This is to inform my fellow patients the problems I have faced while I had to take treatment for some skin disorders at the hospital of Dr. Shyamala Mukundan, Payyanur.
On 10th of August 2010 when I went to see the doctor I was informed that the booking for the day was over and if I want to see the doctor I have to book in advance. When I enquired for the next day I was informed that booking is available only after 6 Pm. As such I booked a token for 12th August and while entering my name in the notebook I could see that mine was the first name for that particular day. As advised by the hospital staff, when I reached the clinic at 9.25 AM, 5 minutes earlier to the time given by the clinic, on 12th August, I could find a few patients already waiting there. Even though I was asked to report sharp at 9.30, token distribution was started at 10 AM only and to my surprise I could see that my number was 3. The doctor was kind enough to start seeing the patients at 10.20 AM as if her time is only precious. I was given medicine for one month and asked to report back after a month. With the previous experience and having no respite from the illness I had, this time I decided to see the doctor first in the morning and accordingly I made a booking on 9th evening (4 days in advance) for today i.e., 13th of September 2010. This time also I made sure to note that my name is first in the list.
Today morning I reported at the clinic at 9.35 AM and when asked for the token was told to wait by the lady at the counter. There were 2 patients already in wait. The doctor was available by 10 AM and to my surprise I could see that patients were being called inside without any token. On enquiry I was informed that at 9.30 it self 5 tokens were distributed. How was it possible to distribute 5 tokens when there were only 2 patients? And what is the fun in maintaining token system and advance booking? Is it not making a mockery of the patients” decency and admitting acquaintances ignoring the code of conduct? Is the doctor aware of this foul play by her staff?