A new mobile app has been launched for community health officers to promote last mile health care and emergency response. This digital tool will enable real-time patient management, faster referral and early identification of high-risk cases at Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres. The initiative aims to streamline care delivery and improve coordination across health care levels.

New Delhi: With an aim to strengthen last mile healthcare and improve response during medical emergencies, the Center on Monday launched a mobile application for community health officers (CHOs) that enables real-time patient management and faster referrals to Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres.The app introduced by the Union Health Ministry is designed to digitalize the clinical workflow at the primary care level. It will allow CHOs to register patients, access medical histories, and update treatment records in real-time, replacing largely manual processes that often slow down care delivery.Officials said the platform will also aid in early identification of high-risk cases and emergencies, enabling frontline providers to initiate quick referrals to higher facilities. This is expected to be important in conditions such as cardiovascular events, stroke, maternal complications and serious infections, where timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes.Public health experts said delays in documentation and communication at the primary care level can impact both routine care and emergency response. With instant access to patient data and standardized digital records, the app can help CHOs track older patients more effectively, ensure continuity of care, and flag complications early.The rollout is part of the government’s broader digital health push under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which aims to build an integrated health data ecosystem across the country. By digitally connecting primary care providers with higher centres, the initiative is expected to streamline referrals and improve coordination at different levels of care.Officials said the application will also strengthen supervisory oversight, allowing administrators to monitor service delivery patterns, identify gaps and assess response timelines, including emergency situations.India currently has more than 1.6 lakh Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centers serving as the first point of contact for a large section of the population, especially in rural and deprived areas. CHOs, usually trained nurses or physicians, play an important role in providing preventive, promotive, and basic curative services at these facilities.