Prayagraj: Yogi govt is all set to revamp ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’ with the introduction of the ‘Hub and Spoke’ model that aims to connect patients in remote areas with specialist doctors via telemedicine and modern digital technologies, while also making essential diagnostic facilities easily accessible.Under this system, a ‘hub’ is established at a medical college, district hospital, or community health centre where specialist doctors are available. Meanwhile, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs located at the village or panchayat level function as ‘spokes’. Patients visit their nearest Ayushman Arogya Mandir, where the community health officer (CHO) uploads the patient’s symptoms and preliminary test reports to ‘e-Sanjeevani’ portal. Specialist doctors at the larger hospitals (Hubs) then examine the patient via online video consultation and issue a digital prescription.Divisional project manager (National Health Mission) Harit Saxena said Colvin hospital in Prayagraj has been developed as a hub.One of the major hurdles in treatment is the time required for pathology tests. To address this, smart testing kits are being provided to Arogya Mandirs. These include a dry-biochemistry analyser that allows for accurate testing of haemoglobin, key liver and kidney function parameters, and blood sugar levels in just 5 to 10 minutes, without the need for a large laboratory.Similarly, special portable kits have been provided to facilitate early detection of anaemia and high-risk pregnancies.Govt has also taken a significant step to address mental health in rural areas. Under this initiative, ‘Aarogya Mandirs’ have been linked to the state-level Tele-MANAS helpline centres. This enables villagers struggling with stress, depression, insomnia or other mental health issues to access free and confidential counselling services through Aarogya Mandirs.Saxena pointed out that there are currently 494 Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs in Prayagraj. Tele-MANAS helpline has been launched in the district, with two numbers — 14416 and 1800 — made available.As of Aug 2026, this service has been utilised by 755 patients suffering from mental health issues.
