In a significant step towards bolstering healthcare accessibility and quality, Prof. S P Singh Baghel and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, unveiled the Kilkari programme and Mobile Academy. This virtual launch marks a milestone in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare services, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The Kilkari programme, a Mobile Health (m-health) initiative, aims to deliver vital healthcare information to beneficiaries through localized content. It provides weekly audio messages via IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) on reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health care. These messages, tailored to the needs of recipients, ensure timely and accurate dissemination of crucial healthcare knowledge. Additionally, the Mobile Academy offers free audio training courses designed to empower Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) with updated knowledge and enhanced communication skills, all accessible through their mobile phones.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the initiative, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar emphasized its alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Digital Health India. She commended frontline health workers for their dedication to the 'Kilkari' Programme, stressing its significance in providing essential services to targeted beneficiaries.

Prof. S P Singh Baghel echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government's commitment to bolstering public health infrastructure and prioritizing citizen-centric healthcare services. He emphasized the importance of maternal health, noting that a healthy mother is essential for delivering a healthy child. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Union Government has undertaken numerous initiatives to ensure the well-being of women and children.

The launch event also saw the participation of Shri Rushikesh Patel, Health Minister of Gujarat, who expressed gratitude to the Union Government for introducing these transformative initiatives. He cited the substantial increase in institutional deliveries in Gujarat, attributing it to the concerted efforts towards safer childbirth practices.

The Kilkari Programme, named after the endearing sound of a baby's gurgle, utilizes IVR technology to deliver weekly audio messages directly to registered beneficiaries' mobile phones. These messages, voiced by a fictional doctor character named Dr. Anita, cover various aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. Importantly, the programme incurs no additional costs for states or beneficiaries, being centrally hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Similarly, the Mobile Academy offers cost-effective and efficient training for ASHAs, empowering them with updated knowledge and communication skills. Currently operational in multiple states and union territories, these initiatives represent a concerted effort towards leveraging technology for the betterment of healthcare services nationwide.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Kilkari Programme and Mobile Academy stand as testament to the government's commitment to ensuring accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare for all citizens. By harnessing the power of mobile technology, these initiatives have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ultimately improving health outcomes across the country.