Udupi’s Ajjarkad District Hospital Crosses 50% Mark in Digital Health Rollout

The system, developed in collaboration with Drucare, enables patient registration through an Android-based mobile application, alongside enrollment for the ABHA, linking health records to a unique digital identity.

The District Hospital at Ajjarkad, Udupi, has emerged as a leading example of digital health adoption in Udupi, having successfully implemented more than half of its planned digital systems.

The transformation has streamlined patient journeys from registration to diagnosis and treatment, enhancing efficiency in a high-volume public healthcare setting.

This initiative is part of a broader state-led pilot programme aimed at modernising healthcare delivery across select districts, including Dharwad, Ballari, Tumakuru, and Udupi. These districts were chosen to test scalable digital health solutions that can eventually be expanded statewide.

The focus has been on improving data accessibility, reducing paperwork, and enabling continuity of care through integrated digital platforms.

At Ajjarkad, the hospital manages close to 800 outpatient visits daily, making the scale of implementation particularly significant. The system, developed in collaboration with private technology partner Drucare, enables patient registration through an Android-based mobile application.

During registration, patients are also enrolled for the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account), linking their health records to a unique digital identity.

District surgeon Dr Ashok H highlighted the progress, stating, "We have submitted various suggestions to improve the digital transformation process. Postgraduates should also be given access so that they may also support the registration process during rush hours. Once all suggestions are considered, then the hospital will be able to achieve 100% success in the digital transformation process."

Doctors at the hospital have been equipped with tablets, allowing them to access patient complaints, medical histories, and previous records in real time.

Consultations, prescriptions, and treatment plans are recorded digitally, ensuring that patient information is systematically documented and easily retrievable.

The integration extends to diagnostic services as well. When doctors recommend tests, requests are sent directly to the laboratory through the system, and results are uploaded digitally.

This enables both clinicians and patients to access reports instantly via the app, reducing delays and improving clinical decision-making. Even in cases where patients do not carry prior records, doctors can retrieve them using the ABHA-linked system.

Importantly, the initiative has focused on improving access for economically disadvantaged patients who rely heavily on government healthcare facilities.

While the rollout began in October last year, the progress in Udupi has been described as particularly encouraging.

Officials believe that with further refinements and expanded access for medical staff, the hospital is well-positioned to achieve full-scale digital transformation, setting a benchmark for other districts to follow.

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