The Rajasthan Government has been honored with the prestigious National e-Governance Gold Award 2024 for its groundbreaking use of Tele-Radiology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosing Silicosis and providing timely relief to affected individuals through an innovative Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) self-approval portal. The award was presented during the 27th National e-Governance Conference held in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Revolutionizing Silicosis Diagnosis and Relief
Rajasthan’s state government has set a new benchmark in public health management by developing an advanced IT solution that leverages digital X-rays, Tele-Radiology, and AI to streamline the diagnosis of Silicosis, a debilitating lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. By training an AI model on a vast dataset of over 29,000 labeled chest X-rays, the government has enabled the automatic detection of Silicosis, making the diagnostic process both faster and more accurate.
This innovative approach has significantly improved the identification and treatment of Silicosis patients. The introduction of the DBT self-approval portal allows these patients to receive financial assistance directly into their bank accounts, bypassing the previously cumbersome administrative procedures. This system ensures that those affected by Silicosis receive the necessary relief with greater speed and dignity.
Ensuring Timely Assistance with Dignity
The DBT self-approval portal has been a game-changer for Silicosis patients, simplifying the process of receiving financial aid. By removing bureaucratic hurdles, the system guarantees timely assistance, ensuring that citizens receive the public services they need with respect and efficiency.
Setting a National Standard in Public Health Solutions
Under the leadership of Dr. Samit Sharma, Secretary of the Public Health Engineering and Ground Water Department, Rajasthan has established itself as a leader in addressing complex public health challenges using cutting-edge technology. Dr. Sharma’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in setting new national standards for health care delivery, particularly in the realm of e-Governance.
Recognition at the National e-Governance Conference
During the conference, Dr. Samit Sharma delivered a compelling presentation on the state’s innovative approach to diagnosing Silicosis using Tele-Radiology and AI. He emphasized that this award reflects the Rajasthan Government’s unwavering commitment to fairness, equality, and justice in public administration, with a strong focus on citizen welfare. The recognition also underscores Rajasthan’s vital role in the Digital India initiative, which aims to empower citizens, enhance transparency, and deliver high-quality public services efficiently.
About the National e-Governance Awards
The National e-Governance Awards are annually conferred by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India, to celebrate excellence in the implementation of e-Governance innovations. These awards recognize central ministries, state governments, union territories, local bodies, public sector enterprises, and academic institutions that have made significant contributions to improving governance through technology.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
Dr. Samit Sharma is no stranger to accolades, having previously received the State IT Award for developing the e-Aushadhi software and the Prime Minister’s Excellence Award for his work on a low-cost generic medicines scheme. His continued efforts in leveraging technology to improve public health services have positioned Rajasthan as a beacon of innovation in the country.
The National e-Governance Gold Award 2024 is a testament to Rajasthan’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through the intelligent use of technology.