Govt launches e-CGHS cards, GIS-enabled HMIS application

The Centre today launched two digital initiatives, including an e-health card, aimed at benefiting pensioners who find it difficult to visit Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) centres for its renewal.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda while launching the initiatives said, these are steps towards the 'Digital India' vision and his ministry is committed to strengthening public health systems and provide user-friendly health services in the country.
The other digital initiative is the GIS-enabled Health Management Information System (HMIS) application.
"The initiative will not only monitor the performance and quality of the health services being provided under the NHM (National Health Mission) but will also provide effective healthcare to the rural population throughout the country," Nadda said.

Nadda said the self-printing e-CGHS card facility will provide "ease and access" to all those beneficiaries such as pensioners who may find it difficult to go to CGHS centres for renewal in case they lose or misplace the card.
"As this can be printed from any location once the process of application based on authentic documents has been approved, this enables easy reprinting by the beneficiary himself or herself. The beneficiary can access this facility by visiting the CGHS portal at www.Cghs.Nic.In where simple steps for this have been enumerated," Nadda said.

The GIS-enabled HMIS services will provide comprehensive data on a GIS (geographic information system) platform on 1.6 lakh government health facilities spread across the country.

A Health Ministry statement said the HMIS application also has scope of incorporating map layers of roads and water bodies which will provide comprehensive information regarding health facilities and disease vulnerable areas of the country.
At present, the application is available in login domain of HMIS portal. It is planned to put it in public domain in the near future.
"The mapping provides data only on public health facilities presently, which shall soon be expanded to cover private facilities as well," Nadda said.
Health Management Information System (HMIS) is a web-based monitoring system that has been put in place by the Union Health Ministry to monitor its health programmes and provide key inputs for policy formulation and interventions.

It was launched in October 2008 with uploading of district consolidated figures. To make HMIS more robust and effective and facilitate local-level monitoring, "facility-based reporting" has been initiated since April 2011.
At present, 1.94 lakh health facilities (across all states/UTs) are uploading facility-wise data on monthly basis on the HMIS web portal.
HMIS data are widely used by the ministry and states for policy planning, monitoring and supervision purpose, the statement said.
A Health Ministry statement said the HMIS application also has scope of incorporating map layers of roads and water bodies which will provide comprehensive information regarding health facilities and disease vulnerable areas of the country.

At present, the application is available in login domain of HMIS portal. It is planned to put it in public domain in the near future.
"The mapping provides data only on public health facilities at present, which will soon be expanded to cover private facilities as well," Nadda said.