India has made significant progress towards achieving its goals for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), but challenges in accessibility and affordability persist. While the country has achieved several advancements in healthcare, many still face obstacles like a shortage of health professionals, poor infrastructure, and high out-of-pocket expenses.

To address these gaps, digital health solutions are emerging as transformative tools, leveraging smartphones and internet access to improve healthcare delivery. One such initiative is the Digital Nerve Centre (DiNC), implemented in Kolar district, Karnataka, to enhance public healthcare services and reduce patient overload in secondary and tertiary hospitals.

The DiNC connects public health facilities with a centralised system that enables patients to book appointments, access information, and consult healthcare providers through a toll-free number. The initiative aims to increase the utilisation of public health facilities, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas.

The report highlights areas for improvement, including expanding the DiNC to more health facilities, such as Sub Health Centres and Health and Wellness Centres. Additionally, incorporating emergency care services and strengthening compliance with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) standards will enhance the programme’s effectiveness. Improved data analytics and continuous monitoring will ensure that the initiative can be scaled and adapted to other regions.

By embracing digital innovation, India is advancing closer to its goal of achieving UHC, making healthcare more equitable and accessible for all.