Telangana to Issue Digital Health Profile Card for Citizens

The pilot project for the digital health profile card has already been launched in two districts of Telangana. The project is expected to cost around INR 10 Cr.

At a recently held high-level meeting, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has issued a direction to prepare digital health profile cards for everyone in the state and take adequate measures for it.

The digital health profile card will be linked with a unique number which will enable it to provide required treatment in emergencies. Further, the health profile card will also be linked with the Arogyasri card.

“Arogyasri” is a community health insurance scheme in Telangana. It provides financial assistance to BPL (Below Poverty Line) families to meet their catastrophic health needs.

The pilot project for the digital health profile card has already been launched in two districts of Telangana. Additionally, the project is expected to cost around INR 10 Cr and will involve 197 medical teams.

Digital Health Card Benefits

As the name suggests, the digital health card is going to simplify healthcare access delivery among the citizens. Technically, the card ensures to provide the following:

Easy access to medical history: The card will provide easy access to the user’s medical history from admission to treatment and discharge. Citizens can retrieve complete health information, including test results and prescriptions, in one place with just a few clicks.

Easy management of health records: The card will organise the user's long-term health records, making it easier to manage them.

Fast-track emergencies: In critical situations, healthcare providers can access user’s medical data instantly, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving lives.

AYUSH integration: The card is valid at AYUSH treatment centres, providing access to traditional and complementary therapies such as ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy.

This strategic initiative seeks to empower individuals, strengthen the healthcare system and pave the way for a healthier future.

Telangana’s Arogyasri Scheme

Earlier, to avail of the Arogyasri scheme, it was necessary to link it with the white ration card. However, the CM discussed the issue of removing the mandated requirement of a white ration card to avail of the Arogyasri benefit. Due to which, the government saw a sharp rise in the demand for new white ration cards.

The Arogyasri scheme, backed by Arogyasri Health Care Trust, offers a sum insured of INR 2 Lakhs for medical expenses, including coverage for life-threatening conditions.

Regarding the implementation of Arogyasri, the CM ordered the release of the pending INR 270 Cr bills for government hospitals and teaching hospitals affiliated with government medical colleges. He also directed the officials to continue the Arogyasri services in the concerned medical colleges.

Leading Healthcare Initiatives in Telangana

At the meeting, the CM further reviewed the functioning of the Medical and Health Department at the Secretariat. Reportedly, the CM ordered the completion of the construction of TIMS Super Specialty Hospitals in Warangal, LB Nagar, Sanath Nagar and Alwal on a war footing.

Additionally, a need for a common policy was realised under which the nursing, physiotherapy and paramedical colleges will be established on the premises of the medical colleges.

The CM further noted that the medical colleges should be linked to hospitals so that there is no shortage of doctors. Moreover, CM Sri Revanth inquired about the details of the state's medical, nursing and para-medical colleges that are yet to be started.

The meeting also saw discussions to develop alternative facilities in all parts of the state, which according to the committee will significantly reduce over-dependence on Hyderabad for medical treatment.

Area wise better medical treatment facilities should be developed and provide medical care to the people, the CM added.

The CM also inquired about the performance of 108 and 102 services and directed the officials to ensure better services are provided to the people.