Odisha government introduces tele-medicine programme to link all peripheral health centres

Updated on: Saturday, April 20, 2013

Odisha government has introduced a tele-medicine programme in Ganjam distict to link all peripheral health centres with reputed medical colleges in the country for improved patient care in rural areas.

The programme is already available in nine district headquarter hospitals and three medical college and hospitals.

Launching the public private partnership (PPP) initiative at a city hospital here, Health Minister Damodar Rout said patients from rural ares can get timely and quality services through the network without going to major hospitals in far off places. By June, all the 30 districts of Odisha will be covered by the programme, he added.

Bhubaneswar based Odisha Trust of Technical Education and Training (OTTET), the private partner in the move, would invest Rs 6000 crore in the project.

"Around one lakh people will get direct employment and five lakh people indirect employment in the project," said OTTET managing trustee K N Bhagat.

A trained person to handle telemedicine equipment would be appointed in each village. He can consult with the doctors required through the network, he said. The persons to be appointed would get one month training from Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, he added.

A standard operating protocol (SOP) is developed with discussions between the government and implementing agency.

"OTTET will develop a dedicated website where information on the technology, its use for project, feedbacks, and contact details will be available. The information will be updated periodically. It will ensure timely consultation from specialists," said a senior doctor.

The city hospital has provided a room for installation of instrument for the purpose.

"We have also decided to provide a space for out-patients department for operating the centre," principal of MKCG Medical College and Hospital A K Dandapat said.

Odisha government introduces tele-medicine programme to link all peripheral health centres

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