Bhubaneswar, Ap 25: Bhubaneswar’s Capital Hospital is grappling with severe overcrowding in its pathology department, where patients endure long, exhausting waits for diagnostic tests. Many stand for hours, some clutching their heads in fatigue, as the strain of the process takes a visible toll.

On a typical day, about 3,000 patients undergo testing at the hospital’s six pathology counters, with nearly 500 relying on a single counter. Despite the congestion, authorities have yet to implement effective solutions.

As part of PGIMER, Capital Hospital draws patients from across the region seeking advanced medical care. Up to 5,000 patients visit daily, first registering and then consulting doctors at the outpatient department. Those prescribed lab tests face further delays as samples are processed at six counters, including one for barcode generation and another for billing.

Hospital officials acknowledge the overcrowding and are reportedly considering opening new counters to alleviate the pressure.

Between April 2023 and October 2024, the hospital generated nearly 2 million lab reports, treating around 120,000 patients monthly. Long queues extend beyond pathology, affecting pediatrics, dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, and other departments, with patients often waiting after doctor consultations for essential tests.