The Health Management and Research Institute (HMRI), a non-profit organisation based in Hyderabad and supported by Piramal Healthcare, is looking forward to expand 104 Advice, a health helpline providing quality medical information, advice and counselling to the people, service to three more states.
The HMRI, which is partnered with state governments of Andhra Pradesh and Assam to enhance healthcare delivery systems in the respective states, was already approached by the state governments of Karnataka, Kerala and Goa in order to launch their service. However, it has not yet set any time frame for the expansion of their service in these three states. It is also learnt that many other states have also approached the institute for launching their service.
“Our service is a unique one and our mission is to democratize healthcare facilities with the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). We have developed a set of solutions to meet the healthcare needs of people. We are using indigenously developed technologies, which is far less cheap than imported technologies, to offer the services”, Dr Balaji Utla, CEO, HMRI told Pharmabiz. In the 104 helpline service, HMRI brings in technology and management with the state governments providing the required funding.
He added that the institute, which launched its service in Andhra Pradesh in 2007, is getting 40000 to 50000 calls on a daily basis from Andhra Pradesh alone. It has so far received more than five crore calls. It has also received 3000 to 4000 calls related to HIV/AIDS. It is also helping the state governments in tracking epidemics.
It launched its 104 helpline service in Assam in partnership with the state government last year and is currently getting more than 2000 calls on a daily basis. Its 104 mobile service, with 80 vans, is currently covering 3000 villages in Assam.
The institute’s man power, including those in Andhra Pradesh and Assam, is 1500 employees which include doctors, paramedics and counsellors.