With the objective of providing IT-enabled high quality primary healthcare services for the first time in Rajasthan, the system of digital prescription has been introduced through Janta Clinics. Under the digitalised primary health care system, the case history of a patient is listed in a mobile phone and sent to a tablet computer for the doctor to see and examine. After diagnosis, the doctor writes the prescription digitally which goes digitally through mobile on to the pharmacist. Afterwards patients are provided with free medicines along with the printout containing the detail of their diagnosis and medicines.

The concept of Mohalla Clinics, a brainchild of the AAP government in Delhi, is inspiring some more state governments to adopt this model of bringing primary healthcare to the doorstep of people. Pertinently, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot in his first budget after the Congress formed the government in the state, has launched Janta Clinics, that will provide free medical care to the urban population.

Rohit Kumar Singh (IAS:1989:RJ), Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Health & Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan said that Janta clinics aim at providing universal healthcare to people in the state. He emphasised on building a network of healthcare facilities across the state. According to the plan of bringing about a digital healthcare revolution, presently, five Janta Clinics are operational at Jaipur. And, seven others are scheduled to be inaugurated soon at other locations.

Health department officials say that each Janta Clinic will focus on catering to 20,000 population in the urban areas with facilities such as primary healthcare; vaccination, free primary diagnosis tests and medicines.

Each Janta Clinic is backed by one doctor, two general nurses, one midwife, an auxiliary nurse and a midwife (ANM), a pharmacist, one staff member for cleaning and three supporting staff.

By Neha Sharma