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United News of India
19 hours ago
- Health
- United News of India
Bihar tops the nation in digital healthcare, with over 90 per cent health facilities almost paperless
Patna, June 8 (UNI) With 92 per cent of health facilities almost going paperless, Bihar has emerged as the national frontrunner in digital transformation in healthcare, achieving the number one rank in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) implementation. The state is setting new benchmarks in accessible and efficient public health delivery, with a remarkable 92 per cent online OPD registration rate at government health facilities and the highest number of QR code scans for patient check-ins CEO of Bihar Swasthya Suraksha Samiti, Shashank Shekhar Sinha, highlighted the state's achievements and said that the state not only leads in QR code scans for OPD registration but also tops the country in the number of Electronic Health Records (e-prescriptions) generated. He further noted that Bihar has received the highest incentives under the Central Government's Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS), which are being reinvested to strengthen the state's digital health infrastructure. State Health Committee Administrative Officer Rajesh Kumar said that the state's BHAVYA (Bihar Health Applications Visionary Yojana for All) model, aligned with ABDM, has redefined healthcare accessibility and monitoring across the state. According to Kumar, paperless health facilities under digital healthcare were possible following the 'Scan and Share' initiative under ABDM, which allows patients to scan a QR code at the entry of a health facility and directly proceed to a consultation without the hassle of long queues or paperwork. This simple yet revolutionary step, along with widespread adoption of ABHA IDs (Ayushman Bharat Health Account), has dramatically reduced patient turnaround time in government hospitals, from over an hour earlier to an average of just 45 minutes now, covering consultation to medicine disbursal. Kumar further said that Bihar's state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, a technological nerve centre in the state capital, monitors real-time feeds from all district hospitals and health facilities across the state. It ensures prompt alerts, compliance monitoring, and smooth operations at all levels. This setup is further backed by District Command Centres and Data Analytics Units, allowing proactive identification and management of potential health emergencies by tracking disease trends and patient data in real time. Meanwhile, a nine-member delegation recently visited Bihar on a three-day tour of the state to understand the scale and impact of this digital leap. During interaction with patients at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Silao in Nalanda district, the patients lauded the convenience and efficiency of the new digital process, describing it as a complete overhaul of the previous cumbersome system. UNI RS BD
The Wire
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Wire
Why Digital Healthcare Cannot Substitute Foundational Infrastructure
After COVID-19, digital healthcare saw an increasing global interest. Digital technologies can be instrumental for tracking epidemics, limiting transmission, developing new drugs and diagnostics, and advancing medical research to improve well-being . The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued guidelines to help countries implement technology in healthcare on a large scale. Countries like UK and US have already adopted digital technologies in health, including electronic health and medical records to improve healthcare. These aim to streamline and expand access to healthcare services by digitising patient data. India is following a similar trend, with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aiming to address long-standing issues in India's healthcare access, quality, and affordability, factors that push 60 million people into poverty each year. While the use of technology in healthcare sounds promising, collecting electronic medical and health records for 1.4 billion citizens is complex, and may face challenges such as discrepancies in data collection, resources, and competing interests of stakeholders. Even during COVID-19, there was no clear data on deaths or shortages in services like oxygen, hospital beds, and medicines. While this would affect everyone, those facing socio-economic injustice are at greater risk. Digitising healthcare, for example, requires resources, which service providers may be reluctant to invest in. Large healthcare providers may face disruption, while smaller platforms will struggle with the resource-intensive nature of digitisation. This has led to resistance to the ABDM , particularly from stakeholders within the medical community. A major factor is the shortage of medical doctors, with the current number just exceeding one-fourth of the WHO's recommended threshold . Doctors are expected to upload patient data themselves, yet the average Indian doctor is understood to be seeing 40-60 patients a day, leaving little time for this. With consultations lasting only two minutes, healthcare professionals may overlook digital records even if available. In USA, a study found that patients are often dissatisfied with digitisation, and doctors, whose days are increasingly filled with brief encounters, find it 'downright deadening.' The study observed , 'You are sitting in front of a patient, with so many tasks and limited time, seven to 11 minutes, probably, so when do you really listen?' Discrepancies Decisions made by doctors and patients when engaging with technology-led healthcare, such as what data to collect, how much, and its accuracy, will affect ABDM's functionality and effectiveness. In the US, for example, a lawsuit was filed against an EHR system that failed to display prescribed medications correctly, showed discontinued drugs as current, and even mixed up patient profiles and notes, leading to misdiagnosis and incorrect prescriptions. In India, combining digital records and paperwork may create confusion and a tiring process as doctors would like to verify digital records against physical ones, undermining the technology's effectiveness. Even in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme, audits revealed multiple discrepancies . Adults over 18 were sometimes treated under 'paediatric specialty packages,' and 45,846 cases recorded discharge dates before admission dates. There were also instances where a single patient was listed as hospitalised in multiple hospitals. It raises the important question of how healthcare providers can act based on such inaccuracies in the datasets. While these may seem like minor or reasonable trade-offs, any error in health data can directly cost lives. In PMJAY, thousands of beneficiary cards were also cancelled, and despite requirements for unique IDs after verification, the audit uncovered over 1.57 million duplicate IDs. During the ABDM pilot, people struggled to remember their IDs and passwords, leading to duplicate IDs and inaccurate data. Even many doctors lack understanding of Health ID and its connection to electronic health records. Moreover, the involvement of multiple intermediaries, such as state agencies, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical firms, each with their own competing interests, increases the risk of fragmentation in healthcare data collection. This poses challenges in achieving interoperability. Evidence suggests that achieving interoperability in healthcare remains a challenge due to competing interests of different stakeholders. UK's NHS still struggles with interoperability due to implementation challenges, limited stakeholder engagement, and data sharing issues. Similarly, USA has not been able to achieve interoperability , despite legislation against 'information blocking.' UHID concerns The rollout of Health ID has also raised concerns around consent. During COVID-19, individuals registering for vaccination via Aadhaar on CoWIN had their UHID created, often without consent. The ABDM strategy document differentiates between Health ID creation methods: using Aadhaar for those seeking government subsidies and other forms of identity (such as email or phone number) for others. It encourages linking Aadhaar to Health ID, thereby connecting personal health records to Aadhaar details, such as receiving benefits from PMJAY. Similar to the Aadhaar project's early phase, Aadhaar became nearly indispensable between its launch and the 2016 law enactment. Mandating Aadhaar for accessing welfare programmes like PMJAY creates risks of exclusion , as seen in other welfare schemes such as food ration. Data as the means to an end In healthcare, treating data as mere exhaust rather than infrastructure can lead to misinformed decisions, compromised patient care, and missed opportunities for innovation. The potential data gaps in the ABDM, including data inaccuracies, exclusion, lack of diversity, and poor interoperability, can negatively impact the training of AI models in healthcare. For example, without effective participation from all relevant stakeholders, data from certain areas could skew policies as well as outputs produced by AI systems. While urban doctors may attribute heart disease to cardiovascular issues, rural doctors may see it linked to rheumatic heart disease, leading to biases in data sets and AI's recommendations. A similar issue is seen in the US healthcare system, where algorithmic bias led to underestimating the healthcare needs of Black patients compared to White patients with similar risk levels. While digital technologies are important, they alone cannot solve India's healthcare challenges. Strengthening foundational healthcare, especially at the grassroots level, is crucial. This includes empowering primary health centres, village-level health workers, and implementing preventive measures, which can be complemented by technological interventions to ensure equitable access. Asheef Iqubbal is technology policy researcher at CUTS International.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
WTD 2025: Bridging digital gender divide for inclusive future for India
Over the past two decades, the telecom sector has transformed the social and economic fabric of the country, serving as a powerful engine for empowerment and inclusive growth. From urban hubs to the remotest corners of rural India, telecom networks have not only connected people but have also acted as catalysts for social transformation, especially for women and marginalized communities. As we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) with the theme, 'Gender equality in digital transformation', it is an opportunity to reflect on the telecom sector's role in narrowing the digital gender divide and also to chart the path forward for accelerating true digital inclusion. The Digital Gender Divide: A Stark Reality While digital innovations are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, the full potential of this transformation remains constrained by persistent gender gaps in digital access, participation and leadership. GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023 underscores this challenge. It says although global internet use has risen steadily, gender disparities persist. In 2023, 70% of men worldwide accessed the internet compared to just 65% of women. Telecom's Role in Driving Access and Empowerment India's telecom revolution, powered by progressive policy frameworks, continued investment and technological innovation, has played a central role in democratizing access to digital tools. The rollout of affordable mobile services and data plans, spearheaded by both private and public telecom operators, has brought internet access within the reach for millions of citizens who were previously excluded. Flagship initiatives like Digital India have further deepened this impact by acting as a catalyst to drive universal digital literacy and boost internet penetration across rural and semi-urban areas. Telecom companies have been key enablers of these goals, providing extensive network infrastructure and developing tailored solutions that make digital access affordable and inclusive. Women-Centric Telecom Initiatives India's commitment to digital inclusion is reflected in a range of ambitious Government initiatives that have empowered women to contribute towards the digital economy. Key initiatives under Digital India include the following: Prime Minister's Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Under the PMGDISHA, over 60 million rural citizens, mostly women, have been equipped with essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to access online services and opportunities. Common Service Centres (CSCs): The network of CSCs has seen remarkable success, with 67,000 women entrepreneurs — known as Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) — operating digital service centers that bring critical e-governance, financial and educational services to underserved communities. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): The ABDM is further bridging gaps in healthcare by enabling digital health records and telemedicine, ensuring more equitable healthcare access. The SANKALP Hubs for Women Empowerment: SANKALP hubs are active across 742 districts in 35 States and Union Territories, offering targeted skilling, mentoring and entrepreneurial support to enhance women's participation in the workforce and digital ecosystem. BharatNet: Backed by telecom companies, this national broadband initiative has connected thousands of gram panchayats, providing women-led self-help groups and entrepreneurs with new platforms for financial inclusion, health services and e-governance. In addition to these, several telecom-led programs aimed at improving digital access and skills among women have been conducted in recent years. Internet Saathi: A collaborative effort between Google and Tata Trusts, supported by telecom operators, trained over 30 million women in rural India on how to access and use the internet, creating a massive impact by improving digital literacy within communities. Customized Digital Literacy Campaigns: Telecom operators have also introduced localized campaigns to address gender-specific challenges, offering vernacular content, mobile financial literacy and safety tools that enable women to navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence. Digital Platforms Unlocking New Work Opportunities The shift towards ICT-enabled services and digital platforms has opened new employment avenues for women. Telecom networks have laid the foundation for online work, which offer flexible, remote career options, especially useful for women constrained by mobility or family responsibilities. The growth of digital commerce and social media has brought several entrepreneurial opportunities, which are reshaping the participation of women in the country's economy. Moreover, mobile-based financial services have empowered women to gain greater control over their earnings and financial decisions, accelerating their journey toward economic independence. Building the Future: The Road Ahead While significant progress has been made, the path to true digital gender equality requires sustained efforts. The telecom sector plays a major role in this mission. Expanding digital literacy initiatives through local partnerships can create grassroots impact. Equally crucial is the need to innovate around affordable access, developing inclusive pricing models and low-cost devices that make digital connectivity universally attainable. Lastly, close collaboration with policymakers is essential to establish gender-responsive frameworks that not only advance women's digital inclusion but also ensure transparent progress tracking. Together, these efforts will help build a more inclusive digital future, where every woman has the tools and opportunities to thrive. (DISCLAIMER: Views expressed are the author's own.)
India Gazette
03-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
AIIMS Bhopal secures 2nd rank nationwide in digital OPD registration
ANI 03 May 2025, 16:55 GMT+10 Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 3 (ANI): All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has secured the second rank among hospitals across the country for successfully implementing a paperless and queue-less OPD registration system under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), according to an official release. The ranking was issued by the National Health Authority (NHA) of the Government of India, according to which AIIMS Bhopal has generated over 1.45 million OPD tokens through the 'Scan and Share' service. While AIIMS New Delhi holds the first position in the list, the release said. Expressing the happiness over this success, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, Prof (Dr) Ajai Singh, said that it was a pride moment for them and it was a result of the hard work of all the staff and their spirit of adopting technological innovations. 'This achievement is a moment of pride for AIIMS Bhopal and a testament to the institute's continuous efforts toward bringing digital transformation in healthcare services. The 'Scan and Share' service has significantly reduced the waiting time for our patients and simplified the registration process. Securing the second position in the country for OPD token generation is a result of the hard work of all our staff and their spirit of adopting technological innovations,' Prof Singh said. The 'Scan and Share' service provides relief to patients from the traditional registration process, as they no longer need to stand in queues at registration counters. Instead, patients can simply scan the QR code available within the hospital premises using their smartphones and instantly receive an OPD token. This system not only saves time but also reduces crowding in hospitals, offering patients a faster, smoother, and more convenient experience. (ANI)
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Delhi to roll out unified health information system, control room for real-time monitoring
New Delhi: In a push towards digital transformation in healthcare , the Delhi government will implement a comprehensive Health Management Information System (HMIS) across all its hospitals, Health Minister Pankaj Singh said on Thursday. As part of the plan, a centralised healthcare control room equipped with a robust dashboard to monitor real-time data such as bed availability, medicine stocks, diagnostic trends, and resource utilisation, will be established in all Delhi hospitals, he said. The system will also facilitate centralised alerts and generate actionable insights to improve decision-making and governance. "We are working towards a single digital health platform where real-time data from all hospitals, including primary health centres and super-speciality hospitals, can be viewed through one unified dashboard," Singh said. This will eliminate inefficiencies, empower doctors, and provide seamless access to care for every citizen, he added. Integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the HMIS will feature digital tools for patient registration, appointments, billing, diagnostics, ward management, and more. Patients will be able to access prescriptions, lab reports, and discharge summaries through mobile apps and WhatsApp. The system will also allow consent-based digital sharing of health records using ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) IDs, ensuring privacy and interoperability. Voice-to-text transcription for prescriptions, performance analytics for doctors, and data on medicine usage and diagnostic load will further enhance efficiency and accountability within the healthcare system, the Health Department said in a statement. The minister also conducted an inspection of the Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital, and said, "It is our priority that better treatment and facilities are available to the patients. I assure Delhiites that I will work towards restoring the past glory of the hospital". Singh chaired a review meeting with senior officials from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), and the Department of Health to discuss the roadmap for the HMIS rollout and associated digital infrastructure.
