Mizoram Installs ‘Health ATMs’ at Two Medical Facilities

On August 18, 2024, Mizoram took a significant step towards transforming its healthcare delivery system by inaugurating ‘Health ATMs’ at two medical establishments – Lunglei Civil Hospital and Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Lungsen village. The initiative, launched under the district administration’s flagship ‘Healthy Lunglei Initiative’, was formally unveiled by Health Minister Lalrinpuii, who described it as a “proud and historic moment” for the state.

The Health ATMs are innovative, technology-enabled kiosks equipped with modern diagnostic tools. They are designed to provide citizens with quick, reliable, and free access to a wide range of essential health check-ups. According to officials, the machines will conduct 35 varieties of diagnostic tests, covering a broad spectrum of health parameters such as general health, diabetes, hematology, cardiac health, vision, hearing, and mental health. Key diagnostic checks include blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, ECG, lipid profile, vision and hearing assessments, and mental health screenings for depression and anxiety.

Another notable feature of the Health ATMs is the personalized diet plan facility, aimed at supporting preventive healthcare and encouraging individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. Importantly, all tests can be completed within 30 minutes and are free of cost, with results sent instantly to the user’s mobile phone. This not only ensures convenience but also bridges the gap between healthcare providers and patients by enabling digital health records for timely follow-ups.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Lunglei High Powered Committee vice chairman and MLA V. Malsawmtluanga, Lunglei South MLA Lalramliana Papuia, the chairman and councillors of Lunglei Municipal Council, representatives of private companies, church leaders, NGOs, political figures, and students.

In her address, Health Minister Lalrinpuii praised the progress of the ‘Healthy Lunglei’ campaign, which was launched in June 2024 to expand preventive healthcare in the district. She emphasized that the IoT-enabled Health ATMs would play a crucial role in generating digital health data, reducing the time and cost of healthcare, and creating a stronger bridge between rural and urban health facilities. Lalrinpuii also highlighted holistic initiatives undertaken in Lunglei district such as Project LEAP (for Persons with Disabilities) and Project BLOOM (to improve maternal and child health in the aspirational block of Lungsen).

The project was made possible through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Manav Vikas Sanstha (MVS India), the Lunglei Deputy Commissioner’s Office, and ABCI Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. Under this agreement, ABCI and BRN provided funding for the procurement and maintenance of the Health ATMs through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, while MVS India took charge of installation, training, and technical support. The DC’s office has been tasked with providing administrative facilitation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

Deputy Commissioner Navneet Mann also provided details about the initiative, highlighting how it complements the broader objectives of the Healthy Lunglei District Campaign. Officials stated that the installation of a Health ATM at PHC Lungsen is especially significant, as it is expected to substantially strengthen healthcare initiatives in the NITI Aayog’s aspirational block programme, thereby improving health indicators in underserved areas.

With the introduction of these Health ATMs, Lunglei district has positioned itself as a pioneer in the integration of technology into public health services. The initiative not only enhances accessibility to preventive healthcare but also reflects a collaborative model of governance, where government, private companies, and civil society join hands to achieve sustainable and lasting improvements in healthcare delivery.

In conclusion, the Health ATM project symbolizes a landmark achievement for Mizoram’s healthcare sector. It promises to empower citizens with real-time health monitoring, ensure early detection of illnesses, reduce pressure on hospitals, and strengthen the vision of a “Healthy Lunglei”, making it a replicable model for other regions in the state and beyond.