ITANAGAR, SEP 22:
From QR-based hospital navigation and teleradiology to mega health camps and intensified disease screening, Arunachal Pradesh is expanding healthcare access, particularly in remote areas, with several key initiatives conceived and pushed by Health Minister Biyuram Wahge, health department officials said on Tuesday.
Among the initiatives is the “Scan & Find” QR-based indoor navigation system at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), introduced based on Wahge’s idea. The system allows patients and attendants to locate OPDs, laboratories and diagnostic rooms by scanning a QR code without downloading an app.
The initiative earned national recognition at the National Conference on Patient Safety 2026 at AIIMS Nagpur. A complementary “Scan & Feedback” platform, also pushed by the minister, enables patients to digitally share their experience of hospital services.
Addressing the media, Directorate of Health Services spokesperson Dr Gomi Basar said the department was translating the health minister’s ideas into practical solutions aimed at making healthcare more accessible and patient-friendly.
“The statewide teleradiology network, launched at TRIHMS in June, has connected 225 health facilities through a Radiology Information System and Picture Archiving and Communication System. It enables diagnostic images from remote health centres to be sent for specialist reporting, addressing the shortage of radiologists in districts,” Dr Basar said.
Another spokesperson, Dr Bombei Tayeng Toko, said teleradiology and statewide mega health camps reflected Wahge’s emphasis on taking specialist healthcare closer to people in remote areas.
The department said Arunachal was also recognised by the Centre for its performance under the 100-day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Between January and September, 78,129 vulnerable people were screened and 13,436 X-rays conducted, while 1,979 TB patients are currently undergoing treatment.
The department also reported improved performance in HIV/AIDS control, saying the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society had risen to second position nationally. Around 2,600 people were living with HIV in the state as of April 2026.
On manpower, Dr Toko said that 38 allopathic GDMOs, six homeopathic GDMOs, seven dental surgeons and 72 specialists were recruited during 2025-26. Rural postings were also introduced for 144 MBBS and 44 nursing graduates.
Free dialysis is available through 11 units covering 10 districts and TRIHMS, with three more districts set to be added. Solar power systems are also being installed at 393 health facilities to ensure reliable electricity for medical equipment and vaccine cold chains.
The next State Wide Mega Health Mela, another initiative associated with Wahge’s healthcare outreach push, is scheduled for October 2. The previous statewide exercise served 14,298 patients and provided more than 40,000 services.
