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Digital services start at 4 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres

With this system, all details of the patients will be on the computer of the doctor in charge, as filled by the staff nurse, and details of investigations, prescription, follow-up date and time will be given to the patients on only one paper.

As part of the effort, e-registration will be done and a token number generated for the patient. (Express Photo)

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria visited the upgraded Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) centres at Maloya, Sector 35, Makhan Majra, and Raipur Kalan on Tuesday.

Kataria’s visit was part of the nationwide observance marking the transformation of health and wellness centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. The day also marked the launch of digital services at these centres for enhanced efficiency and patient care.

“We will cover all 19 centres in phases, as we conduct training and update hardware, as part of this important initiative, that will gradually help us go paperless and the system will ensure efficiency and reduce the waiting time of patients,” shared Dr Suman Singh, director, Health Services.

As part of the effort, e-registration will be done and a token number generated for the patient.

“Now we have posts of staff nurses that were recently approved for all the 19 centres, which will screen all patients who register for diabetes and hypertension, and after taking all the vitals of the patients, will send them to the doctor here, as per the token number,” shares Singh, adding that this will reduce crowding outside the room of doctors and save time.

With this system, all details of the patients will be on the computer of the doctor in charge, as filled by the staff nurse, and details of investigations, prescription, follow-up date and time will be given to the patients on only one paper.

This paper will be shown to the pharmacist for getting medicines and soon an electronic system that will display the token number will be introduced so that patients do not have to stand in line.

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“On a slot basis, specialised services like gynaecology etc, and consultancy of medical officers will be available here at these centres. On average, one doctor sees around 100 patients, and so we need more doctors, and staff, and we hope this initiative will also reduce the number of patients here at GMSH-16, which sees around 3,000 patients daily in the OPD. We have floated a tender for LAN internet connection for better connectivity to increase and improve digital services here at GMSH-16, as this is the need of the hour,” explains Singh.

Also read | Ayushman Bharat Scheme (AB PM-JAY) card distribution starts in Delhi on April 10 – all you need to know

The administrator also reviewed the infrastructure, service delivery, and digital health integration at the centres, and interacted with several patients who had come for routine check-ups and consultations, and inquired about the quality, accessibility, and overall experience of services at the centres.

He spoke to community health officers and staff to understand the range of free services being provided, including non-communicable disease screenings, telemedicine consultations, maternal and child healthcare, and provision of essential medicines and diagnostics.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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