CM Hemant Soren Calls for Ola-Uber Style Ambulance Network, Pushes Tech-Driven Healthcare Reforms

Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed the Health Department to adopt modern technology to strengthen healthcare services across the state. During a review meeting, he asked officials to prepare separate healthcare strategies for rural and urban areas and emphasized the need for a more efficient ambulance system.

Expressing concern over complaints related to ambulance services and reports involving pregnant women facing difficulties in accessing emergency care, the Chief Minister instructed the department to develop an ambulance network on the lines of ride-hailing platforms such as Ola and Uber. He also proposed setting up an AI-based call center to manage the service efficiently and ordered the Health Department to submit a detailed action plan within a week.

Immediate Recruitment and Departmental Reforms

Soren directed officials to expedite recruitment for vacant positions of ANMs and GNMs across the state. He also called for the early appointment of specialist and general doctors. In addition, the Health Department has been asked to submit a proposal for restructuring its directorates to improve efficiency.

Separate Plans for Rural and Urban Healthcare

The Chief Minister noted that healthcare needs vary significantly between rural and urban populations and instructed the department to prepare dedicated plans for both. He also ordered a statewide audit of the referral system and sought a comprehensive report.

During the meeting, Soren highlighted the establishment of a Central Radiology Hub at Sadar Hospital Ranchi, describing it as the first such initiative in any government healthcare setup in the country. The hub has been connected to all districts, enabling improved diagnostic services and reducing inconvenience for patients.

App-Based Blood Bank Management and Eye Care Camps

The government plans to establish Blood Separation Units and expedite licensing procedures for blood banks. To ensure transparency and better management, blood bank services will be made app-based. The Chief Minister also directed authorities to organize regular blood donation camps among government employees and police personnel.

Additionally, he ordered special eye-checkup camps to be conducted across the state for four to five days to improve access to vision care services.

Expansion of Medical Education Infrastructure

The Chief Minister instructed the department to work towards increasing undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) seats in medical colleges across Jharkhand. He also sought proposals for setting up rehabilitation and therapy centers in all medical colleges.

To accelerate the completion of under-construction medical colleges, Soren directed officials to ensure timely payments and avoid delays in project execution.

Hospital Modernization and Abuwa Dawakhana Initiative

Under the Hospital Rejuvenation Scheme, all district hospitals will be upgraded with modern facilities. Older Sadar hospitals will be improved through the introduction of an air-cooling concept to make them more comfortable for patients and visitors.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to fast-track the implementation of the state government's ambitious Abuwa Dawakhana healthcare initiative.

Audit of Ayushman Scheme and ABHA Card Campaign

Soren ordered an immediate audit of all hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and asked the department to submit a report. A statewide campaign will also be launched to increase enrollment for Ayushman cards and ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) cards.

The drive will be extended to schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers to ensure that citizens' health records are digitized. The Chief Minister further stressed the importance of cleanliness in hospitals, directing officials to maintain high standards of hygiene and provide regular maintenance updates.