, utilises satellite imagery and a mobile app to geotag all health resources across the state. This extensive mapping includes meticulous documentation of infrastructure details.){kind=link}
SHILLONG:
The Department of Health Services (DoHS), on Wednesday launched the Geo Web Portal for Health Centres. Dr. HC Lyndem, the Director of DHS(MI), inaugurated the portal at the DHS headquarters in Shillong. The event was attended by DHS staff and senior scientists from the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Umiam.
The comprehensive mapping of existing health facilities is a critical component of effective healthcare planning. The Health Geo Web Portal, developed by NESAC in collaboration with DHS(MI), utilises satellite imagery and a mobile app to geotag all health resources across the state. This extensive mapping includes meticulous documentation of infrastructure details.
The portal provides rich information through space technology mapping. It plays a crucial role in assessing existing health resources by considering factors such as road connectivity, population density, and topography. It facilitates accessibility analysis and gap analysis, identifying vulnerable populations in remote or hard-to-reach areas. The Meghalaya Geospatial Health Resource Information System integrates these insights into a Unified Geo-Health Information System. This interconnected system combines map intelligence, applications, health data, and people for holistic decision-making. The goal is to optimise the placement of health resources and plan new infrastructure to reach a maximum number of people across the state.
During the launch, PS Singh, a senior scientist from NESAC, provided a detailed technical presentation, justifying the need for space-based solutions. He showcased various geospatial tools to effectively analyse health resources in the state.
Dr. Dibyajyoti Chutia, Head of Geo- Informatics division at NESAC, who supervises the project, highlighted the governance solutions implemented for different departments in the Northeastern region.. This initiative aims to enhance overall healthcare planning, ensuring a more effective response to the diverse healthcare needs of the population and fostering a resilient and accessible healthcare infrastructure..