Long queues to doctors? “Good morning, my patients, where are you? I am waiting for you, but unfortunately, no one is here!” 0 6

She writes: “Good morning, my patients, where are you… I am waiting for you in the office, but unfortunately, no one is here. None of today’s appointments showed up… NOT A SINGLE ONE!!! No one even bothered to cancel their appointment — to show respect for other patients, so that someone who really needs it could see the doctor. Queues to the doctor are also a responsibility of the patients!!! Wishing everyone good health, and I hope all those who did not come have already recovered!”

The fact that such a situation has become systemic is acknowledged by the medical professional herself based on observations — indeed, many make appointments without intending to show up and do not cancel. Many commentators under her post agree with this.

However, the question remains open: is society really so irresponsible — both towards doctors and towards other people in need of medical assistance — if it does not prioritize those who need it the most?

One commentator points out possible accompanying circumstances: “Yes, this is also important. But the question is: how long in advance do people make appointments? Maybe they forgot? Got to another doctor faster? Died? The appointment is no longer relevant? Flu/COVID? Maybe they couldn’t leave work?”

Another user suggests a solution:

“First, we need to organize the waiting times for specialists, and then blame for no-shows. A patient is also a human being; it is impossible to record everything and especially to remember where and when you are standing in line if you are waiting for an appointment for six months or a year. And if there are more than three people in the family, this can be managed as a separate management.”

“Prepayment would solve this problem — as with some private doctors. In England, a patient who does not show up for an appointment receives a letter from the specialist stating: “Unfortunately, the patient did not attend the scheduled appointment…” and is advised to rebook. But at least the consultation is documented, as the doctor’s time has still been spent. But here you can sit and wait — and in the end, it officially turns out that you did nothing at all, since there was no appointment.”

There is also this opinion:

“We need to introduce the Swedish practice. If you do not show up for the scheduled appointment — pay a fine, and a significant one. No one calls in advance or reminds you, as is done here. This is each person’s personal responsibility. They will quickly get used to the order if they have to pay once, and then those who really need it will get an appointment. The only problem we have is that most appointments are made by socially vulnerable groups, and there, as we know, the level of responsibility is low because it is still “for free.” And those who pay themselves and truly care about their health understand the value of both state appointments and paid services.”

“And then — a little drama when a forgetful patient finds out that the next possible appointment is only in a month, while a prescription for medication is needed right now…” — adds another commentator, pointing out the paradox.