With an aim to improvise the rural healthcare in the state, Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch new health centres which are being termed as ‘Digital Doctors Clinic’. These health centres will complement the primary health centres and will provide teleconsultation to the patients through a video interface. Also, such centres will have provisions to perform diagnostic tests and provide medicines to the rural residents. 

A press statement issued by the state government mentioned that a memorandum of understanding [MoU] worth Rs 350 crores has been signed with a private company named Obdu Group to implement the project.

Initially, 20 such clinics will be set up in Lucknow and Bulandshahr districts. 

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“It is worth mentioning that the state government is undertaking this initiative through private investments. The government aims to improve healthcare in remote rural areas so that people can receive medical advice, medications, and pathology testing at concessional rates for serious illnesses,” the press statement dated October 18 mentioned. 

According to the founder of the Obdu Group, Sanjai Kumar, presently five doctors have been hired for this, while 10 other doctors are being lined up. He also mentioned that they are in talks with some other investors regarding the startup, and their goal is to scale this MoU up to a size of Rs 1,000 crores. 

The press statement mentioned that blood tests will be conducted in three to five minutes and the consultation by doctors will cost Rs 30 to Rs 40. The  tests available at the digital clinics will include fever profiles like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, liver function, jaundice, and diabetes.

Govt to Expand Medical Facilities As Fever Cases Rise

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered officials to ramp up the facilities to deal with the rising cases of fever, dengue and malaria in the state. 

“Additional beds should be arranged in hospitals as per requirements. Whether in villages or cities, not a single infected patient should suffer due to a lack of treatment. There must be regular reporting of new patients in all government and private hospitals and medical colleges,” a press statement mentioned.

“Concrete efforts are necessary to control the situation of outbreaks in the districts. The Urban Development, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj Departments should carry out fogging and larvicidal spraying to effectively control mosquito populations. Consistent sanitization in the mornings and fogging in the evenings should be done. Additionally, addressing waterlogging issues is crucial,” it added.

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Adityanath also directed the officials to ensure that Ayushman card must be made for every family eligible for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana. 

Amidst high incidence of fever cases in the state, the government has assured that 293 medical teachers and more than 1,950 staff nurses will soon get appointment letters.