Members of fisheries cooperatives in Chhattisgarh would now be able to consult doctors from AIIMS, Raipur for their medical needs. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala on September 20, 2021 launched a pilot project on telemedicine services, to be operated by AIIMS Raipur through the National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC), for members of the fisheries cooperatives under the central sector flagship program Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

“This would ensure that members of the fisheries cooperatives in Chhattisgarh, whenever in medical need, will be able to approach health specialists of AIIMS, Raipur from their remote locations through telemedicine facility,” Shri  Rupala said after handing over a cheque for the Rs 50 lakh  project to Dr Nitin M. Nagarkar, Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur to kick-start the pilot project.

“Telehealth services have tremendous potential in our country where healthcare facilities are heavily concentrated in urban cities while those in remote areas like villages and coastal areas remain deprived of such benefits," said the Minister.

"The project is a way forward towards achieving the Digital India Mission as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a pandemic-affected world, technology-enabled services including telehealth have become more relevant than ever. Given this, I am happy to inaugurate the telemedicine facility that will help bring access to quality medical consultation services to the people related with fisheries & fisheries cooperatives” Mr Rupala added.