In a bid to augment medical screening at community and primary health centres in rural UP, the state administration has decided to install automated health check-up machines here. Functioning on the lines of ATMs, these health kiosks will be fitted with integrated medical devices to conduct free of cost check-ups on 59 parameters. The walk-in facility will further be assisted with basic laboratory testing and emergency facilities, staffed by a medical attendant, across all 75 districts of UP
Health ATMs to cater to the masses at the grassroots
File photo: Health kiosk
The ‘Heath ATMs’ across the state-run health centres will help to gauge basic vitals, cardiology, neurology, pulmonary testing, gynaecology to assist medical screening. The advanced machines will be able to record Body Mass Index (BMI), Bone Mass, Hydration in the body, Pulse Rate, Muscle Mass, blood pressure, haemoglobin, metabolic age, weight, height, temperature, basal metabolic rating, visceral fat, oxygen saturation and blood glucose.
The Chief Minister has issued directives to train technicians at the earliest, to ensure proper management of the new machines and to expedite the process of setting up the kiosks. An innovative measure, this step is a part of the state’s various methods to rope in technology, to provide healthcare facilities in the remotest regions, isolated villages and rural areas.
Several industrial agencies have exhibited an enthusiastic response to provide the state with Health ATMs. These will help to cater accessible medical facilities at the grassroots, in a convenient manner, read reports.
The machines will be an instrument of the state, to provide seamless access to quality caregivers and quick diagnostics. Besides, the ATMs will empower people to be more aware of their overall health, a government spokesperson added. It will also be the nodal link between patients and certified doctors. Attendants will be able to connect the two parties by using high-definition video conferencing, digital medical devices and web/mobile applications. Medical advice will also be relayed to the people undergoing the tests, reports detailed.
Diagnosis in just 16 minutes!
Other accessory systems and provisions such as OPD-like facilities, will be linked to the Health ATMs. Diet charts to control physical ailments and reduce mental stress will further be provided, based on a diagnosis of medical reports. “As most doctors do not want to serve in far-flung areas, the concept of Health ATMs will enable technology in bridging this gap by providing health care to the rural populace”, a senior health official stated.
“These smart machines will be able to diagnose a medical condition in about 16 minutes and will also dispense pills for free, which will not only be a boon for people amid the prevailing pandemic but will also generate employment opportunities for many technicians,” he added.
