Latest bypass surgery: Hosps use apps to reduce reception queues
Times of India | 8 December 2025
Kolkata: Private hospitals have started enhancing the use of technology to bypass queues at their counters for faster and more accurate patient care and convenience. At least two have launched an online patient-doctor interface through an AI-enabled app to reduce OPD visits. Specially tailored apps are being used to prepare diagnostic reports, which are delivered faster to patients, while doctors will soon have access to patients' real-time vital parameters on their cellphones in at least three hospitals by the beginning of 2026. Online booking of beds, which bypasses interaction with the front desk, has been introduced at an E M Bypass hospital.
Trials are underway for a digital leap into patient care at RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Woodlands Hospital, and Charnock Hospital. Each has introduced its own app, which has electronic medical records (EMR) of all admitted patients and those seeking OPD appointments.
R Venkatesh, COO of Narayana Hospitals that own RTIICS, said: "A patient seeking an OPD appointment can answer a set of questions, after which s/he is advised to see a doctor. So, the preliminary queries are answered, which cuts down the OPD visit time. At the next stage, we will upgrade the app to include a set of preliminary test recommendations, if it is deemed necessary, so that the patient can see the doctor with the reports," Venkatesh said.
RTIICS has also launched a ‘contactless admission' facility that allows patients to log on to their app, fill up a form, pay, and get a bed allotted without visiting the hospital.
At Charnock Hospital, a patient portal app is in the final stages of development that will allow patients to upload their details and seek an appointment, access diagnostic reports instantly, and download EMR-based prescriptions. These features will minimise waiting time, reduce visits, and empower patients to manage their care from home. It also has integrated AI across its clinical and patient-care services.
At Woodlands Multispecialty Hospital, two apps are being developed — one each for patients and doctors. From diagnostic test recommendations to bed bookings, many facilities will be avail-able on them. Trials are on for a patie-nts' app, said CEO Rupak Barua. "We are working on software to record, tr-ack, and upload patients' vitals, which can be screened on an app by doctors when they are away from hospital. We plan to launch both apps by Jan," he said. The hospital has launched an AI-driven WhatsApp chatbot which answers patients' queries, provides doctors' appointments, and diagnostic reports.
Charnock Hospital's AI-Driven Enhanced Patient Care Beds have elevated bedside monitoring and patient safety. Through the integration of Dozee's contactless monitoring platform, vital parameters are continuously tracked without disturbing the patient. The AI-powered Early Warning System detects subtle signs of deterioration earlier, enabling prompt intervention.