Quick Answer
OPD registration at major Delhi government hospitals involves arriving early, completing counter paperwork, and receiving a numbered token that determines your consultation order. Walk-in queues can be long, so many families use a companion to hold the queue position and secure an early token while the senior patient arrives closer to their consultation time.
- Scope: Non-clinical logistics, navigation, and mobility assistance.
- Hospitals served: Across Delhi NCR, including AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML, Apollo, Fortis, Max.
- Pricing: ₹249–₹559 per hour depending on service type, or flat-fee options like Priority Queue Assistance at ₹499.
How OPD Registration Works at Delhi Government Hospitals
Major government hospitals in Delhi — including Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, and Dr. RML Hospital — follow a broadly similar outpatient department (OPD) flow. While exact counter locations and timings differ by institution, the core process is the same: a patient (or their representative) registers at a central counter, receives a numbered token, and then waits for their number to be called for consultation.
Because these hospitals serve a very large volume of patients daily, the registration queues form early and move slowly during peak morning hours. Understanding the flow helps families plan ahead and avoid unnecessary physical strain on elderly patients.
Step-by-Step: The Typical OPD Registration Process
Step 1: Arrive Early for Walk-In Registration
For walk-in (non-online) registration, patients or their representatives arrive at the hospital's central registration counter early in the morning. Registration counters typically open in the morning, and queues begin forming well before that. The earlier you arrive, the lower your token number and the sooner you are likely to be seen.
Step 2: Complete Counter Paperwork
At the counter, you present the patient's identity document (such as an Aadhaar card) and pay the nominal registration fee. The staff records the patient's details and assigns them to the relevant specialty department. If the patient is a first-time visitor, a hospital registration card is created.
Step 3: Receive a Numbered Token
After registration, the patient receives a numbered token or consultation slip. This number determines the order in which the patient will be called by the doctor. Tokens are usually displayed on electronic screens in the waiting area, so patients can track when their turn is approaching.
Step 4: Wait and Proceed to Consultation
The patient waits in the designated waiting area until their token number is called. Once called, they proceed to the relevant specialty room for consultation. After the consultation, the doctor may prescribe tests, medication, or a follow-up visit, each of which may involve additional queues at the pharmacy, laboratory, or billing counters.
Online Appointment Booking: The ORS Portal
Many Delhi government hospitals now support online appointment booking through the central government's Online Registration System (ORS) portal. This allows patients to book a consultation slot in advance using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Online appointments generally have a separate, faster counter at the hospital, which can significantly reduce waiting time.
However, online slots are limited and fill up quickly, especially for popular specialties. When online slots are unavailable, families fall back on walk-in registration, which is where queue management becomes critical.
The Challenge of Long Queues for Senior Citizens
For a healthy adult, standing in a registration queue for an extended period is uncomfortable but manageable. For a senior citizen with arthritis, hypertension, or general fatigue, it can be physically harmful. This is the core problem that companion services solve: a verified, non-medical companion can arrive early, hold the queue position, complete the paperwork, and secure the token, while the senior patient arrives at the hospital closer to their actual consultation time.
This is not a medical service. The companion does not provide any clinical care. They handle logistics so the patient does not have to.
How Priority Queue Assistance Works
Corelatin offers a dedicated Priority Queue Assistance service at a flat fee of ₹499. Here is how it works:
- Companion arrives before dawn — the verified companion reaches the hospital early to secure a frontline position in the OPD registration queue.
- Registration formalities completed — the companion completes the counter paperwork on the patient's behalf.
- Token or card secured — the companion secures the OPD token or registration card confirming the queue position.
- Patient arrives closer to consultation time — the senior patient can arrive at the hospital much closer to the actual consultation time, avoiding the early-morning wait entirely.
You can read more about all available service options on our service details page.
Tips for a Smoother OPD Visit
- Carry the patient's ID and hospital card (if previously registered) to speed up the counter process.
- Bring previous prescriptions and reports so the doctor has context without needing to re-order tests.
- Book online through ORS whenever possible to access the faster pre-booked counter.
- Arrive early for walk-in registration — or send a companion to hold the queue position.
- Keep water and a light snack handy for the senior patient, as waits can be long.
- Request a wheelchair at the hospital entrance if the patient has mobility limitations.