Ranchi: The two-day Jharkhand Health Conclave-2026 concluded on Thursday, with Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari describing the event as a new beginning towards making the state’s healthcare system modern, digital and technology-driven.
Ansari said Jharkhand would move forward with the world in adopting high-tech technologies, with the goal of establishing the state among India’s leading healthcare destinations. He said his priority was to ensure that even the poorest residents could access quality and modern treatment within Jharkhand.
He said the government was strengthening healthcare infrastructure at PHCs, CHCs, referral hospitals, Sadar hospitals and medical colleges, with emphasis on ICUs, ventilators, MRI, CT scan and radiology facilities.
The minister highlighted the potential of Tele-ICU, Tele-Radiology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to extend specialist medical advice to patients in remote, rural and difficult-to-reach areas. He said technology would be used to reduce gaps in healthcare access and improve the reach of specialist services.
Ansari thanked experts, scientists, healthcare companies and investors from across India and abroad for participating in the conclave and sharing their expertise. He said useful suggestions made during the event would be examined for implementation.
He also invited investment in Jharkhand’s healthcare sector, including hospitals, medical institutions and advanced treatment facilities. The minister said developing specialised healthcare institutions could also help establish Jharkhand as an emerging medical tourism destination.
Experts at the conclave made presentations on AI, Tele-ICU, Tele-Radiology, digital health portals and data-driven healthcare systems. Ansari said AI should complement doctors and healthcare workers rather than replace them. He stressed that the greatest benefit of digital technology should reach patients living in remote areas.
Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh highlighted shortages of doctors, specialists, hospitals and ICU beds as major challenges and discussed how digital health could expand access to specialist services.
Dr Sunil Kumar Barnwal, CEO of the National Health Authority, spoke about integrating digital health services with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Special Secretary Dr Neha Arora briefed participants on the digital health portals launched during the conclave, while Additional Secretary Shashi Prakash Singh presented on the possibilities of AI-based health transformation in Jharkhand.
Ansari said the conclave was only the beginning and that the knowledge, technology and expertise showcased during the two-day event must now be translated into action. He said the government would work to introduce useful technologies and recommendations in a phased manner, with the objective of strengthening healthcare services and expanding access to quality treatment across Jharkhand.