Lucknow, January 3: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a proposal to establish a Centre of Excellence (COE) for Telemedicine at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), aiming to strengthen telemedicine services across the state.
Proposal Led by KGMU Telemedicine Head
The initiative was proposed by Dr. Sheetal Verma, nodal in-charge of telemedicine at KGMU, with the goal of improving the quality of teleconsultations through the eSanjeevani platform 2.0.
Support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The project has received grant support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), which will assist in the implementation and operational aspects of the initiative. The programme is expected to enhance access, quality, and equity in healthcare delivery throughout Uttar Pradesh.
Comprehensive Proposal Accepted by State Government
KGMU’s proposal, created in consultation with key stakeholders and experts, was approved in recognition of the growing demand for high-quality teleconsultations. It offers a structured approach to address current challenges and strengthen the state’s telemedicine infrastructure.
Key Components of the COE Initiative
According to Hindustan Times, the proposal includes: establishing the COE at KGMU, deploying mentors and group practice managers (GPMs) to monitor consultation quality, developing training materials and SOPs for healthcare providers, conducting quality audits, expanding specialist services, exploring innovative telemedicine approaches, and collaborating with partners like the National Health Mission and C-DAC.
Landmark Step for Telemedicine in UP
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sonia Nityanand called the approval a “historic initiative,” stating it reflects the government’s commitment to technology-driven healthcare, enhances patient care, optimises resource use, and reduces urban-rural health disparities.
Leadership Perspective
Dr. Sheetal Verma described the approval as a transformative milestone, marking a new era of telemedicine excellence in Uttar Pradesh and strengthening the state’s capacity to deliver high-quality virtual healthcare.
Phased Rollout for Sustainable Impact
The implementation will occur in phases to ensure the initiative’s impact is sustainable and long-lasting, aiming to set a benchmark for telemedicine services in India.
