In a bid to diversify the Primary Healthcare Sector and expand medical facilities in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up automated health check up machines on the lines of ATMs at CHC and PHC level in the state. 

The State Health Department has been instructed to chalk out a pragmatic action plan and install — ‘Health ATMs’ — walk-in medical kiosks with integrated medical devices for basic vitals, cardiology, neurology, pulmonary testing, gynaecology, basic laboratory testing and emergency facilities, staffed by a medical attendant in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The kiosks will perform free-of-cost checkups on 59 parameters, some of which include: Body Mass Index (BMI), Bone Mass, Hydration in the body, Pulse Rate, Muscle Mass, blood pressure, hemoglobin, metabolic age, weight, height, temperature, basal metabolic rating, visceral fat, oxygen saturation and blood glucose.  

Chairing a high-level COVID Review meeting with senior officials on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also issued directives to ensure that training of technicians should be completed at the earliest possible in order to expedite the process of setting up the ATMs. 

The Uttar Pradesh government has been roping in innovative measures to provide primary healthcare facilities in the remotest regions, villages and rural areas of the state. The Health ATMs will provide quick and convenient preventive health screening to the citizens and will help in enabling the government in providing accessible medicare facilities at the grassroots level.

By providing seamless access to quality caregivers and quick diagnostics, Health ATMs will empower consumers to be more cognizant about their health. They will also connect patients with certified doctors using high-definition video conferencing, digital medical devices and web/mobile applications. Medical advice will also be given to the people undergoing the tests. OPD-like facilities will be available in health ATMs and Diet charts according to disease, ways to reduce mental stress will also be told on the basis of medical reports. 

As most doctors do not want to serve in far-flung areas, the concept of Health ATMs will enable Technology in bridging this gap by providing health care to the rural populace. These smart machines will be able to diagnose a medical condition in about 16 minutes and will also dispense pills for free, which will not only emerge as a boon for people amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic and the monsoon season but will also generate employment opportunities for many technicians. 

Several industrial groups have also expressed their willingness to provide 'Health ATMs' to the government. The Chief Minister has issued directives to establish direct interaction with such people to ensure coordination and cooperation. 

Health ATMs to provide checkups on 59 parameters

Health ATM is the next-generation healthcare delivery platform. It combines teleconsultation and digital health records through technology for immediate treatment. Health ATMs will perform checkups on 59 parameters including body mass index, blood pressure, metabolic age, body fat, hydration, pulse rate, height, muscle mass, body temperature, oxygen content in the body, weight. For instant body screening, checkups will be done on 16 parameters. Various types of rapid tests such as, urine test, pregnancy, dengue, malaria, typhoid, HIV as well as tests like 12 lead ECG, digital stethoscope, dermascope, otoscope will also be done.