DOH launches new appointment system to ease hospital queues

In a bid to reduce waiting times for doctor consultations — especially for patients from remote areas — the Department of Health (DOH) launched the Patient Appointment System (PAS) on Friday in three government hospitals in Metro Manila.

The PAS was introduced at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital (DJFMH), Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), and San Lazaro Hospital (SLH). It aims to streamline and expedite outpatient services in DOH-managed facilities.

“It will reduce queues and speed up service delivery to the public. It can also be used to identify health trends and improve health service delivery," said DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa.

"If we can respond quickly and effectively to the needs of patients, we are taking progressive actions valuing the life of every Filipino,” he added.

According to the DOH, the PAS will immediately provide patients with consultation schedules—eliminating the need to wait all day at hospital outpatient departments.

With just two to three minutes needed to book online, patients can now secure appointments at major DOH hospitals in Metro Manila.

The PAS will first be implemented at DJFMH, one of the country’s busiest maternity centers. The DOH estimates that about 24 mothers per hour can be served by OB-GYN services and around 10 adolescent patients per hour will benefit from the system.

Currently, DJFMH’s outpatient department receives up to 200 pregnant patients and mothers daily.

To schedule a consultation, patients must visit the PAS website a day before their intended appointment, input relevant information, choose the service and facility, and select their preferred date and time.

The DOH noted that PAS also offers automated reminders and rescheduling features to reduce no-shows and improve patient-provider coordination.