Bringing healthcare closer in MP: Deputy CM Shukla talks telemedicine, reforms and roadmap

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- SATYAPRAKASH SHARMA

BHOPAL: In an exclusive interview with Millennium Post, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla—who oversees Health and Medical Education—discussed the state's healthcare transformation, highlighting telemedicine, COVID preparedness, rural infrastructure, and workforce recruitment. He also shared his vision, legacy, and views on recent political developments.

Q. How effectively has Madhya Pradesh implemented the telemedicine model?

We have successfully launched telemedicine model in all district hospitals and medical colleges, connecting Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and sub-health centres to these facilities through the "Sanjeevani Portal". Under the 'Aarogya Mandir' initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these centres are staffed with medical officers and CHOs, allowing rural patients to consult specialists remotely.

This reduces the need for travel and is transforming healthcare access in rural areas. The system will revolutionise health access in rural areas.

Q. What's the plan to expand this digital health system in future?

Now we are expanding it to the PHC level. Health officers are being trained and connected with specialists, ensuring every centre is mapped to higher institutions, and each expert has a fixed duty schedule to attend consultations.

Only critical patients will be referred to cities. This will reduce crowding in urban hospitals.