Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai: OPD Registration & Costs

Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), affiliated with the historic Madras Medical College, is one of Chennai's largest and most significant government-run tertiary care institutions. Located prominently opposite the Chennai Central Railway Station, the hospital serves a vast population, with reports indicating a daily outpatient volume of between 12,000 and 15,000 people. With a capacity of over 2,700 beds, it provides a comprehensive range of medical services.

This institution is a major teaching hospital and a centre for complex medical procedures, including a high volume of kidney transplants. This guide provides information on how to access outpatient services, understand the costs involved, and utilize available financial aid schemes at RGGGH.

Registration & Consultation Fees

As per a government amendment to the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishment Act, state-run hospitals do not collect registration fees for outpatient services.

• Outpatient Department (OPD) Registration — Free

In-patient Accommodation (Optional)

The hospital offers pay wards with added amenities for patients who choose them. The official hospital website does not publish a fee schedule for these wards. Confirm the current rates at the hospital's admission counter.

• Pay Ward (Single, Twin-sharing, Four-sharing rooms) — Available at nominal rates

Rates shown are as per the Tamil Nadu Government and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to Get an Appointment

There are several ways to register for an Out-Patient Department (OPD) consultation at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, catering to both walk-in patients and those who prefer to register digitally.

**Online Registration (HMIS):** The hospital has implemented an Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)-enabled Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). This allows patients to pre-register from any location by scanning a QR code available at the hospital or by visiting a designated portal. After completing the online registration, the patient receives a token number. This number must be presented at a dedicated counter in the hospital to receive the final Out-Patient (OP) card for the consultation.

**Walk-in Registration:** The traditional method of walking in and registering at the hospital counters is fully operational. To manage the large crowds and improve patient flow, the hospital has introduced a token system on a pilot basis in at least 15 of its busiest OPDs. This system aims to create a more organized queuing process.

**Teleconsultation:** The Tamil Nadu government's eSanjeevani platform offers an online patient-to-doctor OPD service. This can be used for remote consultations for certain health concerns, providing an alternative to a physical visit.

How Long It Takes to Get Seen

Given that RGGGH manages an average of 12,000 to 15,000 outpatients every day, patients should be prepared for potentially long wait times. The implementation of the token system in high-volume departments and the online HMIS registration are initiatives designed to help manage queues and reduce waiting periods.

Specific OPD timings for all departments are not consistently published. However, some specialty OPDs are noted to operate from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays. For the Master Health Checkup Centre located within the hospital, walk-in registrations are accepted between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. For any OPD visit, arriving early in the morning is advisable. Emergency services at the hospital are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Treatment Costs and Financial Help

As a government hospital in Tamil Nadu, outpatient registration at RGGGH is provided free of charge to all patients. This policy is in accordance with an amendment to the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishment Act.

For hospitalisation and specific procedures, the hospital accepts major government health insurance schemes, providing cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries. The two primary schemes are:

**Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS):** This is the flagship health scheme of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It provides eligible families with health coverage for a wide range of treatments and surgeries, up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

**Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):** RGGGH is an empanelled hospital for this national health insurance scheme. It offers health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

For patients seeking additional amenities during their stay, the hospital provides pay wards. These wards have options for single, twin-sharing, and four-sharing rooms and are available at nominal rates. The specific costs for these rooms are not listed online; interested patients should inquire about rates and availability at the hospital's administrative office.

Key Departments

As a large, multi-specialty teaching hospital, RGGGH has a comprehensive array of clinical departments to address a wide spectrum of medical conditions. Some of the key departments include:

• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Cardiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Neurology
• Nephrology
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• ENT
• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Rheumatology
• Haematology
• Plastic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Dermatology
• Psychiatry

More government hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

OPD appointment guides for other government hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:

• Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, Chennai: Appointment & Cost Guide
• Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai: Appointment and OPD Guide
• JIPMER Puducherry: A Guide to OPD Appointments, Registration, and Costs
• Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital & Post Graduate Institute, Puducherry: An OPD and Cost Guide
• Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai: Appointment and OPD Guide
• Coimbatore Medical College Hospital: OPD Appointment, Fees, and Schemes
• All government hospital OPD guides in Chennai
• All government hospital OPD guides in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for OPD registration at RGGGH?

No, outpatient registration at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital is free of cost for all patients. This is in line with government regulations for state-run hospitals in Tamil Nadu.

How can I book an online appointment for RGGGH?

You can register online using the hospital's ABDM-enabled Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). This typically involves scanning a QR code or visiting a specific portal to get a token number, which you then present at the hospital counter to receive your OP card.

What government health insurance schemes are accepted at RGGGH?

The hospital accepts major government health schemes, including Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) and the central government's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), for eligible patients.

What are the general OPD timings?

While specific timings for all departments are not officially listed, some specialty OPDs operate from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Master Health Checkup Centre accepts walk-ins from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Monday to Saturday. It is advisable to arrive early due to high patient volume.

Does RGGGH have private rooms?

The hospital offers pay wards with single, twin-sharing, and four-sharing rooms for patients who desire more amenities. These are available at nominal rates, which should be confirmed directly at the hospital's admission counter.

Where is Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital located?

It is located on Grand Western Trunk Road (also known as Poonamallee High Road) in Park Town, Chennai. Its location is a major landmark, situated directly opposite the Chennai Central Railway Station.

Related

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

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.