The Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) slashed the general Out-Patient Department (OPD) consultation fee from Rs 120 to Rs 20, officials from the health facility said.
They said the move taken as a New Year’s present was aimed at ensuring that everyone could have access to reputed doctors, and encouraging the people to approach medical practitioners so that diseases can be diagnosed at early stages.
A patient at the OPD, Ramesh Kumar, expressed gratitude for the step. “Earlier, I would hesitate to visit the hospital for minor health issues because of the consultation fee. Now, with just Rs 20, I can see a doctor without worrying about expenses. This is a big relief for families like ours,” he said.
The hospital officials said this initiative will help people to get timely diagnosis and treatment without worrying about the consultation cost. They added that these timely consultations will prevent minor health issues from turning into complicated problems.
Bipin Gupta, secretary, DMCH Managing Society, said they are happy to offer this facility to the general public. Our objective is to ensure that no patient is deprived of medical consultation due to financial constraints. DMCH will continue to take such steps in the interest of society, he said.
Dr GS Wander, principal, DMCH, said, “Patient care has always been our top priority. This initiative will help more people approach doctors at an early stage of illness and receive timely advice at a nominal cost of just Rs 20.”
CME session on dialysis
The Department of Nephrology, DMCH hosted a continuing medical education (CME) session focusing on peritoneal dialysis (PD), officials said on Saturday.
The event — PD Conclave 2025, learn from experts — was organised under the guidance of Dr Vikas Makkar, professor and head, Department of Nephrology. It was coordinated by Dr Simran Kaur, associate professor; Dr Tanish Dhir, assistant professor; senior residents and nursing staff of the Nephrology Department. The conclave was aimed at enhancing awareness, knowledge and practical understanding of PD among medical professionals.
Dr GS Wander, principal, DMCH, said the CME was valuable and academically enriching. He said the lectures and deliberations by eminent nephrologists provided meaningful insights and had a significant impact on young doctors and postgraduate trainees.
Dr Wander emphasised that CME is essential in keeping pace with rapidly advancing medical science. He added that integration of latest technologies has enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in medicine.
The conclave saw a series of lectures delivered by expert nephrologists from hospitals across the country. The speakers elaborated on multiple aspects of PD, including its benefits, clinical outcomes, patient selection and challenges in Indian context. Special emphasis was laid on strategies to reduce the overall cost of treatment, making PD more accessible and affordable for patients.
The CME concluded with a panel discussion, during which experts shared real-world insights and addressed practical challenges raised by the participants.
