Plans to streamline appointments in Government Hospitals We are closely studying Kerala's eHealth model to understand its operational framework and patient benefits. MT. Krishna Babu Secretary for Health Dept., AP

metro india news  I hyderabad

In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility, the Andhra Pradesh Health Department is set to introduce a digital appointment system in government hospitals, drawing inspiration from Kerala's successful model. This initiative aims to streamline patient services by enabling prior appointments and real-time access to doctor availability, akin to the conveniences offered by private healthcare institutions.

Kerala's eHealth portal has been a pioneer in this domain, allowing citizens to book online appointments across 303 government hospitals, ranging from family health centers to medical college hospitals. This system has significantly reduced waiting times and improved patient satisfaction. The portal also offers telemedicine facilities through the M-eHealth mobile app, providing virtual consultations with expert doctors.

Speaking to Metro India, MT. Krishna Babu, Secretary for Health department stated, “We are closely studying Kerala's eHealth model to understand its operational framework and patient benefits. Our goal is to implement a similar system that caters to the unique needs of our state's population.”

The proposed digital platform will allow patients to register using their Aadhaar-based Unique Health Identity Card, facilitating seamless appointment bookings and the creation of lifelong health records. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery and ensure timely medical attention for patients. “By adopting this digital approach, we aim to minimize overcrowding in hospitals and provide patients with the convenience of scheduling appointments from their homes,” the official added.

The Health Department is currently in the process of evaluating technical requirements and collaborating with IT experts to develop a user-friendly application. The rollout of this service is anticipated in the coming months, promising a significant transformation in the public healthcare landscape of Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of integrating technology into public services to enhance efficiency and accessibility for citizens.