Government Schemes📖 3 min read

E-Sanjeevani Crosses 50 Crore Teleconsultations, Boosting Healthcare Access

India's national telemedicine platform, e-Sanjeevani, has achieved a major milestone, completing over 50 crore teleconsultations. This strengthens healthcare access across the country.

Source: PIB All Releases
Summary of News

The e-Sanjeevani platform, a national telemedicine service, has successfully completed more than 50 crore (500 million) teleconsultations. This achievement highlights its role in making healthcare accessible, especially in remote areas. The platform offers two main services: e-Sanjeevani Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) and e-Sanjeevani OPD. The AB-HWC service connects patients in rural areas with doctors at health and wellness centres. The e-Sanjeevani OPD service allows patients to consult doctors from their homes. This digital health initiative has been crucial in providing medical advice and prescriptions without the need for physical visits, reducing travel time and costs for millions of Indians. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched e-Sanjeevani to leverage technology for universal health coverage.

Why It Matters

This milestone for e-Sanjeevani is important for exam aspirants studying Government Schemes and Social Sector Initiatives (UPSC GS Paper II, SSC General Awareness). It demonstrates the impact of digital health in India, linking to topics like healthcare infrastructure, technology in governance, and public health policy. Understanding e-Sanjeevani's structure and reach is key for questions on government efforts to improve healthcare access and reduce disparities.

Key Points for Exam
  • E-Sanjeevani has completed over 50 crore (500 million) teleconsultations.
  • The platform was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • It operates through two models: e-Sanjeevani AB-HWC and e-Sanjeevani OPD.
  • E-Sanjeevani AB-HWC connects patients at Health and Wellness Centres with doctors.
  • E-Sanjeevani OPD allows patients to consult doctors from their homes.
  • The service aims to provide healthcare access across rural and urban areas.
Important Keywords Explained
E-Sanjeevanischeme

E-Sanjeevani is a national telemedicine service launched by the Government of India. It enables patients to consult doctors remotely through video conferencing. The platform aims to provide healthcare services to people in rural and remote areas, reducing the need for physical hospital visits and improving access to medical expertise. It is a key component of India's digital health mission.

Teleconsultationconcept

Teleconsultation refers to the practice of providing medical advice and services remotely using telecommunication technology. This includes video calls, phone calls, and online chats between patients and healthcare professionals. It allows for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up without an in-person visit, making healthcare more convenient and accessible, especially for routine check-ups or minor ailments.

Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC)scheme

AB-HWCs are upgraded Primary Health Centres and Sub-Centres under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. They provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care. These centres act as the first point of contact for healthcare, bringing services closer to the community and integrating various health programs.

Additional Facts & Context
1E-Sanjeevani was launched in November 2019.
2The platform supports over 1.55 lakh Health and Wellness Centres.
3It has a network of more than 2.2 lakh specialist doctors.
4The service is available in over 30 Indian states and Union Territories.
Examiner's Tip

Exams often ask about government initiatives in healthcare, their objectives, and key features. Be prepared for questions on the two models of e-Sanjeevani and its role in Ayushman Bharat.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'E-Sanjeevani' as 'E-Service for Jeevan' (life), providing digital health consultations for a better life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the e-Sanjeevani platform?

The primary goal of the e-Sanjeevani platform is to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to all citizens, especially those in remote and underserved areas. It leverages digital technology to connect patients with doctors for teleconsultations, reducing geographical barriers to medical care.

Which government ministry is responsible for e-Sanjeevani?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is responsible for the e-Sanjeevani platform. It oversees the implementation, expansion, and technological advancements of this national telemedicine service as part of its broader digital health initiatives.

What are the two main services offered by e-Sanjeevani?

E-Sanjeevani offers two main services: e-Sanjeevani Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) and e-Sanjeevani OPD. AB-HWC connects patients at health centres with doctors, while e-Sanjeevani OPD allows patients to consult doctors from their homes using their own devices.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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