LUCKNOW, June 17 -- Patients admitted to the Gandhi ward of the King George's Medical University (KGMU) and their attendants are set to benefit from round-the-clock pathology testing services and a 24-hour medicine store within the ward, aimed at improving patient care and curbing the activities of touts linked to private diagnostic centres and medical stores. Under the new arrangement, a pathology sample collection centre will be established inside Gandhi Ward, enabling patients to provide samples without leaving the ward premises. Staff will transport the collected samples to the central pathology laboratory for testing, while reports will be sent to the department. The initiative is expected to spare attendants inconvenience of carrying samples across campus, particularly during night hours, and ensure quicker diagnosis and treatment. It will also help prevent patients and their families from being approached by agents of private pathology laboratories, who lure them to outside diagnostic centres. Gandhi Ward, which houses around 250 beds, including facilities for general medicine, intensive care and ventilator support, caters to critically ill patients. KGMU has repeatedly received complaints regarding the involvement of private diagnostic centres and pathology laboratories in influencing patients. According to KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh, proposed 24-hour HRF medical store will ensure the availability of essential medicines within the ward itself. The move is expected to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for patients and curb the activities of touts who exploit attendants. htc...