Govt Rolls Out E-SeHat Teleconsultation Service for Ex-Servicemen

The project aims to facilitate teleconsultations, allowing ECHS beneficiaries to receive medical treatment without physically visiting polyclinics.

The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare has launched a pilot project for the Electronic Services e-Health Assistance and Tele-consultation (E-SeHAT) service, starting from July 30, 2024.

This initiative covers 12 Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinics, including seven in the Delhi NCR region (Shakurbasti, Timarpur, Faridabad, Palwal, Khanpur, East Delhi, and Hindon) and five in remote locations (Baramulla, Imphal, Churachandpur, Dimapur, and Aizawal).

The project aims to facilitate teleconsultations, allowing ECHS beneficiaries to receive medical treatment without physically visiting polyclinics.

Integration with ECHS Database

Dr Niten Chandra, secretary of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, highlighted the previous implementation of the SeHAT-OPD for Tri-services Teleconsultation Service, developed by C-DAC Mohali.

The new system is now integrated with the ECHS database, including veterans and their families, to provide a seamless experience. Additional features, such as e-prescriptions and synchronized medical records, have been incorporated to enhance the service.

As part of the project rollout, IT hardware and equipment have been distributed to all 427 ECHS Polyclinics nationwide, and staff has received training to offer online medical consultations.

The next phase of the project includes pre-consultation checks of vital signs and home delivery of medicines. Referrals to hospitals by medical officers are scheduled to begin on August 20, 2024.

Aligning with Digital India Vision

E-SeHAT aims to deliver healthcare services to ex-servicemen and their dependents through secure, video-based consultations, adhering to the telemedicine practice guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in March 2020.

This initiative aims for healthcare access for veterans, ensuring timely and quality medical care from the comfort of their homes. It also supports the government's Digital India vision, promoting digital inclusivity and efficiency in accessing public services.

In a similar development, in a strategic partnership last month, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an MoU to establish a special Tele-MANAS cell at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.

The initiative, inaugurated on December 1, 2023, sought to operate for a two-year pilot period, addressing mental health challenges faced by Indian military personnel. The MoU was signed by Aradhna Patnaik of MoHFW and Lt Gen Daljit Singh of the Armed Forces Medical Services, with the ceremony presided over by Gen Anil Chauhan.