Mumbai: In a major step towards improving digital healthcare infrastructure, the Maharashtra government has initiated the reactivation of the E-Hospital system (HMIS) across its government-run medical colleges and hospitals.
The online system, which had been suspended for nearly two years due to administrative directives, is set to return with a fresh infusion of ₹32.21 crore approved for internet connectivity and digital equipment.
Since its launch in 2008, the Health Management Information System was operational in 52 institutions including Mumbai’s JJ Hospital. However, operations reverted to offline mode following a government order issued at midnight on July 5, 2023.
The move severely impacted patients who faced long queues and delays in accessing diagnostic services such as blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
Recognising the disruption, the state’s Medical Education Department has now pushed for the E-Hospital system revival. A contract for providing five years of internet connectivity has been awarded to One OTT Entertainment Ltd, with ₹32.21 crore earmarked for implementation.
The department has also sanctioned ₹29 lakh for 366 barcode scanners and ₹7.28 crore for All-in-One computers and 650 printers to support the digital system.
Next Generation E-Hospital system
The updated version of HMIS—branded as the ‘Next Generation E-Hospital’—was approved for implementation on July 11, 2023, across government medical, dental, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathic colleges. However, government approval for its rollout took 21 months due to procedural delays.
According to officials, the new system will allow doctors instant access to patient histories with a single click, easing diagnosis and reducing administrative burdens. Patients, in turn, will no longer have to wait in queues to generate case papers.
The Medical Education Department has also announced that 9 of 11 digital reforms from its 100-day action plan have been completed, indicating that fully online operations could resume shortly.
