Two lakh anganwadi workers to be trained to use advanced digital tools, pilot application invited by EoDB

New Delhi: Amid growing health concerns due to COVID-19, a need was felt to upgrade the skill set of anganwadi workers and improve the existing healthcare infrastructure. The announcement made by Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, Government of India in the Union Healthcare Budget 22-23 for up-gradation of two-lakh anganwadis has given impetus to this long awaited need. In view of this, tech piloting agency Ease of Doing Business Division (EoDB), has opened applications for start-ups, Indian and global healthcare tech companies to provide their best technology, products and services (TPS) and play a major role in digitisation of the world’s largest rural healthcare system for an advanced digital uplift.

“Allocation in the Union Budget for up-gradation of two-lakh anganwadis under the ‘Saksham Anganwadis’ scheme is a testimony of government’s commitment towards fostering inclusive growth, welfare and stronger health system in the country. The applications are invited to showcase advanced TPS from tech companies deeply rooted in making healthcare ecosystem easy, safe and secure and most importantly affordable for commercial pilot”, said Abhijeet Sinha, Program Director, EoDB.

“The up-gradation of anganwadis is essential and will play a critical role in improving the rural health ecosystem. This project aims at empowering India’s front-line health workers by training and upskilling them on a digital platform, assisting them to securely record medical data on an easy to use and highly accessible digital platform. As a part of the pilot project, FLHWs will be provided with devices such as tablets and smartphones, enabling online training even in remote areas of the country and record health data of patients at the time of care,” said, Dr Sabine Kapasi, Member, Healthcare - Working Group, EoDB.

The health database developed as a part of this pilot will act as a starting point to understand our population health and can contribute to the development of more structured electronic health records (EHRs) for our nation in coming years. The pilot will consist of digital registries of health providers and health facilities, unique health identity, and universal access to health facilities, she added.

“Upgradation of the anganwadis is a great initiative towards upskilling of the rural health workers. Union Budget announcement is a booster for creating a robust National Digital Health Ecosystem. Opportunity to tech companies in the Commercial Pilot initiated by Ease of Doing Business will add true value and make a positive impact in the up-gradation of the rural health care infrastructure. We believe that digital reskilling and training solutions based on Indian standard treatment recommendations, together with the empowerment of FLHWs, can assist India to achieve improved health outcomes by lowering maternal and infant mortality rates,” added, Hema Jagota, Country Director, Clinical Solutions, Elsevier.