Telangana to Issue Digital Health Cards as Government Compiles Health Data of 60 Lakh Citizens

Sangareddy district has been selected for a pilot project to test the digital health profile system, aiming to digitally record patient information, beginning with outpatient registration and extending to consultations, laboratory tests and pharmacy services.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced that the state is compiling health data of nearly 60 lakh people to introduce digital health cards for citizens, aiming to streamline medical records and improve access to treatment. The initiative will begin with a pilot digital health profile project in Sangareddy district.

The initiative builds on the state’s healthcare infrastructure and existing public health programmes, particularly the Aarogyasri scheme, which provides financial protection for economically weaker sections requiring hospital treatment.

Over the past two decades, the scheme has generated a large volume of patient data, which is now being used to develop a comprehensive health database.

Reddy noted that the government has spent an INR 1,800 Cr this year through the Aarogyasri Scheme and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to support free treatment for disadvantaged populations. He also highlighted concerns about the rising cost of medical care and the challenges many citizens face in accessing affordable services.

As part of the initiative, Sangareddy district has been selected for a pilot project to test the digital health profile system. Health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha said the programme will initially cover patients visiting 64 government healthcare facilities in the district, including one government general hospital, four area hospitals, five community health centres, four urban primary health centres, 31 primary health centres and 19 basti dawakhanas.

The pilot aims to digitally record patient information throughout the entire care journey, beginning with outpatient registration and extending to consultations, laboratory tests and pharmacy services.

According to the minister, the digital health card would help doctors access a patient's medical history quickly and provide appropriate treatment without delay.

Officials have been instructed to ensure the necessary technological infrastructure, IT systems and trained personnel are in place to support the programme.

Once implemented, the digital records are expected to support early detection and monitoring of conditions such as non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, maternal and child health complications, cancer and heart disease.

Alongside the digital health initiative, the Chief Minister announced broader healthcare investments in the state. Telangana is allocating about INR 10,000 Cr for the development of major medical infrastructure, including Osmania General Hospital and facilities under the Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS).

Highlighting Hyderabad’s importance in India’s healthcare ecosystem, Reddy said nearly 40 per cent of the country’s pharmaceutical products are produced in the city, while Genome Valley has played a key role in vaccine development, including the creation of three COVID-19 vaccines.

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