Latest news with #AyushmanBharatDigitalMission
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Won't demolish slums, dwellers are city's lifeline: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi: Describing slum dwellers as service providers and the lifeline of Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday assured that no slum colonies in the city will be demolished without rehabilitation. She also announced that Rs 700 crore has been allocated for carrying out development works like toilets and washrooms for women in slums. In a special conversation hosted by actor Anupam Kher at the '100 Din Sewa Ke' event organised at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to mark 100 days of the BJP government, CM Gupta sympathised with slum dwellers in the city, saying, 'None of the previous governments really cared for them. They have been living in slums for decades.' Dismissing rumours spread by the opposition regarding slum demolitions, she said, 'Unless every slum dweller receives a permanent home, they will continue to live in their current shelter — but with improved facilities and dignity.' Criticising the previous AAP government and its false promises, CM Gupta said, 'While they sat in Sheeshmahal, we have rebuilt Delhi with honesty.' She also highlighted how the PM-JAY health insurance scheme was approved in the very first Cabinet meeting. On the health front, the CM said, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has also been implemented across hospitals, where Jan Aushadhi Kendras are being set up. Further, advanced healthcare units such as LMU, NAT testing, and a medical genetics ward have been established at Lok Nayak Hospital, ensuring high-quality care. Talking about achievements in the education sector, she said, 'While previous governments only focused on publicity, we approved the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation & Regulation of Fees) Bill 2025 to end the arbitrariness of private schools.' The CM also hit out at the previous AAP government for leaving behind mountains of waste, turning Delhi into a landfill. She said her government has taken concrete steps to eliminate these legacy waste sites, as 24x7 legacy waste processing has been started, with about 30,000 metric tonnes of garbage being biomined daily. 'Waste-to-energy plant installations are progressing swiftly. The target is to completely remove the Bhalaswa and Okhla landfill sites within the next two years,' she said. Currently, Delhi has four operational waste-to-energy plants, and two new plants in Narela and Ghazipur are under rapid construction. Expansions of the Okhla and Tehkhand plants are also underway. Moreover, a modern e-waste park is being developed in Holambi Kalan, she said. Talking about environmental protection, CM Gupta criticised the previous government for turning Delhi into a gas chamber. In contrast, she said, her government has prioritised pollution control by deploying 1,000 sprinklers throughout the year and approving 70 advanced mechanical road sweeping machines. 'Installation of smog guns in all high-rise buildings has also been made mandatory. Additionally, under the DEVi (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) initiative, 460 electric buses have been introduced for last-mile connectivity, and 2,000 more electric buses will be added by the end of the year,' she said. On the Yamuna River, the CM highlighted that the previous government merely put up a show in the name of cleaning the river, while untreated sewage continued to flow into it. In contrast, her government made the rejuvenation of Yamuna a top priority from day one, she said.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Land tokenisation using tech will unlock huge opportunities: Siddharth Shetty, co-creator, Finternet
Siddharth Shetty is the co-creator of Finternet and CEO of Finternet Labs. Among other co-creators of this concept are Nandan Nilekani and Pramod Varma (of UPI fame). Finternet, called a vision for the future financial system, is based on the structural principles of the internet, and aims to build a universal interoperable infrastructure to support seamless transactions of multiple assets. It can help you sell, buy, lend, or pledge assets like land, vehicles or shares in a tokenised format and in a seamless manner linking all ecosystem players like governments, banks and financial institutions. Siddharth has previously worked as an advisor to the Union Finance Ministry on Digital Public Infrastructure, and was involved in designing the India Stack, personal health records for Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, DigiYatra for aviation travel, and Digital Sky for integrating drones into civilian airspace. He was also the co-founder of Sahamati, an industry alliance that works on Account Aggregator adoption as intermediaries for data sharing with user consent. Siddharth spoke to on the need for Finternet, the challenges it would face for adoption in India, the value that it could unlock, and the safeguards that tokenisation of assets would have. Edited excerpts: Siddharth Shetty: Today, people find it difficult to buy or sell assets like land or apartments, as there are multiple regulatory agencies and systems, and these agencies and systems do not interact with each other. There is the survey department, which holds the maps, the revenue department, which holds the records of your ownership rights of the land, the property registration department where your land or apartment is registered in your name, and the municipal body where you pay your property tax. A lot of the time, the data on your property is contradictory in these databases. So, if you want to sell, buy, or pledge your assets, there is a huge bureaucratic process, and it would take quite some time. Imagine if it were tokenised; made simple as if one were holding a share in the stock market and that would make it easy to sell, buy or raise money using the land/apartment asset. In simple terms, it means that the tokenisation would authenticate that you own the asset, say land, and there are no loans on the same, show a clear title, and would help in easier transactions of the title. Such a tokenisation of land/apartment assets would help not merely in financial transactions like buying, selling, and pledging but would also help in inheritance planning, loans on parts of the property, and even simplify rental agreements. Nearly two-thirds of all civil cases in Indian courts are related to land. The average time to resolve a case is 15 years. The economic cost of this inefficiency is huge. Our GDP can be boosted simply through land record digitalisation. One must understand that lack of a tech-like tokenisation and how it has impacted India. India ranks 154th globally in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index for registering property. On average, it takes 58 days to complete a property registration here, compared to three days in some countries. Land dispute resolution is ranked at 136th globally, with an average resolution time of 1445 days versus the global average of 358 days. Apart from its impact on real estate, it has uses in a wide variety of areas, like agricultural markets and simplifying access to healthcare and education through tokenised vouchers. It could support the issuance of green bonds for sustainable projects, manage carbon credits more effectively, or facilitate the distribution of subsidies for energy-efficient tech. Siddharth Shetty: The tech behind tokenisation is the tech behind Finternet per se; it is a combination of public blockchain, credentialing tech, wallets and token management. It is based on the principles of interoperability, immutability, and composability. It establishes a foundational architecture for decentralised, interoperable financial ecosystems. It also has open networks as a critical component. At its core, land tokenisation converts rights associated with real estate and property into tokens recorded on an immutable ledger. These tokens are not just digital certificates. They carry details of the asset rights, ownership history, legal rights, restrictions and real-time updates. The asset is not just represented, but can be interacted with, transacted on and in a trusted manner. With tokenisation, land assets can become easily verifiable. A plot can be divided into fractional units and transferred. The real world and digital assets will be represented as tokens which are self-describing and self-contained, and which can be chained together. The advances in cryptography in verifiability, security, and privacy make it a trustworthy exercise. Finternet also enables quick dispute resolution, provides for a lifetime history of all assets, and helps with online dispute resolution with digital evidence and easier auditing. It could save much time spent in disputes in court. Siddharth Shetty: Land tokenisation is one small part of the whole of Finternet. Finternet looks at tokenisation of other assets too, like vehicles, stocks, gold, silver, agricultural assets and even energy resources. Finternet emerged from a paper co-authored by Nandan Nilekani and Agustín Carstens of the Bank for International Settlements. It was later developed by Nandan Nilekani, Pramod Varma, and me. Siddharth Shetty: There are a lot of pilots going on across the world, in the US, UK, Latin America, Middle East, and places like Korea. In some places, certain assets have been tokenised. These pilots are also looking at the various legal aspects of tokenisation. The key is to see that it works at scale. Korea is talking about tokenisation of its agri produce and meat products. In Dubai, land tokenisation is being tried out in closed user groups. In India, too, pilots are going on in Mumbai among lenders of financial products. Siddharth Shetty: The tech is maturing very fast, and within three to five years, I predict that we could see adoption of some facets. My reading is that within 10-15 years, Finternet will take off worldwide in a big way. In India, confusion exists, and clarity needs to be developed on different aspects of digital assets, crypto, tokenisation, and cryptographic infrastructure. What needs to be understood is that tokenisation is not just for financial services, it's critical for even availing basic services around property management. We are working on technology that is safe, secure and reliable. We understand that if there are not sufficient safeguards, it would not pass regulatory scrutiny or even public approval. In simple terms, it is a technology like Android for smartphones, an underlying tech. On top of it are apps for users, built by various companies for various sets of users. It is wrong to blame Android for an app that is not helpful or does not work. Now, the Union government has come up with a draft bill to replace The Registration Act of 2008. The draft bill, which has been placed for public feedback, introduces provisions to support online registration, electronic presentation and admission of documents, issuance of electronic registration certificates, and digital maintenance of records. Siddharth Shetty: We have set up Finternet Labs in India and the US. They are also being set up in Singapore and Switzerland. These would test the hypothesis on the ground, work with early adopters, test the legal frameworks, and other issues. We are working with various stakeholders across the globe to mainstream this idea and the tech. The adoption of this tech would be asynchronous. It would not be linear. Some governments or regulators would latch on early, and not everyone and every aspect would go live at the same time. It would be in phases. Perhaps among the states in India, there would be some early adopters, but it is also a learning process. It would be like the Aadhaar and UPI adoption in India. Studies by experts said that it would take five decades for Aadhaar to be adopted in India. It got off within a decade. From five million merchants in 2016 to fifty million did not take much time. The same was the growth from 30 million users to 500 million users for UPI. We see the Finternet taking off in a non-linear and exponential manner. Siddharth Shetty: The hurdles would be of three types. First would be building the tech infrastructure, with a focus on digitisation of land records and digitisation of other databases. And it should also reach a certain maturity. Second would be the legal frameworks and changes in legal and public policy around land tokenisation. There is a need to remove the legal and regulatory barriers that hinder the adoption of new technologies, particularly those related to tokenised assets. Third would be the challenge of onboarding and enabling the commercial partners for this ecosystem, which would help these partners to unlock new markets and meet consumer needs. It would also require collaboration between the public and private sectors. Public authorities should build digital infrastructure, establish regulations, while the private sector should lead in providing the services.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Industry can play role in bringing innovation to preventive healthcare: Nadda
New Delhi: Health Minister J P Nadda on Thursday called upon the industry to play a role in bringing innovation in the field of health screening, as he listed the efforts made by the Modi government in the sector over the last decade. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Nadda said the BJP government in 2017 came out with a comprehensive health policy and preventive healthcare was emphasized on for the first time, along with curative, rehabilitative and geriatric care. "So far, we used to think in silos. There was no holistic approach. In 2017, we came with a policy which was comprehensive. For the preventive part, we now have 1,77,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. This is the first contact point of citizens with healthcare facilities," he said. Nadda emphasized the theme 'Building Trust- India First' and called for a unified national effort to strengthen healthcare systems aligned with India's 2047 development roadmap. "Now we have got a very ambitious plan that is going to reduce the health burden. In 1,75,000 healthcare centres, we have community health officers. "We have a tele-medicine system attached with the specialist... So a villager would not have to go to a health institution if not required," he said. "We are called the pharmacy of the world...60 per cent of the world's vaccine production is done here. We also lead in medical devices. What we expect from the industry is innovation for the screening part... We have 1.4 billion people," he said. He also said the private sector can come up in a big way in the field of tele-medicine. Talking about the government's effort in the health sector, Nadda said India now has 23 AIIMS, 780 medical colleges, and 1,18,000 undergraduate medical seats. Another 75,000 seats will be added in the next five years, he said. "I used to believe it is not possible, but PM Modi said think big, don't think small... Now I can say Ayushman Bharat is the world's largest health coverage program. All above the age of 70 are covered," he said. "Ayushman Bharat is not an insurance program, it's an assurance program," he added. Talking about the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadda said, "In countries like the US, there was 50-60 per cent vaccination. In India, it was the world's fastest vaccination program and in a short span of six months, 222 crore vaccine doses were administered," he said. The minister also officially launched the CII Centre for Health. In a statement, the CII said that the Centre for Health will focus on multi-stakeholder collaboration, ensuring low-cost innovation in health, streamlining supply barriers, and catalysing private sector to engage beyond CSR, among others. Sanjiv Puri, President, CII, stated that India is laying the groundwork for a personalised healthcare ecosystem through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which enables longitudinal health records and interoperability. Coupled with advancements in AI, economics, and wearable tech, the country is well-positioned to go beyond conventional models towards data-driven, individualised care, Puri said.
News18
25-05-2025
- Health
- News18
The Urban Healthcare Shift: Why More Households In Metro Cities Prefer At-Home Care
Last Updated: With long wait times, overburdened facilities, and the rising need for chronic care, Indians are preferring on medical support that is delivered at the comfort of their homes. Healthcare in urban India has gradually moved beyond the walls of hospitals. Access becomes more challenging daily with long wait times, overburdened facilities, and the rising need for chronic care management. In response, many households are beginning to rely on medical support delivered at home. Reflecting this shift, the home healthcare market in India is projected to reach $21.3 billion by 2027, as per a 2021 report published by NITI Aayog. Urban Healthcare Strain Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore grapple with an overburdened healthcare system. With growing population densities, hospitals and clinics often operate beyond their capacity, leading to long wait times, rushed consultations, and logistical hurdles in accessing care. Another key concern is accessibility. Whether it's a two-hour wait for a 15-minute appointment or navigating congested roads to reach a clinic, urban residents face unnecessary delays and discomfort. This challenge becomes even more significant for senior citizens, individuals with chronic illnesses, or time-strapped professionals. Therefore, it requires an effective change that can address all problems at once. Shift to At-Home Care Trends The shift in how urban India accesses healthcare is being driven by demographic, societal, and technological factors. The rise of health-tech platforms has revolutionised medical care delivery, as these platforms leverage AI and digital infrastructure to bring high-quality medical facilities directly to patients' doorsteps. Whether it's a doctor's consultation, diagnostic test, or management of a chronic disease, technology enables precision and rapid response, even in the most crowded cities. What the Future Holds The Indian government has begun recognising the growing need for home healthcare, especially in urban areas where traditional infrastructure is overstretched. Initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aim to build a connected digital health ecosystem, enabling smoother delivery of at-home services. The expansion of Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens above 70 offers greater access to care, some of which can be delivered at home. Moreover, state-level programs further highlight the shift, offering mobile clinics and doorstep medical support. These efforts reflect a gradual policy push toward decentralised, patient-centric care. Given all, the future of at-home healthcare in metro cities will be defined by the deepening collaboration between government policies, technology, and medicine. There is an increasing reliance on AI, data analytics, and smart infrastructure to enhance service quality and patient outcomes. As urban populations demand more convenience and personalised services, this evolution is set to make healthcare more accessible, proactive, and integrated into everyday urban life. (With inputs from Aditya Gupta, Founder, Kyno Health) First Published: May 25, 2025, 12:16 IST
Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Aayush Wellness Expands into Preventive Healthcare with Smart Kiosks Stock Rises 80 Percent
PNN New Delhi [India], May 21: Aayush Wellness Limited [BSE:539528], India's preventive healthcare company, is taking a significant step toward accessible and proactive healthcare by launching its first healthcare centre in Virar (Mumbai), Maharashtra. Inspired by the E Sanjeevani National Telemedicine Service of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Aayush Wellness has installed a health ATM that shall conduct a wide range of diagnostics tests, in 2-3 minutes, maintain digital health records, and also facilitate Telemedicine to address health deficiencies before they become critical. The Company plans to invest up to Rs. 25 crores in the first phase and shall review further investments based on business requirements. This expansion will increase the company's physical presence across geographies all over India, improve the offline distribution network for our products and provide complete preventive healthcare solutions under one roof. The company envisions a future where preventive healthcare becomes a cornerstone of everyday life, reducing dependency on reactive treatments. With this initiative, Aayush Wellness Limited continues to strengthen its presence in the $372 billion Indian healthcare market, offering solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. For the quarter ended 31st December 2024, company declared interim dividend @ rate of 1% per equity share having face value of Rs. 1 each. Stock price of Aayush Wellness Limited has risen over 80% in last three months and trading at Rs. 116.9 per share on 21 May 2025. Highlights: * To invest up to Rs. 25 crore in the expansion * Opens first centre in Mumbai, Aims to expand presence across India and to improve offline distribution network * The company has rewarded its shareholders with a bonus issue and a 1:10 stock split * Aayush Wellness Limited stock price reached Three Digit; Stock Price up 80% in 3 months; 500% in 1 Year; 5000% in 2 years Mr. Naveena Kumar, Managing Director of Aayush Wellness Limited said "The Cloud Clinic model through this Health ATM is unique as it will deliver affordable yet high quality healthcare services to under privileged population of India. Our solution not only promotes early detection and prevention but also empowers individuals, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, to take charge of their health in an accessible, cost-effective manner." The health ATM shall be able to conduct a up to 59 test including blood test, sugar test, Urine test, Haemoglobin test, skin test, eye test, cancer risk test, Lipid Profile test, and other basic health checkups, at a very affordable price. Further, the health ATM shall also facilitate Telemedicine, maintain Digital Health Records, Cloud connectivity generates smart reports and integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to benefit majority of the Indian Population." At Our Health and Medical Support centres, we shall also be able to promote and integrate with health programs and initiatives announced by the Government. Services offered at Ayush Wellness Healthcare Centre 1. Core Diagnostic Services: * Health checks at Health ATMs, which use diagnostic machines (health kiosks) to do things like blood tests, heart and lung function tests, and vitamin deficiency screenings. * Regular checkups and tests based on age to detect common diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis early. 2. Treatment Assistance: * Online Consultation: Patients can talk to the doctor online first to get help based on the test results. * Make hospitalisation easier: Help the patient get into a network hospital or a government hospital at a lower cost. * Make Appointments: Help people make appointments with doctors, either in person or through online consultations. This will make sure that they can get medical care quickly and easily. 3. Other Services: * Help the patient get the benefits of any government programs they are qualified for. * Take part in any health campaigns run by the government, such as polio drives, vaccinations, basic health checkups, and so on. * Help with getting insurance and processing claims: Help patients understand their coverage, file claims, and find the best insurance plan for them, which will make the administrative work easier. * Vaccinations: To improve community health and stop cases, give vaccines for diseases that can be avoided. * Mental Wellness Program: Your therapist will help you figure out and question your unhealthy ways of dealing and patterns, as well as help you replace them with healthier, more useful habits. Setting goals and working towards them in an organised way can be done with the help of your therapist. * Home Care Coordination: Set up nursing care, physiotherapy, and other help for people who need it outside of clinic hours. * Patient Transportation Assistance: Making it easy for people who need help going to and from medical appointments to get where they need to go. About Aayush Wellness Limited: (ISO 9000 and 22000 certified company) Aayush Wellness Limited [BSE scrip code: 539528], established in 1989 is a pioneering name in health and wellness solutions, dedicated to offering products that merge wellbeing with innovation. We are India's preventive healthcare company committed to offer quality products and services to enhance the consumer well-being. Aayush Wellness continues to lead the industry in promoting healthier lifestyle choices through its diverse range of wellness products and services. For more information, please visit
