How to book a doctor appointment online in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, booking a doctor is usually called "channelling" (also spelled "channeling"). You no longer need to phone the clinic and wait on hold: you can find a clinic, see how busy it is and reserve a time from your phone. Here is how it works and how to get the most from it.

Before you book: choose the right clinic and doctor

Start with the problem you want help with. For general illness a general physician is the usual first step; for children, a pediatrician; for ongoing conditions such as diabetes or blood pressure, the doctor who already knows your history. If you are unsure, a general physician can refer you.

On CLINIQ you can search by clinic name, doctor name, town or specialty, or share your location to see the nearest clinics first. Each clinic page shows its doctors, today's opening hours and whether it is open right now.

How to book, step by step

1. Open the CLINIQ home page and search for a clinic, a doctor or your area.
2. Open the clinic page and look at the doctor you want. You will see today's hours, the number being served and how many people are waiting.
3. Choose "Book" for that doctor, pick a day and a free time.
4. Enter your name and mobile number. You do not need an account.
5. Save the booking link you receive. It is your private page to check the booking, get directions, add it to your calendar or cancel.

What to bring

• Your national identity card or another ID, if the clinic asks for it.
• Previous reports, prescriptions or the medicines you currently take.
• Your phone, so you can check the queue and your booking link.

Arriving, and not waiting longer than you need to

Arrive a few minutes before your time and tell the front desk you have a booking, or scan the clinic's QR code to join the queue. On the day, your booking page shows the number being served for your doctor, so you can see how close you are before you leave home.

Clinic queues move at the speed of the consultations, so a number can take longer than expected when a patient needs extra time. Watching the live number is more reliable than guessing.

If your plans change

Open your booking link and cancel, so your time can go to someone else. If you need to change the time, cancel and book a new one, or call the clinic. Clinics are happy to hear early that you cannot come.