Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren chaired a high-level review meeting on the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare at the Jharkhand Secretariat in Ranchi, outlining a major roadmap to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system.
The meeting focused on digital transformation in healthcare, recruitment of medical staff, and expansion of medical education and hospital infrastructure across the state.
Major Push for AI-Based Healthcare and Ambulance System
During the review, the Chief Minister directed officials to develop an AI-based ambulance management system and an app-driven network modeled on ride-hailing platforms such as Ola and Uber.
Key instructions included:
- Development of an AI-based emergency call centre
- App-based ambulance tracking and dispatch system
- Statewide audit of referral healthcare systems
- Faster emergency response mechanisms
The initiative aims to modernize emergency healthcare services and improve response time across Jharkhand.
Recruitment Drive for Doctors and Nursing Staff
The Chief Minister ordered immediate action to fill vacant healthcare positions in the state, including:
- Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) posts
- General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) posts
- Specialist doctors and medical staff recruitment
He emphasized strengthening human resources in the healthcare system to ensure better patient care and service delivery.
Focus on Maternal Health and Hospital Services
Special priority was given to improving maternal healthcare and reducing mortality rates. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure better medical care for pregnant women and strengthen maternal health services across all districts.
He also called for:
- Improved cleanliness in hospitals
- Regular statewide eye-screening camps
- Better functioning of hospital services and infrastructure
Structural Reforms and Healthcare Expansion Plans
The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to prepare a roadmap for restructuring its directorates based on rural and urban healthcare needs.
Additional measures include:
- Expansion of medical education facilities
- Increase in UG and PG medical seats
- Establishment of rehabilitation and therapy centres in medical colleges
- Completion of ongoing medical college projects
- Appointment of guest faculty, including senior doctors
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure and Digital Systems
Other key initiatives discussed in the meeting included:
- Creation of Blood Separation Units
- Faster licensing of blood banks
- Regular blood donation drives
- Statewide ABHA card registration campaign
- Audit of Ayushman Bharat empanelled hospitals
- Operationalisation of Abua Dawakhana centres
- Promotion of organ donation inspired by Kerala’s model
The government also highlighted the successful establishment of a Central Radiology Hub at Sadar Hospital, Ranchi, which is linked to all districts and is being seen as a major milestone in digital healthcare integration.
Government’s Vision for Healthcare Transformation
Health Minister Irfan Ansari praised the Chief Minister’s initiative, stating that detailed departmental reviews help improve performance and ensure better outcomes for citizens.
He noted that the meeting covered past progress, ongoing initiatives, and future planning in a comprehensive manner, with strong emphasis on improving healthcare quality and maternal care services.
About Jharkhand Healthcare System
Jharkhand is actively working to modernize its healthcare infrastructure through digital innovation, expanded medical education, improved hospital services, and strengthened emergency response systems to enhance public health delivery across rural and urban areas.
Read also: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Orders Demolition of Illegal Encroachments on Rivers, Dams and Ponds
