CM Launches Digital Dispensary Project, Campaign Against Anemia

Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday launched Tele Medicine, a digital dispensary project, and Anemia Free India campaign from Pithoria in Ranchi. The projects, he said, are a part of the State’s relentless efforts in revolutionizing health facilities by incorporating digitalization and creating public awareness. The Tele Medicine is a digital dispensary, through which patients living in the interiors of the State will be able to get health advice from doctors over video calls. At least 100 such digital dispensaries were launched on Wednesday across the state. These dispensaries will also have pathology centers, which will upload the test reports of various patients online for doctors’ reference. “We are fast digitalizing various schemes and projects in a bid to utilize the potential of technology to the fullest. Through technology, now, villagers in the interiors of Jharkhand will be able to consult doctors online and get treated,” said Das. He had floated the idea of digital dispensaries soon after coming to power and asked health officials to prepare a blueprint for the same, Das added.

“IT today is bridging the gap between the Government and people, and this shows how effective technology is as a tool for development,” he said. Meanwhile, the Government on Wednesday also announced that under its Anemia Free India campaign, free iron supplements will be distributed at Anganwadi centers and schools among girls in the age bracket or one year to five years and five years to nine years. The supplements will also be provided free of cost to women till the age of 45 years. According to World Health Organization (WHO), if the prevalence of anemia in a population is 40 percent or higher it is categorized as a severe public health problem. In Jharkhand, 70 percent of 6-59 month-old children, 62.6 percent of pregnant women and 65.2 percent of women in the reproductive age are anemic. According to National Family Health Survey 4, anemia is more prevalent in rural areas of Jharkhand and among tribal women and women with no schooling.

Talking about the importance of keeping a strict watch on health issues, Das said it was time for the rural citizens to return to age old home remedies for tackling minor diseases. “There are so many naturally growing herbs in Jharkhand that have medicinal value. We have been using them since ages, and it is time we use them to stay healthy,” Das said, adding that prevention of any disease was always better than cure. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement, Das said that 57 lakh families are connected to the Ayushman Bharat scheme and are reaping the benefits of it in Jharkhand. Modi, he said, was committed in providing best possible health facilities to the poor and this is the reason why three medical colleges were inaugurated on the same day in Hazaribagh recently. Das also commended the 108 ambulance facility and appreciated the efforts put in by the staff running the show. During the launch, Das was accompanied by Ranchi MP Ramtahal Choudhary; Kanke MLA, Jeetu Charan Ram; Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni and UNICEF Jharkhand chief Madhulika Jonathan. – Daily Pioneer