Agartala, Aug 1: In a major step towards strengthening healthcare, the Tripura Health and Family Welfare Department has officially launched Smart OPD service to make medical consultations more accessible, affordable and efficient at the primary level.

The initiative will be implemented in phases in every district in line with the objectives of the National Health Policy, beginning with Khowai district.

The project is being implemented with technical support from HLL Lifecare Limited, under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Hitachi MGRM Net. As part of the initiative, the Khowai district administration has procured eight Smart OPD kits for selected healthcare facilities in the district.

The service was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha during his visit to Khowai district on Thursday last (July 30). During the launch, he handed over Smart OPD kits to Hemanta Debbarma Primary Health Centre (Behalabari), Champahaur Primary Health Centre, and Baijalbari Primary Health Centre.

Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister described the initiative as a landmark step towards delivering advanced healthcare services to people's doorsteps through modern technology.

Under the M-Star Smart OPD service, patients will be able to receive real-time teleconsultations with specialist doctors from district hospitals while visiting their nearest Ayushman Arogya Mandir or Primary Health Centre. Using digital stethoscopes, examination cameras and other advanced medical devices included in the Smart OPD kit, specialists will be able to remotely assess patients' conditions and provide medical advice without requiring them to travel long distances.

The platform has also been integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), enabling the secure storage and sharing of patients' digital health records, prescriptions, diagnostic reports and treatment history across healthcare institutions whenever required.

According to the state government, the initiative is expected to reduce the burden on outpatient departments (OPDs) in district hospitals while improving the quality of healthcare services. By leveraging digital technology, the government aims to ensure faster, affordable and quality specialist healthcare reaches citizens, particularly those living in remote and rural areas across Tripura.