RGGGH Gets Major Infra, Tech Boost, Expands Nalam AI Service
Under the expanded system, patients can use the Nalam AI chatbot through WhatsApp at 9619222999 or the Citizen App – e-Nalam to select the department, date and convenient time for an outpatient appointment
CHENNAI: The Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) on Wednesday received a major infrastructure and technology boost with the inauguration of a slew of new facilities, including an advanced cath lab, 16-slice CT scanner, 50-bed dialysis centre and a modernised endoscopy unit.
Health minister K.G. Arunraj inaugurated the facilities and also expanded the Nalam AI outpatient pre-registration service to all 32 departments of the hospital. The facility, initially introduced in the pulmonology department on July 8, was subsequently extended to general medicine, general surgery and orthopaedics on August 24.
Under the expanded system, patients can use the Nalam AI chatbot through WhatsApp at 9619222999 or the Citizen App – e-Nalam to select the department, date and convenient time for an outpatient appointment. The system is aimed at reducing waiting time and streamlining patient flow at the hospital.
A modern central kitchen, established at a cost of about Rs 1.56 crore, was also opened. Equipped with improved food preparation and distribution facilities, it has been designed to meet food safety and hygiene standards and could facilitate a centralised tray meal distribution system in future.
The new 50-bed advanced maintenance haemodialysis centre, set up at a cost of Rs 2.24 crore, can provide dialysis to up to 150 patients a day in three shifts. It also has facilities to treat patients affected by hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other viral infections, besides a double-stage RO plant.
The Rs 7.5-crore cath lab, established with CSR support, will enable advanced minimally invasive treatment for complex cardiac conditions. Officials said it would particularly benefit pregnant women with heart disease, allowing procedures such as percutaneous valvotomy while helping them continue their pregnancies safely.
A Rs 3-crore Canon 16-slice CT scanner will provide rapid imaging, including whole-body scans for trauma patients. An upgraded endoscopy unit, six air-conditioned paid rooms and a Rs 65.59-lakh post-anaesthesia intensive care unit were also inaugurated.
