Centre to track scheme implementation, receive patient feedback via helpline ‘104’
Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar:
In a major step towards improving healthcare governance, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday inaugurated the Arogya Samiksha Kendra, a state-level healthcare monitoring centre located in Gandhinagar. The facility is designed to evaluate and oversee the implementation of healthcare services and schemes across the state.
The initiative aims to strengthen monitoring, accountability, and responsiveness in public health delivery. It will also act as a centralised platform for collecting feedback, complaints, and suggestions from beneficiaries of government healthcare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat.
Health Helpline ‘104’ Becomes Public Interface
Speaking to reporters, State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said:
“Patients and beneficiaries can now call the health helpline number ‘104’ to register complaints, share suggestions, or seek information. The calls will be answered directly by the Arogya Samiksha Kendra, and the issues will be addressed on priority.”
This move is expected to bring governance closer to citizens and improve grievance redressal efficiency, he added.
Integrated Monitoring with Tech-Driven Dashboard
According to an official release, the centre will serve as a hub for integrating various health department schemes and programmes. A digital dashboard will enable real-time analysis of beneficiary data, and an audio-visual system will facilitate communication with officials across districts.
“The integrated system will allow continuous follow-up, performance review, and support targeted outreach to those missing out on healthcare services,” the statement said.
Multiple Utilities: From Patient Care to Crisis Response
The Arogya Samiksha Kendra is also expected to play a critical role in disaster management and epidemic response by offering quick access to real-time health data and communication tools. Features include:
- Call centre for public queries and consultations
- Audio-visual conference rooms
- Video conferencing-enabled meeting rooms
- Mechanisms for alerting and instructing district health officers
Public Empowerment and Policy Communication
By enabling direct communication between the government and citizens, the centre will help improve transparency and policy awareness. It also gives the government a channel to communicate health-related directives to local authorities promptly and effectively.
“People can now seek health advice and information about schemes from the comfort of their homes,” the government noted, highlighting the centre’s citizen-centric approach.
Towards Stronger Health Governance
The launch of the Arogya Samiksha Kendra aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of tech-enabled, transparent, and inclusive healthcare governance, and is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other states.
