In a significant move to enhance healthcare access, the Telangana health department has mandated a major expansion of medical services at wellness centres operating under the Employees and Journalists Health Scheme (EJHS). The phased upgrade will introduce six crucial super-specialty departments and a digital overhaul for appointment booking.
Major Service Expansion and Administrative Restructuring
The department has ordered the phased introduction of six super-specialty services at these centres. The new departments will include cardiology, nephrology, neurology, general surgery, dermatology, and paediatrics. This move aims to provide advanced care to all EJHS beneficiaries directly at the wellness centres, eliminating the frequent need to travel to larger, crowded hospitals for specialized consultations.
Currently, the 12 wellness centres managed by the Aarogyasri Trust offer services primarily limited to general medicine, dentistry, and physiotherapy. Specialties like gynaecology and orthopaedics are available only at select locations, highlighting the need for this expansion.
In a parallel administrative shift, the department has handed over the management of two wellness centres—Kukatpally and Khairatabad—to the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). The remaining ten centres will continue to operate under the medical education department, streamlining oversight and expertise.
Digital Push and Infrastructure Directives
To streamline access, the health department will develop a dedicated mobile application. This app will enable beneficiaries to conveniently book outpatient (OP) appointments online, reducing wait times and improving the patient experience.
Chairing a review meeting, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha issued strict directives to ensure the upgrade's success. He called for the immediate recruitment of specialist doctors and support staff to man the new departments. The minister also emphasized upgrading infrastructure, including the installation of necessary diagnostic equipment for on-site testing and improvements to patient amenities like waiting areas.
Tackling Drug Shortages and Supply Chain Issues
Addressing persistent concerns about drug availability, Minister Narasimha directed officials to ensure a seamless supply of medicines. He ordered the complete digitisation of the drug supply chain, covering the entire process from indents to procurement. This measure is intended to eliminate delays and ensure zero stock-outs of essential drugs at the wellness centres, an official stated.
This comprehensive overhaul of the EJHS wellness centres represents a committed step by the state government to decentralize specialized healthcare, making it more accessible and efficient for its employees and journalists. The integration of new specialties, digital tools, and a robust supply chain is expected to transform the patient care model under the scheme.
