Uttar Pradesh Govt To Launch Digital Doctor Initiative To Expand Access To Healthcare

The Uttar Pradesh government is working to roll out a 'Digital Doctor Initiative' that's aimed at expanding access to healthcare in the state. 

The Yogi Adityanath-led UP government is in the process of finalising the final structure of the initiative. Proposals have been submitted by the private sector.

The 'Digital Doctor Initiative' aims to incorporate telemedicine and on-the-spot basic diagnostic capabilities. Rural areas would be a special focus of the initiative.

In a post on Twitter, the UP government said, "With the aim of enhancing healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas, Uttar Pradesh is planning to launch a ‘digital doctor’ facility...Proposals for the program have been submitted by the private sector, and the state government will determine its final structure."

At first, the initiative would be tried out at 20 primary health centres in Bulandshahr and Lucknow, according to a report shared by the Government of UP on Twitter.

"The initial trial of this service is expected to take place in Lucknow and Bulandshahr before gradual expansion to other districts. The services offered within the digital doctor scheme will be at the level of primary health centres. Initially, 20 centres will be established in Lucknow and Bulandshahr," said the report, adding that private investment would drive the initiative. 

The initiative would involve medical consultations, medications, and pathology testing facilities for critical illnesses at subsidised rates, said the report by Hindustan Times.

"Considering the issue of affordability in rural areas, such an initiative will provide expedited and cost-effective treatment options for rural residents," said Dr Abhishek Shukla, Secretary-General of the Association of International Doctors, to HT.