By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Hyderabad’s Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) has entered into an agreement with non-profit organisation Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) to scale up patient care and support services.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalises the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions in providing helpdesk services to assist poor and underprivileged patients seeking treatment at the State-run medical facility.
Under the arrangement, HHF will operate six helpdesks across the hospital, two in the Emergency Block and one each in the Millennium Block, Old OPD Block and Speciality Block. These will be manned by six trained counsellors who will provide navigational support, assist patients in completing ABHA registration under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and guide them in accessing the appropriate departments.
In addition, a dedicated counsellor has been positioned in the Emergency Department to help patients convert to Aarogyasri coverage and to facilitate applications for financial assistance through State and Central government health schemes. To further improve coordination, a dedicated helpline (83093-48682) has been set up for intra-hospital referrals and for departments to seek patient assistance.
