Ranchi: Robotic surgery procedures will soon be introduced in district hospitals, medical colleges and hospitals, and Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), health minister Irfan Ansari announced on Wednesday.Speaking on the inaugural day of Jharkhand’s first digital health conclave in the city, Ansari said the move was aimed at reducing waiting time for surgeries and making advanced healthcare accessible to poor and needy patients.“Govt hospitals in Jharkhand are burdened with long queues of patients requiring surgeries. Surgeons also have limitations in performing a large number of procedures. To bridge the gap, the department is making significant efforts to introduce robotic surgery in state hospitals. This will ensure faster treatment, save valuable time and require less manpower,” he said.Artificial intelligence has also been identified as a key focus area for the healthcare system. Ansari said work was under way to develop a technology-based platform through which citizens could digitally share details of their health problems and receive medical guidance.The minister also inaugurated several remote healthcare initiatives, including a 10-bed tele-ICU facility, Mukhyamantri Digital Health Yojana and a digital Human Resource Information System (HRIS).The tele-ICU facility will provide critical care support and specialist expertise to patients in remote areas. It will cover district hospitals in Latehar, Gumla, Khunti, Ranchi and Chatra, with experts at Rims monitoring patients continuously.Additional chief secretary (health) Ajoy Kumar Singh said HRIS would maintain digital records of employees from appointment to retirement. The system will track attendance, leave, absence, service-related details and payments.Work is also under way to develop an AI-based system for the management and monitoring of around 80,000 sahiyas, medical staff, nurses and other healthcare personnel.Robotic machines, AI-based technologies and advanced medical equipment were among the key attractions at the conclave. Doctors, technology experts, investors and healthcare representatives from across the country are attending discussions on emerging technologies and potential investments in Jharkhand’s healthcare sector.
