous elective surgeries requiring patient assistance at all hours, this initiative addresses a pressing need for 24/7 support, said a release.

The help desk will be staffed by over 20 trained volunteers from the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF), operating in three shifts to ensure uninterrupted support. These volunteers will assist patients with mobility, navigation through hospital departments, outpatient services, and provide special care for unknown or homeless patients.

The Basheer and Sarwar Babu Khan Human Development Trust (BSB HDT) has committed to backing the help desk services, partnering with HHF, which has been involved in OGH for over a decade.

The timely availability of wheelchairs and stretchers, particularly at night or in the wee hours, is critical in medical emergencies and by having round-the-clock services many patients will get timely assistance, which will be lifesaving, said superintendent of OGH Dr. Rakesh Sahay.