National telemedicine service, eSanjeevani, crosses 500 million teleconsultations across India

India’s National Telemedicine Service, eSanjeevani, has crossed the 500-million mark in teleconsultations, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday, highlighting the growing use of remote healthcare services across the country.

Government data showed that the platform has recorded 50,00,92,730 consultations across all 36 states and Union territories since its launch. The service was introduced as part of efforts to use digital technology to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for people who face difficulties reaching physical health facilities.

The platform gained wider importance during the Covid pandemic, when movement restrictions made in-person consultations difficult.

Rural and underserved areas in focus

“The achievement reflects the growing role of telemedicine in complementing the country’s existing healthcare delivery system and in overcoming barriers of distance, geography and access, particularly for citizens living in rural, remote and underserved areas,” said the health ministry.

The service currently supports more than 1.42 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandir spokes, 19,473 medical hubs and 901 online OPDs. More than 2,41,923 healthcare providers are registered on the platform.

eSanjeevani is available in 15 languages, including English and 14 Indian languages, and currently handles around 2.5–3 lakh consultations every day.

Its highest single-day usage has reached 6,30,315 consultations.

Women and senior citizens form a significant share

Women account for 57.14 per cent of total consultations, while 40.15 per cent are availed by people aged 46 years and above. Senior citizens aged 60 years and above account for 16.25 per cent of consultations.

“Its highest single-day utilisation has reached 6,30,315 consultations, reflecting the increasing acceptance and utilisation of telemedicine services across the country. The utilisation pattern of eSanjeevani also highlights its growing relevance among population groups for whom access to physical healthcare facilities may involve greater travel, time or logistical challenges,” said the health ministry.

The ministry said the participation of women and older citizens highlights the potential of telemedicine to make healthcare more convenient while complementing public health services.

AI and specialist care added

The government has also expanded the platform's capabilities. An Artificial Intelligence-powered Clinical Decision Support System (AI-CDSS) has been integrated to assist healthcare providers during consultations.

eSanjeevani has also been linked with the Emergency Response Support System to connect emergency services with remote medical expertise.

The service is now moving beyond primary healthcare to specialist consultations. Patient-to-doctor teleconsultations in select specialities have been introduced at AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Patna.

“The initiative is expected to reduce the need for patients to undertake long-distance travel and wait for consultations at tertiary-care facilities, while improving access to specialist medical expertise. The facility is envisaged for progressive expansion to other premier government institutions.”