Ranchi: Jharkhand is set to host a two-day Digital Health Conclave 2026 from September 30 to October 1, 2026, focusing on the use of advanced technology to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The event, organised by the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, will focus on technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), robotic surgery, tele-ICU, telemedicine, tele-radiology and digital health records. The state Health Department lists Irfan Ansari as Health Minister and Ajoy Kumar Singh as Additional Chief Secretary.
Digital Health Conclave to Focus on Modern Healthcare Technology
The conclave is aimed at exploring how emerging technologies can be integrated into Jharkhand’s healthcare system, particularly to improve access to specialised medical services in rural and remote areas.
According to Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari, the objective is not simply to showcase new technologies but to examine their practical application according to the state’s geographical and social requirements.
The minister said technology should help extend the capabilities of doctors and improve access to specialist healthcare rather than replace doctors.
Read also: Jharkhand Pushes Dhalbhumgarh Airport Project, Proposes 540 Acres for Development
Robotic Surgery, AI and Tele-ICU Among Key Focus Areas
Several emerging healthcare technologies will be showcased and discussed during the two-day event.
Key areas of focus include:
- Robotic surgery and tele-surgery
- Tele-ICU and tele-SNCU
- Telemedicine and tele-radiology
- AI-based diagnostics
- Digital health records
- Paperless hospital systems
The conclave is also expected to bring together medical institutions and technology experts to discuss the potential use of these systems in the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Recent reporting on the event confirms that AI, telemedicine, tele-ICU and robotic surgery are among its main themes.
10-Bed High-Tech ICU to Be Launched
A 10-bed high-tech ICU is also scheduled to be formally inaugurated during the conclave by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to the information provided by the state government.
The initiative is part of the broader push toward technology-enabled healthcare services in Jharkhand.
ABHA IDs and WhatsApp Services for Patients
The state Health Department is also working on expanding digital services for patients.
Under the Chief Minister Digital Health Scheme, hospitals have been connected with high-speed Wi-Fi, while digital health services are being expanded.
Key initiatives include:
- ABHA IDs: Health records are being linked to digital platforms to enable secure access to patients’ medical histories.
- WhatsApp services: Hospitals have begun providing services such as patient registration, payment and pathology reports through WhatsApp.
- District-level expansion: The WhatsApp-based services are planned to be extended across district hospitals.
The state’s Health Department has also listed an AI-enabled digital CAD-CAM dental laboratory among its recent healthcare initiatives, indicating a wider use of digital technologies in medical services.
Focus on Medicine Availability and Hospital Services
Alongside digital healthcare initiatives, the Health Department has also emphasised the availability of medicines in government hospitals.
According to the information shared ahead of the conclave, adequate funds have been released for medicine procurement. The department has stated that action will be taken in cases of negligence related to medicine procurement or supply.
This focus comes alongside broader efforts to improve government hospital infrastructure and healthcare delivery.
RIMS-2 and Expansion of Medical Education
The state government is also working on healthcare infrastructure and medical education alongside digital initiatives.
The plans include taking forward the concept of RIMS-2 in Ranchi, while expanding medical education capacity in the state.
The government is also working on increasing the number of medical colleges and expanding MBBS and postgraduate seats, along with efforts towards establishing a medical university.
Technology to Support Doctors, Not Replace Them
Dr Irfan Ansari has stressed that technologies such as AI and robotics are intended to support medical professionals rather than replace them.
According to the minister, robotic systems can assist during surgery and AI can help analyse medical reports, but the final treatment and prescription decisions will remain with trained doctors.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining human interaction and sensitivity in healthcare, particularly in understanding patients’ concerns and providing emotional support.
Jharkhand’s Broader Digital Transformation Push
The Digital Health Conclave is part of a broader technology-focused approach being pursued by the Jharkhand government. In July 2026, Chief Minister Hemant Soren reviewed digital governance and IT initiatives and called for digital services to reach remote and rural areas. The state has also discussed AI-based governance, digital infrastructure and integrated health platforms with technology companies.
The health-focused conclave brings these digital priorities into the healthcare sector, with emphasis on improving access to technology-enabled medical services.
Senior Officials to Attend Digital Health Conclave
Several senior officials from the Health Department are associated with the initiative, including:
- Dr Neha Arora, Special Secretary
- Shashi Prakash Singh, Additional Secretary
- Shashi Prakash Jha, NHM Mission Director
- Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Joint Secretary
The Jharkhand Health Department’s official directory confirms these officials’ roles within the department.
