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Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Paperless health ecosystem': Delhi CM to launch NextGen HIMS today
Starting today, a patient's medical history will be accessible across all the government hospitals in Delhi as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta rolls out the NextGen Hospital Information Management System (HIMS). The rollout comes around seven years after former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal first announced the plan to launch the system in the Capital. However, the project was hit by delays, leading to political sparring. The HIMS, which will be launched at the Delhi Secretariat, aims to provide paperless and technology-enabled healthcare services in the city. Officials from the state health department said the software, at the heart of the system, has been developed in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 'NextGen HIMS will ensure a fully digitised, integrated, and paperless health ecosystem,' an official underlined. The rollout will include 20 digital modules such as OPD/IPD registration, laboratory and radiology integration, electronic medical records, inventory and operation theatre management, and centralised hospital dashboards. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh had earlier said the HIMS has all these modules and more. 'It will be fully integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, enabling consent-based, interoperable digital health records, ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID integration, and patient-friendly mobile applications,' Singh had said. Officials at the state health department have now said that training for OPD and IPD modules has already been completed across all the government hospitals in the city, with the remaining modules set to be implemented in a phased manner. 'Over 93 lakh ABHA IDs have already been generated, laying the groundwork for unified electronic health records for Delhi's citizens,' an official said. The project was first announced in 2018 by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Kejriwal had then spoken of the plans to roll out a unique e-health card, which was to be launched in 2019, and a cloud-based HIMS covering all Delhi government hospitals. The former CM had expected the system to be launched by 2021. The e-health card, a QR code-based card to collate clinical details of all patients in one place, was to be tied in with the HIMS. The initiative, however, was stuck in the planning stage for a long time. Last year, the AAP and the BJP had locked horns over the NextGen HIMS. BJP's Vijender Gupta, who was the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, had written to Atishi, the chief minister at the time, demanding the implementation of the system with the Union government's software at its foundation. In the letter to Atishi, Gupta said that the effectiveness of the software used by the Centre, which was developed to facilitate smooth hospital management, prevent misuse of public funds, and improve the entire healthcare system, was evident. Saurabh Bharadwaj, who was serving as the health minister, had hit back at the Opposition, saying that the non-availability of the requisite software platform for the system due to a 'U-turn' by the bureaucracy had led to the delay in the implementation. On Thursday, CM Rekha Gupta will also inaugurate 34 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and eight Jan Aushadhi Kendras online, taking the total number of operational centres in Delhi to 67. Eight new Jan Aushadhi Kendras will also be launched across major government hospitals in the city, increasing the total to 25 centres under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). These centres will offer over 2,000 generic medicines and 300 surgical items at prices 50–80% lower than market brands, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket health expenditure for patients.


News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
You Can Now Download Your Child's Vaccine History: Here's How
Last Updated: India's digital health mission is expanding, and U-WIN is a cornerstone of that effort. It brings everyday healthcare especially for children into the digital age. For years, Indian parents have clutched onto paper vaccination booklets, faded, handwritten, sometimes coffee-stained. They hope it won't be lost before school admissions or international travel. But in the background, a quiet revolution is unfolding. India is now rolling out digital vaccination records for children through a new platform called U-WIN, modelled on the success of the CoWIN system used during the COVID-19 pandemic. This could mean the end of missed doses, lost records, and confusion during hospital visits. What Is U-WIN and Why It Matters U-WIN stands for Universal Immunisation Platform, a project by the Union Health Ministry designed to track every vaccine given to children from birth to adolescence. It is being gradually introduced across several districts in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Once fully implemented, U-WIN will allow parents to: If you're in a district where U-WIN has been activated, here's what to expect: When your child is vaccinated at a government health facility, the nurse or health worker logs the details into the U-WIN system. You then receive an SMS confirmation with a unique ID. Using that ID or your linked ABHA health account you can access the digital record anytime. Over time, this data will be available through a secure health portal, where parents can view and download certificates just like COVID vaccination slips. What If There's a Mistake? Errors can be corrected. If a vaccine dose wasn't recorded properly or your child's name or date of birth appears wrong, you can return to the health facility where the entry was made. The staff there can update it in the system, typically within a few days. Carry your original vaccination card or hospital slip for verification. The Private Hospital Question Currently, most U-WIN entries are from government health centres. But several private hospitals in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai are already part of the pilot. If your child was vaccinated at a private clinic, you can ask if they're connected to U-WIN. Even if not, you'll be able to upload scanned proof once full integration begins. Why This Change Is Important This isn't just about convenience. A digital vaccination record helps during: Most importantly, it offers peace of mind. No more digging through drawers or calling old hospitals to trace lost records. U-WIN gives parents an official, reliable, lifelong record of their child's early health. The Future Is Paperless, Even in Healthcare India's digital health mission is expanding, and U-WIN is a cornerstone of that effort. It brings everyday healthcare especially for children into the digital age. For parents, it means fewer worries. For children, it means better protection. And for a country this vast, it's one less thing to lose in the chaos of daily life. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 17:00 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness You Can Now Download Your Child's Vaccine History: Here's How Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Mint
14-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Cabinet note to be shortly moved for extending Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission till 2030
New Delhi: The health ministry will shortly circulate a cabinet note for extending the tenure of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till 2030, a government official said. The five-year term of the scheme that aims to create a national digital health ecosystem ends in March next year, with only a third of the initial ₹1,600 crore allocated for the current phase having been spent. An Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) note will be first moved, following which the cabinet note will be circulated. The National Health Authority (NHA), which implements the mission, recently held discussions with states and union territories on the next phase of ABDM, which will focus on covering more people, onboarding private healthcare providers, and using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare. ABDM, which was launched in September 2021, has three components—Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), a digital health ID for each person, and a Health Facility Registry (HFR). 'Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is making efforts to connect healthcare services across the entire country digitally. With the first phase of ABDM set to finish in March next year, the NHA conducted theconsultation with States on ABDM 2.0" last week, the official said, adding states had a vital role to play in building a collaborative and inclusive digital health ecosystem under ABDM. The official said thatthe focus was on shaping ABDM 2.0 for a 2026-2030 roll-out. 'The talks covered important areas like how to make better use of allocated funds and encourage more people to sign up for digital health records keeper, known as ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)." More than 790 million ABHA health IDs of have been created under the platform till date and 638 million health records linked to the system. Discussions also touched upon how new technologies like AI could be used to improve healthcare and the need for closer teamwork with states. The main aim is to speed up the pace at which both government and private healthcare providers adopt digital ways of working. 'The NHA is now going to evaluate all the ideas and suggestions, following which they will seek the Expenditure Finance Committee approval for the funds needed to upgrade the digital health initiative, following which Cabinet note will be circulated," the official said. To be sure, only about a third of the initial ₹1,600 crore budget for the current phase has been used so far. The recent meeting is a critical step in building a more efficient and widely available digital healthcare system for everyone in India, making this one of the central government's key initiatives. Notably, 414,864 health facilities and 666,956 healthcare professionals have been verified and are on board ABDM. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. Arpita Mukherjee, professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, said the Indian healthcare system is fragmented and so is the healthcare data. "So, we have to prioritize digitization. The under utilization of the funds in ABDM may be because government health portals are not interconnected," she said. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, founder and chief radiologist, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said the next phase of the mission will be even more important than the first one. "Bringing private healthcare providers on board and using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can improve how we diagnose and treat patients. In diagnostics, for example, AI can help doctors read scans more quickly and spot problems earlier. 'When this is supported by easy access to a patient's health records, it leads to better decisions and faster treatment. This is not just about technology. It is about making healthcare more connected and more focused on the patient," he said.


Time of India
05-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
State begins tech-driven overhaul of health services under
Ranchi: Jharkhand has begun introducing a series of tech-driven reforms in healthcare services aimed at improving accessibility, transparency and efficiency. In this regard, the state-run hospitals are now incorporating QR codes in patient reports, their payments, online medical records, and digital receipt systems. Further, the health department has also rolled out a comprehensive digital initiative to modernise public healthcare under the Mukhyamantri Digital Health Yojana, with the govt approving an estimated outlay of Rs 299.30 crore over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30). Under the scheme, all health institutions are being equipped with high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, enhanced IT hardware like high-end computers, printers, biometric scanners and ABHA card scanners. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing has been roped in to implement the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) across the state. Additionally, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is responsible for providing Managed Wi-Fi and Internet Leased Line (ILL) services in 562 health institutions under an operating expense model for the next five years. Talking to TOI, additional chief secretary (health) Ajoy Kumar Singh said, "The initiative is designed to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient, affordable and equitable by integrating advanced digital technology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Emphasising the vision of a welfare state, the scheme aligns with the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and promotes the use of technology to deliver quality healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas. " Moreover, a command and control centre equipped with CCTV surveillance will be established at the state headquarters, medical colleges and all district hospitals. A central dashboard integrating health information management, enhanced recovery protocol, combined symptoms and medication score and electronic health records will also be developed for real-time monitoring and policy planning. The scheme sets out multiple objectives such as implementing Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission standards, enabling telemedicine, automating diagnostic services, streamlining hospital operations, and ensuring real-time data management. It also aims to offer 24x7 emergency consultations and digital referrals to higher medical centres. The implementation will follow a structured timeline. Joint secretary Bidyanand Sharma Pankaj said, "In the first year, digital health infrastructure will be installed in all medical colleges and district hospitals. In the second year, the focus will shift to sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres, while subsequent years will focus on capacity building and maintenance. " Doctors have also expressed support for the initiative, saying technology and AI would significantly assist them in their work. Dr Vijay Mishra, the director at the Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Hospital, said, "Technology and digitisation have already made a big leap in diagnostics, especially in ophthalmology and internal medicine. It helps doctors reach quicker and more accurate conclusions." Dr Gagan Gunjan of the emergency department at Rims, said, "Digitisation is becoming the next big revolution in healthcare just like penicillin once was. From OPD to complex decision-making, it's transforming how we treat and interact with patients." Dr Vivek Kumar David, an orthopaedist at Paras Hospital, said, "Technology combined brings unmatched precision in surgeries. It guides surgical cuts and implant placement better than the human eye ever could." Meanwhile, a total of 54 technical experts and additional staff will be hired through contractual arrangements to augment the state's healthcare. An annual budget of Rs 15 crore has been allocated for human resources and Rs 10 crore for training and awareness for over five years. The state govt has also approved a budget of Rs 4921.28 lakh for IT hardware, Rs 11,711.78 lakh for wifFi infrastructure, Rs 2385.87 lakh for HMIS implementation, Rs 7052.19 lakh for CCTV-based control centres, and Rs 1359.6 lakh for the development and operation of the central monitoring dashboard. Moreover, Ranchi sadar hospital has already implemented a QR code-enabled system under its Laboratory Information and Management System (LIMS), and allows patients to access diagnostic reports online. Each sample vial will carry a QR code linked to patient details, making it possible to download reports from home without revisiting the hospital.


Hans India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
10 years of Digital India: A look at key milestones and how it unlocked myriad opportunities
As the Digital India, the flagship initiative of the Modi government, completes a decade, there have been tremendous and transformative changes across the spectrum, making technology accessible and affordable to all. When the Digital India Mission was launched in 2015, the internet penetration was limited, and digital literacy was low, and the government services existed largely on paper. However, the digital transition and penetration over the years saw the country's digital footprint taking a leap, and it is now raring to go global. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took note of the historic day and said that the next decade will be even more transformative, as the country moves from digital governance to global digital leadership -- from India-first to India-for-the-world. A look at the key accomplishments of Digital India Initially, the journey of India's digital revolution was largely clouded by pessimism. However, a decade later, India is emerging as a digital governance leader, real-time digital payments have set an example for the world, while swift 5G rollouts have drawn global attention. India boasts of the fastest 5G rollout in the country. Today, India covers 95 per cent of the population, outpacing regions like Europe, Latin America, and Africa. India is home to the world's cheapest and most affordable internet, which is available at just Rs 10/GB. Today, the internet is not a dream but a reality for millions of people, even in rural areas. Today, India is dominating global real-time digital transactions. Reports suggest that nearly half of the world's real-time digital payments are processed here every month. India's Optical Fibre trail may look beyond imagination for some, but the success is real. Over 42 lakh route km of optical fibre have been laid across the country. Today, metro cities to remote villages are all connected via the internet, thereby powering e-Governance. ABHA Accounts in the country outnumber the populations of most countries. With over 78 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) created, the world's largest digital health ecosystem is being created in the country.