UP govt to upgrade 21K rural health centres

A total of 21,675 health facilities in rural areas will be upgraded to Health and Wellness Centres, which is a part of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat campaign, deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak said in a statement on Wednesday. The facilities will also be equipped with telemedicine services.

“Patients can get health advice even from a higher centre via telemedicine. On the advise of doctors, medicines will be provided to patients for free,” said Pathak.

Pathak also directed health officials to speed up the process of upgrading health sub-centers into wellness centers.

“This arrangement will reduce footfall at higher centres (for medical treatment) and patients from far-off places will not be required to travel long distances. Saving travel time via telemedicine will ensure early start of treatment,” said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general association of international doctors. Hindustan Times