What is the ‘Aarogya Samiksha Kendra’ inaugurated by Gujarat CM?

Gandhinagar, July 1 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched the ‘Aarogya Samiksha Kendra’ in Gandhinagar, accompanied by Health Minister Rushikesh Patel.

This comprehensive review centre aims to serve as the core hub for monitoring, evaluating, and improving health services, programs, and initiatives throughout Gujarat.

The centre is established to consolidate all health-related review processes into one location, facilitating a thorough and data-oriented strategy for decision-making.

One of the main attributes of the centre is its integrated helpline services, including the 104 Health Helpline, which is already operational, providing 24/7 assistance to citizens seeking information, guidance, and consultations regarding health matters and schemes.

Moreover, the PMJAY-MA helpline is also active to assist beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat and related insurance schemes.

This system enables counseling, telemedical advice, and virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers, with follow-up services such as medicine prescriptions and lab test instructions conveniently delivered via SMS.

The call centre is particularly noteworthy, staffed by over 100 trained professionals who offer multilingual support on a broad spectrum of health topics.

The facility incorporates a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, which ensures that all interactions are securely documented, categorized, and stored for training, quality assurance, and future reference.

This initiative is executed and overseen by EMRI GHS, renowned for its expertise in emergency response systems.

Importantly, the Aarogya Samiksha Kendra is intended to enhance the accessibility of healthcare services to remote and underserved areas of the state. Through structured outreach and beneficiary feedback mechanisms, the centre ensures that individuals who have been excluded from immunization programs or healthcare benefits—especially in tribal or interior regions—are identified and connected to the necessary services.

The centre will function as a real-time response unit to track progress and saturation levels of health schemes such as maternal and child care, TB treatment, immunization, and nutrition.

Some of the critical services monitored include maternal health for high-risk pregnancies, such as women with sickle cell anemia, heart or kidney conditions, underweight issues, or low hemoglobin levels. Various metrics in child health will also be assessed to enhance long-term well-being.

The centre has a robust review mechanism for TB patients, including continuous follow-ups at 15 days, 2 months, 4 months, and post-treatment stages to ensure effective recovery, particularly among high-risk individuals.

Under the universal immunization program, the centre will oversee vaccine distribution to mothers and children.

For PMJAY-MA beneficiaries, feedback will be systematically collected and analyzed to pinpoint gaps in service delivery. It will also monitor initiatives under the National Vector Borne Disease Control program, school health programs addressing Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), and support systems for front-line workers.