AI-Driven Mobile Telemedicine Clinic ‘Doctors on Wheels’ Serves Over 13,000 Patients in J&K

The mobile clinic employs an AI-based methodology, allowing patients to communicate their complaints in their native language.

AI-driven free mobile telemedicine clinic ‘Doctor on Wheels’, has attended to nearly 13,000 patients in the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency of Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, highlighted the significance of this novel experiment, utilizing cutting-edge technology tools to provide efficient and cost-free healthcare services to the residents of these far-flung areas.

This initiative represents a leap in healthcare delivery, leveraging the latest technology to screen and investigate patients efficiently. Further, the AI-driven mobile telemedicine clinic allows patients to receive consultations from super-specialist doctors in leading hospitals in cities including Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Dr Singh emphasized that this streamlined process, from examination to prescription, is accomplished in approximately 45 minutes, a stark reduction compared to the traditional approach of physical hospital visits.

The ‘Doctor on Wheels’ initiative has emerged as a boon for women, with most beneficiaries being women. In the Doda, Hiranagar, and Kathua-Billawar areas, out of 11,431 beneficiaries, 6,643 were women.

The positive trend continues in the ongoing fourth phase in remote Dudu Basantgarh, where 835 women have availed consultations out of 1,452 beneficiaries across 56 villages and 22 Panchayats.

Minister Singh added that the AI-supported "Aarogya-Doctor on Wheels" is possibly the first Telemedicine Mobile Clinic of its kind, offering comprehensive healthcare services through digital mode.

AI-Driven Methodology for Accessibility

The mobile clinic employs an AI-based methodology, allowing patients to communicate their illnesses or complaints in their native language. The AI Doctor interprets and responds in the same language, enhancing accessibility and bridging language barriers.

Dr Singh noted that the initiative addresses challenges related to 'Accessibility, Availability, and Affordability' efficiently. This initiative has been implemented in phases, covering diverse regions within the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency.

The ongoing fourth phase in Dudu Basantgarh follows the success of previous phases in the Gandoh area of Doda district, Zero Line villages along the International Border, and the upper reaches of Bilawar.

Apart from consultations, the initiative ensures that prescribed medicines are provided free of cost. Additionally, medicine kits containing commonly used drugs are distributed across the constituency, benefiting all families.

The initiative represents a collaborative effort to bring quality healthcare to the remotest and inaccessible areas, tying up with doctors from leading super-specialty hospitals across the country.

Telemedicine Services at Global Standards

According to Dr Singh, the ‘Doctor on Wheels’ initiative aligns with the PM's Digital Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat. The initiative serves as a model for providing quality healthcare to underserved populations, showcasing India's technological prowess and commitment to leveraging innovation for societal welfare.

Moreover, Dr Singh urged local residents to use the facility, emphasizing that advanced telemedicine services are at par with global standards. He also mentioned that he envisions the future incorporation of advanced robotic surgeries through telemedicine services that shows the potential for holistic and cutting-edge healthcare in India.

The success of this initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also sets the stage for future advancements in telemedicine, aligning with India's commitment to providing inclusive and accessible healthcare for all.