Jammu, Aug 11: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh conducted a Public Durbar in Chenani on Sunday where he inaugurated a Mobile Telemedicine AI-driven service named “Doctor on Wheels”. He also presided over an exhibition showcasing the work of StartUps and Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
The event was held at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chenani, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public rally, Dr Jitendra emphasised the success of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in promoting self-employment and supporting livelihoods, particularly among women. “Women engaged through this mission have not only become self-reliant but are also generating employment opportunities for other women and youth,” he said.
The minister lauded the SHG members, referring to them as “LAKHPATIDIDs”, who have achieved sustainable income and are now role models in their communities.
Dr Singh spoke about the significant infrastructure developments in the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency. He mentioned the rapid construction of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and highways aimed at improving connectivity in remote areas and reducing travel time. He specifically mentioned the upcoming National Highways, including the Lakhanpur-Bani-Basohli-Doda and the Goha-Khellani-Khannabal highways, which are expected to boost connectivity and provide alternative routes for surface transport.
The Union Minister flagged off the “Aarogya-Doctor on Wheels” mobile telemedicine service, a healthcare StartUp initiative designed to provide free medical consultations to residents of remote villages. The service allows patients to receive medical examinations and prescriptions in approximately 45 minutes without needing to visit a hospital. It includes language support, enabling patients to communicate in their native languages.
Dr Jitendra advocated for the mass promotion of healthcare StartUps like “Doctor on Wheels” and encouraged Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions to ensure the growth and sustainability of such initiatives. He stressed the importance of expanding this service to benefit more people, especially in rural and remote areas.
During the public durbar, Dr Singh listened to the grievances and demands of local residents, many of which were addressed on the spot. He directed district-level officers to prioritize and resolve these issues swiftly, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the people.
The Union MoS visited various stalls at the event, which showcased products made under the DAY-NRLM. He also participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative by planting a sapling on the school premises, demonstrating the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.
