The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has introduced home delivery of medicines for veterans and serving military personnel. The initiative, which takes place under the online medical consultation platform named Services e-Health Assistance and Teleconsultation (SeHAT), is part of an effort to provide comprehensive healthcare services directly to patients in their homes.
Understanding SeHAT Initiative
The SeHAT initiative serves as the tri-services teleconsultation service of the MoD. It caters to all entitled personnel and their family members. The design of this platform seeks to ensure that those with military affiliations can access quality healthcare promptly and conveniently.
The Birth of SeHAT
In May 2021, as part of the Government’s commitment to Digital India and e-Governance, the Defence Minister launched the SeHAT initiative. With digital transformation trends taking center stage globally, the move represents an essential step towards leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery within the defense sector.
SeHAT’s Objective
The primary goal of the SeHAT initiative is to bring healthcare services to the doorsteps of patients. By facilitating remote access to medical consultation and services, the platform aims to eliminate the need for physical visits to health facilities. This approach is particularly beneficial for veterans who may have mobility challenges or other issues that make regular hospital visits inconvenient.
How SeHAT Works: The Stay Home OPD
The SeHAT Stay Home OPD operates similarly to eSanjeevani, a free OPD service run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for all citizens. It adopts a patient-to-doctor system where consultations happen remotely via the internet. Patients can communicate with doctors in real-time, receiving professional advice and prescriptions without leaving their homes.
In the case of prescribed medication, the platform facilitates home delivery, ensuring that patients can access necessary medicines promptly. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the MoD’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for veterans and serving military personnel.
Source Verification
All information regarding the SeHAT initiative was sourced from the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The PIB serves as the nodal agency of the Government of India, disseminating information to the print, electronic and new media on government policies, initiatives, achievements, and newsworthy events.
The Ministry of Defense’s SeHAT initiative marks a significant step towards improved healthcare delivery for military personnel and veterans. By leveraging technology, it seeks to provide timely, efficient, and convenient healthcare services to this section of India’s population. Further, by operating on similar lines as eSanjeevani, it promises a reliable and effective platform for remote medical consultations and medicine delivery.
