The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has taken significant strides in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare access and delivery across the country. One of its initiatives, the telemedicine application eSanjeevani, provides doctor-to-doctor and patient-to-doctor consultations, bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas.
eSanjeevani operates on a hub and spoke model, where doctors, including specialists, offer their services to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) situated in rural regions. This approach has brought expert medical assistance to remote areas, ensuring that people in the farthest corners of the country can access quality healthcare services. Additionally, the application’s OPD module further enables individuals in remote and rural areas to avail medical consultations with ease.
The impact of eSanjeevani has been immense, as evidenced by the remarkable figures it has achieved. As of 19th July 2023, the application has facilitated a staggering 13,91,61,458 teleconsultations. Among the beneficiaries, 1,10,12,570 teleconsultations have been rendered to senior citizens, while 5,22,15,224 consultations have provided healthcare support to women across the nation.
To ensure seamless implementation of digital health initiatives, including telemedicine services, the Union Health Ministry extends financial assistance to all States/UTs under the National Health Mission. This support aids in strengthening health IT infrastructure and internet connectivity, laying a solid foundation for the efficient delivery of healthcare services.
The safety and security of telemedicine services have also been a priority for the Union Health Ministry. On 25th March 2020, it issued Telemedicine Practice guidelines, outlining best practices and protocols to be followed while providing remote medical consultations. These guidelines have been instrumental in maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery through telemedicine.
The impact of eSanjeevani is further amplified by the vast network of connected spokes, which includes Health and Wellness Centres and Primary Health Centres. As of 14th July 2023, a total of 2,08,569 spokes have been integrated into the telemedicine services across the country, enhancing accessibility and widening the reach of medical consultations.
