New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the 'Services e-Health Assistance & Tele-consultation (SeHAT)' OPD portal through video conferencing on Thursday. The portal provides telemedicine services to the serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. The services can be availed by registering on the website https://sehatopd.in/. This is the final version of the SeHAT OPD portal with advanced safety features. The trial version was made functional in August 2020. More than 6,500 medical consultations have already been carried on the beta version by service doctors.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, DG AFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Rajat Datta, Deputy Chief IDS (Medical) Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar and other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence attended the event virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh lauded the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Centre for Development of Artificial Computing (C-DAC), Mohali, and other organisations involved in the development of the portal, saying that it reflects the government's commitment to 'Digital India' and 'e-governance'. "It has always been our endeavour to provide better, faster and transparent facilities to our countrymen," he underlined. He described the SeHAT OPD portal as a great example of innovation, especially at a time when the nation is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the portal will help reduce the load on hospitals and patients will be able to get contactless consultations in an easy and effective manner.
The minister urged the AFMS to consider adding specialist doctors to this portal and incorporating the service of delivery of medicines to the homes of the service personnel. This will provide additional services and ensure greater convenience to the Armed Forces personnel, he said. Singh suggested that regular feedback of beneficiaries should be obtained for improved delivery of services.
Singh commended the role being played by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Armed Forces in the fight against the second COVID-19 wave. He made special mention of the COVID hospitals and Oxygen Generation plants being set up by DRDO at many places across the country including Delhi, Lucknow, Gandhinagar & Varanasi, as well as the development of 2-DG drug to fight the virus. He also appreciated AFMS for deploying additional medical professionals in COVID hospitals and effectively dealing with a surge in cases. Singh lauded the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy for working tirelessly to transport oxygen and other critical medical equipment on time from within the country and abroad. He urged them not to let their guard down and continue their efforts with dedication until the war against COVID-19 is won.
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