A new tech-driven registration system in government hospitals is turning into a nightmare for patients. The recently introduced OTP-based OP (Outpatient) registration process, supposedly meant to streamline services, is instead blocking access to medical care—especially for the elderly, rural patients, and those without smartphones.
Just a few weeks ago, hospitals used to issue 250-300 OP tickets daily. Now, the number has dropped to just 90-100. Many patients, in urgent need of treatment, are being turned away simply because they don’t have access to a mobile phone or can’t receive an OTP on time.
Technology is supposed to make life easier, not harder. But under Chandrababu Naidu’s so-called “tech revolution” and the TDP government’s push for digital solutions, even basic healthcare services have become a struggle. Instead of fixing hospitals, ensuring medicine supply, and hiring more doctors, the government is busy enforcing technology gimmicks that only add hurdles for the poor.
Take the case of elderly patients who often don’t own mobile phones, or rural citizens who struggle with weak network connectivity. For them, this OTP system is an unnecessary burden. Should someone in pain have to worry about a text message just to see a doctor?
Public anger is growing as more and more people realize that technology, instead of being an enabler, is being used as a barrier. The real question remains: When people are sick, do they need medicines or a WhatsApp message from Chandrababu?
