Udupi: The District Hospital at Ajjarkad is making significant progress in its digital transformation, successfully automating everything from initial patient registration to lab diagnostics and treatment plans. As one of four districts chosen for the state govt’s pilot project, the hospital is leading the charge in modernising healthcare delivery.District surgeon Dr Ashok H told TOI that through a partnership with the private agency Drucare, the initiative has already surpassed a 50% implementation rate. This is impressive given the hospital’s high volume, managing nearly 800 outpatient visits daily. The process requires an Android mobile phone app to register each patient at the reception, and the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) registration is also done at the same time using the app. All doctors have been given tabs, and they will be able to see the complaints, Dr Ashok explained.Every stage of treatment for poor patients, who are visiting the govt hospital, is documented online through the digital facility managed by Drucare. The Drucare staff register patients using their Aadhaar number or a mobile number linked to the ABHA app. Doctors record the diagnosis, advice, medication and the treatment in the software. When doctors suggest investigations, it will be sent to the laboratory directly. Similarly, the laboratory reports are also uploaded to the app so that doctors may view them on a real-time basis. Simultaneously, patients will also be able to view the reports using the app. Even if the patient fails to bring previous reports, doctors may access them using the app using the ABHA number. While the automation process began in Oct last year, Udupi has shown noteworthy progress, Dr Ashok said, adding the project was implemented on a pilot basis in Dharwad, Ballari, Tumakuru and Udupi.“We have submitted various suggestions to improve the digital transformation process. Postgraduates should also be given access so that they may also support the registration process during rush hours. Once all suggestions are considered, then the hospital will be able to achieve 100% success in the digital transformation process,” he added.
