Andhra Pradesh rolls out next-gen digital health records in hospitals

The Andhra Pradesh government is implementing a digital records system called Next Gen across state-run hospitals to streamline medical services for patients. The initiative ensures that a patient's health history remains accessible online, regardless of changes in location or attending physicians.

Under the Next Gen project, outpatient registration generates a unique patient ID and captures complete personal details just once. Doctors examine patients, prescribe medicines, and order tests, with all data recorded online. Patients no longer need to carry physical reports or remember old prescription numbers during subsequent visits. A single click on a computer or mobile phone retrieves past test results, medical reports, and physician instructions.

Sophia Paleti, superintendent of the Government General Hospital in Rajamahendravaram, explained that medical history stays intact even when patients move between different towns and state-run hospitals across regions. Doctors anywhere in the state can review online records to provide continuity of care.

Treatment details remain securely stored online for a lifetime. The state is deploying computers, technical infrastructure, and personnel to operationalize the system in a phased manner, matching corporate hospital standards.