Patient Preferences and Overcrowding Pressures at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur: A Survey-Based Analysis of Government Healthcare Choices in Rajasthan

Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s largest government facility with 6,251 beds, faces severe overcrowding with 31.6 lakh OPD visits in 2024, a record high, up 1.2 lakh from 2023. This study explores why patients prefer SMS over other Jaipur government hospitals through a primary survey of 200 patients. Findings show 67% choose SMS for superior specialists, 56% for free full IPD/OPD services, 50% for 24/7 emergency care, and 40% for reputation, resulting in 72-91% preference rates and 78-91% retention even if offered free transfers to alternatives like Govt. Satellite Bani Park, RDBP Jaipuria, ESIC Model, and RUHS Hospitals. Preference ratings confirm SMS dominance (baseline 1.00), with competitors trailing on doctoral quality (1.15-1.43) despite better waits and facilities. Specific concerns (70-89%) highlight bypassing: 89% reject Bani Park’s lack of ICU, 82% RDBP’s referrals. OPD trends (2011-2024) link free schemes to 300% growth from 3,300 to over 10,000 daily visits. Challenges include infrastructure failures (2025 ICU fire), staff overload (150-200 patients per doctor), 3-4 hour waits, and safety risks. Implications include deploying specialists to peers, digital triage, and primary investments to reduce congestion by 20-25%. Future scope involves multi-city studies. This patient-centered evidence reveals tertiary monopoly as the root of overcrowding, guiding equitable reforms.