Mumbai: The BMC has drawn up a three-phase roadmap to modernise its public healthcare system, with plans to introduce AI-powered diagnostic services, smart outpatient departments (OPDs), online hospital bed allocation and 24×7 dispensaries.The reforms were recently reviewed by BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide at a meeting of senior health officials.In the first phase, the BMC plans to introduce smart digital OPDs to reduce waiting time, strengthen the hospital management information system and launch a central dashboard to monitor hospital services. A drive to fill vacant medical posts will be carried out even as insurance help desks will be set up in major civic hospitals.In the second phase, BMC will start a pilot online bed allocation system that will allow patients on waiting lists to be allotted vacant beds across civic hospitals. Pilot 24×7 dispensaries will also be started in each municipal ward. Artificial intelligence will be introduced in radiology, pathology and hospital resource management, while hospital staff will undergo training in soft skills, medical ethics and patient care. The BMC also plans to explore public-private partnerships to provide financial assistance of up to 50% to needy patients.The third phase will focus on developing quality standards through NABH accreditation, national and international quality certifications, disability-friendly healthcare facilities and wider adoption of digital health services.
