A Health ATM installed at Rudrapur district hospital to provide rapid and affordable diagnostic services has remained defunct for nearly five years, forcing patients to rely on overcrowded hospital facilities or expensive private laboratories.
Features and Services
The machine, installed at a cost of several lakhs, could conduct over 50 tests within minutes and generate digital reports without needing a lab technician. It offered services including blood pressure, ECG, pulse rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, height and weight measurements, as well as non-invasive sugar and haemoglobin tests. Rapid screening for dengue, malaria and lipid profile was also available.
The Health ATM also had a telemedicine feature that enabled patients from remote areas to consult senior doctors virtually. However, the facility has remained non-functional for years despite the hospital later coming under the Government Medical College.
Impact on Patients
Hospital sources said the machine had an exclusive room on the premises, but due to prolonged disuse, the room remained locked for years and was later repurposed for other hospital activities around a year ago. Patients and residents said the closure of the facility has particularly affected economically weaker sections, who now have to wait in long queues for routine investigations or spend money at private diagnostic centres.
Official Response
Acknowledging the issue, Government Medical College principal Prof Usha Rawat said, “Technical issues related to the Health ATM will be addressed soon. Necessary steps will be taken to restore the facility.”
Hospital sources reiterated that the machine had an exclusive room on the premises, but due to prolonged disuse, the room remained locked for years and was later repurposed for other hospital activities around a year ago. The delay in restoration has raised concerns among local residents, who urge authorities to prioritize the revival of this essential service.
The Health ATM was envisioned as a one-stop solution for basic diagnostics, reducing the burden on hospital staff and improving access for rural patients. Its prolonged dysfunction underscores systemic challenges in maintaining high-cost medical equipment in public healthcare facilities. While the administration has promised action, patients continue to face difficulties in accessing timely and affordable healthcare.
