Apollo TeleHealth has surpassed one million teleconsultations through its Keonjhar Digital Dispensary Initiative, marking a major milestone in delivering quality primary healthcare to remote tribal, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and mining communities in Odisha.

Implemented in partnership with the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO), Keonjhar, and supported by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), the initiative is among Odisha's first integrated Digital Dispensary models. 

It combines teleconsultations, diagnostics, pharmacy services, and referral care within the public health system, reducing geographical barriers to timely treatment through a technology-enabled public-private partnership.

Since its launch in September 2023, the programme has expanded to 66 Digital Dispensaries across Keonjhar, serving more than 30,000 patients every month. 

The initiative has facilitated over one million prescriptions, enabled more than 200,000 diagnostic tests, and supported over 20,000 referrals for specialised care.

According to Apollo TeleHealth, more than 90% of patients receive treatment at the point of care, with waiting times reduced to five to eight minutes, significantly lowering the time and cost associated with travelling long distances for medical services.

The initiative was designed to bridge gaps in access to doctors, diagnostics, and medicines in geographically challenging regions by integrating multiple healthcare services into a connected primary care model. It has also contributed to the early detection and management of conditions such as malnutrition, malaria, dengue, and chronic diseases, while improving antenatal care utilisation and facilitating timely referrals for advanced treatment.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, "Crossing a million teleconsultations tells us that quality healthcare is reaching people who would otherwise have to travel hours to see a doctor. More importantly, the model integrates consultations, diagnostics, medicines and referrals within the public health system, making timely treatment more accessible for rural communities."

Dr. Rina Pradhan, IAS, CEO, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Keonjhar, said the initiative demonstrates how DMF resources can be leveraged to build sustainable public healthcare infrastructure through innovative partnerships.