Cashless Care | QR code mandated for hospital payments

Srinagar, Mar 22: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department Friday ordered all its hospitals to ensure QR Code payment facilities are made available for patients and their attendants.

The order in this regard was issued by the Administrative Secretary H&ME Department, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah with directions to all the healthcare institutions under the control of the H&ME to ensure the QR Code payment facility was put in place in all hospitals within 10 days.

The Heads of the Departments have been directed to establish QR Code facilities at all the payment counters in the health institution besides ensuring compatibility with popular mobile payment platforms and training of staff members to assist users in the payment process.

"The Heads of the Departments should establish a feedback mechanism for further improvement in the process," the order reads.

The H&ME Department has appointed Deputy Secretary Dr Javed Iqbal as the Nodal Officer incharge on behalf of the Administrative Department for the implementation of these directions in letter and spirit.

“He will liaise with banks to ensure smooth implementation of these circular instructions,” the order reads.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Dr Javed Iqbal said the QR Code facility would be put in place in addition to the existing system of cash payments made by the patients or attendants at the hospitals.

“As of now the system of cash payments will also continue. The Administrative Secretary has convened a meeting regarding the same and final decisions will be shared accordingly,” he said.

The QR code facility is likely to ease the attendants and patients by making online payments which would not be time-consuming and would be hassle-free.

“The facility of normal cash payment will also be in place for those who do not have access to smartphones,” an official said.