SCB Medical College Abolishes ‘Doctor’s Turn’ System, Patients Can See Doctors Any Day

Cuttack: In a landmark move, SCB Medical College and Hospital has abolished the decades‑old “doctor’s turn” (ବାରି) system in its Outpatient Department (OPD).

Patients will no longer have to wait for specific days to consult their preferred doctors.

Under the new system, patients can visit any doctor on any working day. If the doctor is not available in the OPD, consultations will be facilitated in their chamber or ward.

This change is expected to reduce waiting times, minimise repeated visits, and make healthcare more accessible—especially for those travelling from distant districts.

Previously, patients had to book tickets for fixed days, often leading to delays in showing test reports and receiving follow‑up care.

Now, OPD tickets remain valid across departments, and display boards will inform patients about doctors’ availability.

With doctors from 37 departments participating, the hospital aims to streamline services and ensure continuity of care.

The reform is being hailed as a patient‑friendly modernisation of Odisha’s premier medical institution.