On Sunday morning, a pleasant surprise for 72-year-old Manju Mishra was awaiting as she walked into Safdarjung Hospital resting on a cane supported by her husband, SP Mishra (82). As compared to her earlier visits to the OPD, she was greeted and guided by guards who took her to the registration desk without stand in line.

The regular crowd due to which Manju often returned without consulting a doctor was also absent and she happily attended the OPD service which is opened specifically for the elderly for the first time ever.

Most of the elderly patients, who come to the hospital either on their own or is escorted by family or relatives were all praise for the new system which is put in place at the hospital. Manju, a retired government servant who resides in Siddharth Extension, said that on weekdays, there is barely any place for patients to stand and it feels like being in the kumbh mela. She had returned from the gate several times earlier. Following their check-ups, the couple was recommended few tests and asked to return the next week. SP Mishra said they told him that next Sunday will be checked by the ENT department.

One more patient, Manjeet Singh, 62 years, had come from Kalkaji to get himself checked as he is a diabetic and facing some issues. He said that it is very difficult for him to stand in a queue and this is a good service started and should be extended to include more specialists whom elderly people can consult.

Ramesh Chandra, 68, a resident of Green Park, emphasized on the availability of more doctors and it will become easier for everyone if more doctors are on duty.

The Mishra couple also added that a facility should be made available to help move from one block to the other. The orthopedics department is very far from the OPD and they can barely walk. The hospital should provide a vehicle every 30 minutes to transport them and more wheelchairs should also be stationed.