Manimajra to get evening OPD; no sight of relief for dispensaries

Manimajra to Get Evening OPD; Dispensaries Still Wait for Implementation

Manimajra to get evening OPD no sight – Manimajra to get evening OPD, no sight of relief for dispensaries yet. In a recent development, the health department of Chandigarh has unveiled plans to introduce evening outpatient departments (OPDs) at the civil hospital in Manimajra, following the successful pilot program at the Government Multi Specialty Hospital in Sector 16. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for extended healthcare hours, particularly for working individuals who struggle to access timely medical services during regular daytime operations. However, the rollout of similar services in local dispensaries remains stalled, despite recommendations from key committees and public support for the idea.

Early Success and Expanded Vision

The evening OPD service, operating from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., was first introduced at GMSH-16 in February 2024. This service has already demonstrated significant benefits, with an average of over 100 patients visiting daily. The availability of specialist consultations in departments such as medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, paediatrics, and gynaecology has made it easier for residents to receive comprehensive care without long waiting times. The Punjab governor and UT administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, had earlier highlighted the importance of expanding secondary care hours to accommodate the needs of a diverse population.

Building on the success of the pilot, the health department has outlined plans to extend the evening OPD model to other civil hospitals, including those in Sector 22 and Sector 45. However, the timeline for these additions is still under review, and no official dates have been announced. Dr. Suman Singh, Director of Health Services, noted that the implementation of evening OPDs in these areas is progressing, but the focus remains on ensuring operational sustainability before full-scale expansion. The project also includes a proposal for longer hours at urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, further broadening the scope of accessible healthcare.

Challenges in Dispensary Implementation

While the civil hospitals in Manimajra and other sectors are set to benefit from the evening OPD initiative, dispensaries have been left behind. A proposal to implement evening OPDs in these smaller facilities was recommended by the Social Welfare Committee of the advisory council, which identified five high-labor-population areas as priority zones. These areas, including Manimajra, Mauli Jagran, and Phase 1 Industrial Area, face unique challenges due to the irregular working hours of their residents. The delay in implementation has raised concerns among local communities, who argue that dispensaries are essential for providing basic medical services to those who cannot afford to miss work or school.

The health department submitted a ₹13-crore proposal in February 2025 to launch six-hour evening OPDs across 29 health and wellness centers, 15 urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and three civil dispensaries. The primary hurdle, according to officials, is the financial feasibility of staffing these dispensaries during extended hours. Each facility would require a minimum of five dedicated staff members, including an MBBS doctor, nurse, and support staff, to ensure smooth operations. This increased staffing demand has slowed down the approval process, with the administration evaluating whether the budget can support the initiative in the long term.

Community Support and Practical Needs

Residents in Manimajra and surrounding areas have expressed strong support for the evening OPD model, highlighting its potential to ease the burden on healthcare workers and patients alike. “If doctors were available in the evening, it would save us from visiting dispensaries during rush hours,” said Suneel Kumar, a local resident. “The evening is a much more suitable time to seek care.” Similarly, Kunal, a 22-year-old from Dadumajra, emphasized how the lack of evening services disrupts his daily routine. “During the day, I have to look for work, but I couldn’t come to the dispensary in the evening. If evening OPDs were available, I wouldn’t have missed my job hunt.”

The proposed expansion is seen as a crucial step toward improving healthcare accessibility in Chandigarh. By offering extended hours, the system could better serve individuals with irregular schedules, such as daily wagers, shift workers, and students. The health department is also exploring ways to streamline operations, including training existing staff to handle evening shifts and utilizing technology to reduce administrative overhead. While these steps are promising, the administration’s cautious approach has left many waiting for a definitive timeline to implement the changes.

Long-Term Implications and Public Expectations

Despite the delays, the introduction of evening OPDs in Manimajra represents a significant move toward equitable healthcare access. With the civil hospital’s service already in place, the community is hopeful that the model will eventually be replicated in dispensaries. The Social Welfare Committee’s recommendation underscores the need for a more inclusive approach, ensuring that even those in underserved areas receive timely medical attention. However, public frustration persists, with some residents questioning why the implementation has not moved faster.

As the health department continues its evaluation, the community remains eager for updates. The success of the initial pilot at GMSH-16 has set a precedent, but the challenge lies in scaling this model to smaller facilities without compromising quality. Experts suggest that a phased approach, starting with high-traffic dispensaries, could help mitigate costs while gradually improving access for all. For now, Manimajra’s evening OPD stands as a beacon of progress, offering a glimpse of the benefits that could soon be available to a broader segment of the population.