A separate Out Patient Department (OPD) for the convenience of the people of Majuli island has started functioning at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) from August 3, a hospital official said.


As the people of Majuli have to travel long distance to reach the hospital for advanced medical treatment, the OPD has been made operational for their convenience, JMCH's Public Relations Officer Nilutpol Bhattacharyya told reporters here. At the Majuli counter, the patients from Asia's largest river island need to produce their identity proof like voter ID, ration card, electricity bill or bank pass book at the time of registration. "Following this, a ticket will be issued on payment of Rs 10 for registration so that they can go directly for check ups and laboratory tests on priority basis," Bhattacharyya said. The counter will help the Majuli residents as they need not waste time waiting for treatment and tests in the hospital. Most areas of the island district remain submerged for over six months in a year, adversely affecting availibility of transport facilities, Bhattacharyya added.