PGIMER, Chandigarh- As we step into the new year 2025, the Department of Hepatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh has launched an innovative ‘Online Appointment’ service to streamline the follow-up process for patients attending its Liver Clinic. This initiative aims to alleviate long waiting times and enhance the overall patient experience.*  
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, while commending the initiative, stated, “This new online system is a step forward in patient care, enabling us to provide timely consultations and reducing the pressure on our outpatient department. We are committed to improving healthcare access for all our patients.”  
**Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director Administration, PGIMER **emphasised the initiative’s wider impact, explaining, “Our goal is to link this service with Common Service Centres (CSCs), like e Sampark , Lok Mitra Kendras etc. in adjoining states to assist non-tech-savvy patients. We want to make this facility accessible to everyone, irrespective of their technological proficiency.”  
The inaugural session witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 500 patients, as well as valuable insights from * *Prof. Ajay Duseja, Head of the Department of Hepatology , as he remarked,"This new service is a game changer for our patients. It empowers them to manage their appointments proactively, which is crucial for those managing chronic conditions like liver disease. We believe this will greatly enhance their overall care experience.”  
 Prof. Dr. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research); and Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, praised the initiative as a significant advancement in patient care.  
For years, the Liver Clinic has serviced approximately 1,000 patients weekly, primarily those suffering from Chronic Liver Disease (CLD), many of whom have been dependent on traditional walk-in registrations. The long queues and uncertainty regarding daily patient volume have posed challenges for both patients and medical staff.  
To address these concerns, the Department of Hepatology has repurposed two dedicated rooms within the clinic—one for scheduling ‘Online Appointments’ and the other for prioritizing follow-up examinations. Notably, patients will now receive assistance from dedicated staff equipped with laptops to facilitate smooth and efficient scheduling.  
“By piloting this service for 30 patients in each Liver Clinic, we are setting a foundation for expansion,” Dr. Duseja said. “As more individuals embrace this facility, we will gradually increase the capacity and the number of dedicated examination rooms.”  
With this strategic move, PGIMER aims to not only improve patient flow but also enhance the predictability of daily patient traffic, significantly reducing the overall waiting time for all services in the Liver Clinic.