E-Clinic Inaugurated in Dharamshala to Enhance Healthcare Accessibility

Dharamshala, January 29, 2025: In a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chairman of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank (KCCB), inaugurated an e-clinic near Center Point Hotel in Dharamshala. The initiative, launched in collaboration with M-Health and KCCB, aims to provide affordable and accessible medical consultations, diagnostic services, and health education using technology-driven solutions.

Speaking at the event, Pathania emphasized the importance of modernizing healthcare services to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access. "This collaboration with M-Health is a crucial effort to bring advanced medical services to the people of Himachal Pradesh by addressing existing healthcare challenges," he said.

As part of this initiative, seven e-clinics have been established in various locations across the state, including Kullu, Hamirpur, Naidun, Una, Dehra, Nurpur, and Dharamshala. The launch event was attended by M-Health representatives Debal Rishi Banerjee and Anup Parashar.

Health Awareness and Child Welfare Initiatives in Kangra
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Kangra, Vinay Kumar, has directed officials from the Health and Education Departments to organize regular health and wellness sessions in all district schools. He stressed that each school must conduct at least four such sessions per month, along with maintaining a health report card for students to ensure timely medical intervention for those showing early signs of illness.
Under the National Child Health Program, Kumar instructed the Chief Medical Officer and HOD Child Specialist of Tanda Medical College to prioritize treatment for children in all government hospitals and medical institutions. The program provides free diagnosis and treatment for 30 identified diseases among children aged 0 to 19 years.

Additionally, under the National Adolescent Health Program, 19 Nai Disha centers have been launched in Kangra district to offer counseling and clinical services for adolescents. Trained staff members at these centers provide guidance on physical and mental health, and efforts are underway to increase awareness among students.

To strengthen health education, Kumar directed that all science teachers be trained as Health and Wellness Ambassadors, with a phased training plan for untrained teachers. Schools have also been instructed to install suggestion boxes for students from Classes 6 to 12, allowing them to anonymously share concerns or suggestions, which will be addressed in subsequent wellness sessions.

During the meeting, Kumar commended the progress of the Menstrual Hygiene Program and the National Child Health Program, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving student health and well-being across the district.