STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu proudly announces a significant milestone in its journey towards digitalization. This transformative step will revolutionize patient care and streamline medical services through advanced digital solutions.
Digitalization at AIIMS Jammu began with implementing key systems like the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) and the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). These systems aim to streamline staff administration, improve patient care through efficient data handling, and ensure secure and seamless information sharing across departments.
The digital transformation is structured into various major milestones. At the onset, AIIMS Jammu will implement telemedicine and consultation services. The Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) will handle patient registration, emergency registration, patient billing, patient enquiry, laboratory services, and inventory management integration. Additionally, an online appointment registration system and mobile apps for viewing investigation reports will be launched and integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The Human Resource Management System (HRMS) will manage service records, promotions, and leave management. In the next phase, the HMIS will be expanded to include inpatient departments
(IPD), operation theatres (OT), the e-Raktkosh blood bank management system (BBMS), alert management, laundry services, biomedical equipment management (BMED), kitchen dietary services, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).
Clinical decision support systems featuring predictive analytics and remote monitoring will also be introduced. The third milestone will include establishing a clinical data repository, introducing predictive medicine, and enhancing disease surveillance and infection control. Finally, AIIMS Jammu will incorporate health metrics via wearable devices, collect and analyze patient experiences, and utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for various applications.
Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with other dignitaries, attended a demonstration of the HMIS system and engaged with the CDAC team to gain insights into the latest developments. The Health Minister expressed his appreciation and satisfaction, stating, “A digitally empowered healthcare system is in alignment with our Prime Minister’s visionary ‘Digital India’ campaign. By integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into our medical infrastructure, we aim to enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and ensure seamless access to healthcare services for every citizen. This transformation will not only elevate AIIMS Jammu to new heights but also set a benchmark for healthcare institutions across the country, driving us closer to our goal of a technologically advanced and inclusive India.”
The Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, stated, “Patients can now book appointments online via a mobile app, reducing wait times and improving efficiency, with easy options for scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations. Automated reminders for recall visits ensure patients never miss follow-up appointments, enhancing continuity of care. Prescriptions are generated electronically, reducing errors and ensuring legibility, with delivery via email or SMS. Patient records are securely stored electronically, eliminating the need for paper files and ensuring easy storage, quick retrieval, and secure access for patients and healthcare providers. Each patient receives an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) number, enhancing interoperability and continuity of care across different healthcare providers. Diagnostic test results are digitized and made available in real-time, allowing quicker diagnosis and timely intervention, with patients able to view and share their results online.
Digital records ensure easy review and continuous monitoring, helping healthcare providers track patient progress and make data-driven decisions. This eliminates the risk of losing vital information, with secure backups ensuring data integrity and availability. Digital records enable comparison with previous records, helping assess therapy effectiveness and make informed treatment decisions. The accuracy and consistency of digital data facilitate reliable research and analysis. The digital system streamlines administrative processes, reduces paperwork, and enhances patient satisfaction through reduced wait times and better communication. Additionally, the system integrates with various health services, including telemedicine, remote monitoring, and patient education, ensuring comprehensive care.”
He further shared, “Above all, digitalization is essential because it helps staff, faculty, and patients adapt to new technologies early on. This early adoption eases the transition and reduces resistance to change, making future advancements smoother and more efficient.” The adoption of these advanced technologies will empower AIIMS Jammu to make informed decisions based on comprehensive and real-time data, ultimately enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta summarized the benefits of digitalization, highlighting how it enhances global expert consultations, streamlines patient records for better care, extends remote access, optimizes resource management, empowers patient engagement, and improves cost efficiency. He concluded, “We at AIIMS Jammu expect a footfall of nearly 2500 patients per day in upcoming times, and we are excited about the positive impact this will have on operational efficiency, patient care, and overall healthcare experience. We look forward to continuing our efforts to innovate and provide the best possible care to our community.”
AIIMS Jammu is poised to become the first AIIMS to achieve complete digitalization within just one year of its inception, marking an incredible milestone.