Health Ministry to Launch Telemedicine Services at AIIMS & PGI Nationwide

The initiative will introduce tele-referral and tele-triage systems to improve accessibility and efficiency for patients.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is set to expand telemedicine services to all AIIMS and PGI institutions as part of a nationwide initiative to reduce hospital burdens and streamline patient care.

The initiative will introduce tele-referral and tele-triage systems to improve accessibility and efficiency for patients.

Speaking at a telemedicine conference held at PGI, Joint Health Secretary Madhukar Kumar Bhagat emphasized the urgency of implementing these measures.

Dr Amit Agarwal, Project Lead at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Department of Telemedicine, highlighted the significance of integrating technology into healthcare systems.

He advocated for the use of QR codes to simplify payments under government schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

“This would not only be more patient-friendly but also help in managing crowds at hospitals,” Dr Agarwal stated.

Tele-triage, a key feature of the initiative, enables healthcare providers to assess patients' symptoms through virtual consultations.

This approach helps determine whether a hospital visit is necessary or if the condition can be managed remotely, thereby reducing unnecessary hospital visits.

The ministry’s initiative reflects its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency across the country.