State begins tech-driven overhaul of health services under
Further, the health department has also rolled out a comprehensive digital initiative to modernise public healthcare under the Mukhyamantri Digital Health Yojana, with the govt approving an estimated outlay of Rs 299.30 crore over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30).
Under the scheme, all health institutions are being equipped with high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, enhanced IT hardware like high-end computers, printers, biometric scanners and ABHA card scanners.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing has been roped in to implement the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) across the state. Additionally, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is responsible for providing Managed Wi-Fi and Internet Leased Line (ILL) services in 562 health institutions under an operating expense model for the next five years.
Talking to TOI, additional chief secretary (health) Ajoy Kumar Singh said, "The initiative is designed to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient, affordable and equitable by integrating advanced digital technology.
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Emphasising the vision of a welfare state, the scheme aligns with the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and promotes the use of technology to deliver quality healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas.
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Moreover, a command and control centre equipped with CCTV surveillance will be established at the state headquarters, medical colleges and all district hospitals. A central dashboard integrating health information management, enhanced recovery protocol, combined symptoms and medication score and electronic health records will also be developed for real-time monitoring and policy planning.
The scheme sets out multiple objectives such as implementing Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission standards, enabling telemedicine, automating diagnostic services, streamlining hospital operations, and ensuring real-time data management. It also aims to offer 24x7 emergency consultations and digital referrals to higher medical centres.
The implementation will follow a structured timeline. Joint secretary Bidyanand Sharma Pankaj said, "In the first year, digital health infrastructure will be installed in all medical colleges and district hospitals.
In the second year, the focus will shift to sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres, while subsequent years will focus on capacity building and maintenance.
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Doctors have also expressed support for the initiative, saying technology and AI would significantly assist them in their work. Dr Vijay Mishra, the director at the Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Hospital, said, "Technology and digitisation have already made a big leap in diagnostics, especially in ophthalmology and internal medicine.
It helps doctors reach quicker and more accurate conclusions."
Dr Gagan Gunjan of the emergency department at Rims, said, "Digitisation is becoming the next big revolution in healthcare just like penicillin once was. From OPD to complex decision-making, it's transforming how we treat and interact with patients."
Dr Vivek Kumar David, an orthopaedist at Paras Hospital, said, "Technology combined brings unmatched precision in surgeries.
It guides surgical cuts and implant placement better than the human eye ever could."
Meanwhile, a total of 54 technical experts and additional staff will be hired through contractual arrangements to augment the state's healthcare. An annual budget of Rs 15 crore has been allocated for human resources and Rs 10 crore for training and awareness for over five years. The state govt has also approved a budget of Rs 4921.28 lakh for IT hardware, Rs 11,711.78 lakh for wifFi infrastructure, Rs 2385.87 lakh for HMIS implementation, Rs 7052.19 lakh for CCTV-based control centres, and Rs 1359.6 lakh for the development and operation of the central monitoring dashboard.
Moreover, Ranchi sadar hospital has already implemented a QR code-enabled system under its Laboratory Information and Management System (LIMS), and allows patients to access diagnostic reports online. Each sample vial will carry a QR code linked to patient details, making it possible to download reports from home without revisiting the hospital.
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