In a major development, the state-of-the-art “Arogya-Doctors on Wheels” Telemedicine Mobile Clinic was launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, in the remote hilly areas of Ramnagar region in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, a couple of days ago.

The cutting-edge teleclinic is Artificial Intelligence (AI) power-based and empowered to provide healthcare facilities in remote areas of the region where such facilities are inadequate or completely unavailable.

The Arogya-Doctor on Wheels functions on the latest methodology, wherein the patient narrates his or her complaints in the native language. The AI doctor understands the language of the patient and reverts to the patient in the same native language.

Thereafter, the patient is connected to one of the super specialists in the country. These super-specialists are from the leading hospitals in India with which AI telemedicine has been tied up. In the next step, the patient’s comprehensive body profile and investigations are conducted. Subsequently, in about 40–50 minutes, the patient is provided with a prescription. This prescription is provided free of charge.

The minister said that the initiative to launch such clinics aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend healthcare services to the remotest of the areas in the country in conjunction with the latest technological developments and to ensure that healthcare facilities are accessible to everyone. He further added that the initial phases of this state-of-the-art initiative were successfully implemented in the Gandoh area of district Doda, where it spent three months; the zero-line villages around the international border had the second phase of implementation; and the third phase was conducted in the upper reaches of Bilawal. The fourth phase will be held in the upper reaches of Dudu Basantgarh in the Ramnagar block of Udhampur.

The AI-driven telemedicine mobile clinic is expected to make a significant impact in ensuring that quality healthcare becomes easily accessible to the remotest areas of the country where limited or no medical facilities are available. Minister Dr. Singh appealed to the local residents to avail this unique facility, as the doctors are coming to their doorsteps with quality healthcare supported by the latest technology.

(Inputs from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sushmita Ganguli)