Shimla: Drawing inspiration from her medical background, Dr Nidhi Patel, IAS, as Additional Deputy Commissioner in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is on a mission to improve the healthcare ecosystem of the district. Recently, in an insightful conversation with Dr Navneet Anand, Editor-in-Chief of Bureaucrats India, she shared about her innovative approach to enhancing healthcare accessibility in the region.

Learning from the success of the E-Paravai app in Tamil Nadu, Dr Patel has planned to introduce a similar initiative to screen for cataract-affected patients in remote areas using Asha workers. This tech-driven initiative will enable timely interventions, crucial for regions like Bilaspur where medical facilities are scarce. She stressed the importance of providing these services either free of cost or at minimal fees, especially in hilly terrains where reaching medical help can be challenging. In fact, she insists on replicating many such good initiatives being introduced by district administrations across the country.

Telemedicine has also found its way into Bilaspur, benefiting not only prisoners/patients in jails but also those in remote areas. Through collaboration with nearby AIIMS and other specialists, regional hospitals can now extend quality healthcare services to a broader population.

Focusing on women's health, Dr Patel also discussed initiatives to combat cervical and breast cancer. Portable colposcopes for cervical cancer screening and advanced tools for breast tissue evaluation are being planned to improve early detection rates, particularly in rural areas.

In line with Mahatma Gandhi's principles, hygiene promotion remains a priority for Dr Patel. Through awareness campaigns targeting school children, efforts are underway to instill proper hygiene habits, with a special focus on waste management and sanitation practices.

Under Mission Udaan, Dr Patel aims to tackle menstrual hygiene challenges among young girls. Collaborating with the National Rural Livelihood Mission, initiatives are in place to provide affordable, eco-friendly sanitary pads and promote menstrual hygiene education, empowering women and creating economic opportunities.

Dr Patel's commitment to leveraging technology and community engagement showcases her vision of creating a healthier and more resilient community in Bilaspur. With innovative solutions and inclusive approaches, she strives to promote holistic well-being for all residents.

Read TB-Mukt Bharat, Una strides forward (bureaucratsindia.in)