Patna: Bihar is set to strengthen its digital healthcare system with QR code-based bed management, software-driven referral services and the integration of 102 and 108 ambulance networks with hospitals.
Under the proposed system, patients and emergency teams will be able to access real-time information about the availability of beds in government hospitals. The initiative is aimed at improving monitoring, emergency referrals and the overall efficiency of healthcare services.
The directions were issued by Health Minister Nishant during a review meeting held at the auditorium of the State Health Society on Thursday.
QR Code System for Real-Time Bed Information
The referral system will be made software-based to ensure effective and real-time monitoring.
In emergency referral cases, the patient’s condition will be assessed inside the ambulance and the information will be shared with the control centre through a digital dashboard.
The 102 and 108 ambulance services will also be integrated with hospitals through an emergency network.
A kiosk available inside the ambulance will provide real-time information about bed availability in government hospitals. The patient’s current location will also be shared with the concerned hospital.
AIIMS, IGIMS, PMCH and NMCH will be included in the pilot project.
Command Control Centre and Smart Ambulance Network
The Health Minister directed officials to establish a command control centre in the Health Department.
He also instructed the department to ensure QR code-based bed management and real-time entry of hospital bed availability.
The meeting included detailed discussions on improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services through a strengthened referral system, smart ambulances, telemedicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Telemedicine and AI to Strengthen Healthcare Services
Information related to patients’ food and nutrition will be collected through ANMs, ASHA workers and Jeevika Didis.
Information on effective medicines prescribed by AYUSH doctors will also be compiled.
To strengthen telemedicine services, the possibility of linking the 104 service with eSanjeevani will be explored.
The minister also directed officials to use Artificial Intelligence to improve the quality, accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services and ensure the effective use of patient data.
State Health Society Executive Director Amit Kumar Pandey, BMSICL Managing Director Subrat Sen and other officials were present at the meeting.
