General Hospital Ernakulam: OPD Appointment, Fees, and Schemes

General Hospital Ernakulam, located in Kochi, is a major government-run healthcare institution in Kerala. It has gained recognition as the first NABH-accredited General Hospital in the state, signifying its commitment to quality patient care. Functioning as a multi-specialty and super-specialty hospital, it serves a large volume of patients, with a daily outpatient turnover reported to be over 2800 individuals.

The hospital has a capacity of around 740 to 780 beds and is equipped with a range of advanced medical facilities. It plays a crucial role in the public healthcare system of the region, offering services from general consultations to complex procedures like open-heart surgery and kidney transplants. This guide provides information on how to access its services, including appointment booking, consultation fees, and available financial aid schemes.

Outpatient Department (OPD) Fees

The fees mentioned are based on available information and are subject to change. It is advisable to confirm the current charges at the registration counter or on the official booking portal at the time of making an appointment.

• New OP Ticket (Walk-in Registration) — ₹5
• Online Appointment Fee (as per a recent online slip) — ₹10

Rates shown are as per the General Hospital Ernakulam Official Website (2024) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to Get an Appointment

General Hospital Ernakulam offers several methods for patients to get an outpatient department (OPD) consultation. You can choose the method that is most convenient for you.

**Online Booking:** Patients can book appointments online through the Government of Kerala's eHealth portal (ehealth.kerala.gov.in). This requires a one-time registration using an Aadhaar number, which generates a permanent Unique Hospital Identification Number (UHID) and a password. This UHID can be used for all future bookings at government hospitals in Kerala.

**Walk-in Registration:** For those who prefer to register in person, the hospital has five OP registration counters. These counters are generally open from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. To manage the high patient flow, two of these counters start functioning earlier, at 5:00 AM. There is also an evening OPD for general consultations, with registration available from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

**Advance Booking:** If a follow-up consultation is required, patients can book their next appointment in advance at a reception counter immediately after their current consultation. Specific timings for various departments and individual doctors are listed on the hospital's official website.

How Long It Takes to Get Seen

With a daily outpatient volume of over 2800 patients, General Hospital Ernakulam is a busy facility. Wait times can vary significantly depending on the department, the number of patients on a particular day, and whether you have a pre-booked appointment or are a walk-in patient.

Booking an appointment online through the eHealth portal may help streamline the registration process on the day of your visit. However, patients should be prepared for potential waiting periods for consultation, diagnostics, and pharmacy services due to the high demand for services at this public hospital.

What Treatment Costs and Financial Help

As a government institution, General Hospital Ernakulam aims to provide medical services at minimal cost. The OPD registration fee is very low, with a new OP ticket costing ₹5 for walk-in patients. Charges for procedures, tests, and admissions are also subsidized.

The hospital supports patients through major government health insurance schemes, making healthcare more accessible for economically weaker sections. Key schemes accepted include:

**Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP):** This is Kerala's unified state health scheme, which integrates Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. KASP provides cashless treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries in empanelled hospitals.

**Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):** As part of the national health protection scheme, eligible patients from across India can avail of benefits at this hospital.

Patients who are eligible for these schemes can receive free or heavily subsidized treatment for a wide range of medical and surgical procedures, including super-specialty care.

Key Departments and Services

General Hospital Ernakulam has been upgraded to a super-specialty institution and houses a wide array of clinical departments to cater to diverse healthcare needs. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to support its clinical services.

Some of the major departments available are:

• Cardiology and Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
• Nephrology and Urology
• Medical Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Oncology (including Radiation Oncology)
• General Medicine and General Surgery
• Orthopaedics
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, and ENT
• Pulmonology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

More government hospitals in Kerala

OPD appointment guides for other government hospitals in Kerala:

• Government Medical College, Kozhikode: Appointment, OPD Registration, and Costs Guide
• Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram: OPD & Cost Guide
• Government Medical College Kottayam: OPD Appointment & Fees Guide
• Government Medical College Thrissur: Appointment, OPD, and Cost Guide
• Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha: Appointment & Cost Guide
• All government hospital OPD guides in Kerala

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book an online appointment for General Hospital Ernakulam?

You can book an appointment through the Kerala government's eHealth portal. You will need to register with your Aadhaar number to create a Unique Hospital Identification Number (UHID), which can then be used for booking.

What are the timings for walk-in OPD registration?

Walk-in registration counters are open from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Two counters open earlier at 5:00 AM to accommodate more people. There is also an evening General OPD from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

How much does an OPD consultation cost?

The fee for a new walk-in OP ticket is ₹5. Some online booking records indicate a fee of ₹10. It is advisable to confirm the exact amount at the hospital or on the booking portal.

Does General Hospital Ernakulam accept government health schemes?

Yes, as a government hospital, it accepts the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) and the national Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, providing free or subsidized care to eligible patients.

What advanced facilities are available at the hospital?

The hospital is a super-specialty centre with facilities for complex procedures like open-heart surgery. It has one of Kerala's largest dialysis units, a 24-hour diagnostic lab, MRI and CT scanning, and a Cardiac Cath Lab.

Is this a private or government hospital?

General Hospital Ernakulam is a public hospital run by the Government of Kerala.

Related

• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Government health schemes in India: a guide
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY eligibility check

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.