The portal's trial started in August 2020 and since then 6,500 medical consultations have already been carried out by doctors

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday launched through video conference ‘Services e-Health Assistance & Tele-consultation (SeHAT) OPD portal that will provide telemedicine services to armed forces personnel, veterans and their families.

“It has always been our endeavor to provide better, faster and transparent facilities to our countrymen,” the Defence Minister said, while lauding the organisations involved in the development of the portal, saying that it reflects the government’s commitment to ‘Digital India’ and ‘e-governance'.

Describing the SeHAT OPD portal as a great example of innovation, especially at a time when the nation is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the portal will help reduce the load on hospitals and patients will be able to get contactless consultations in an easy and effective manner.

He urged the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to consider adding specialist doctors to this portal and incorporating the service of delivery of medicines to the homes of the Service personnel.

“This will provide additional services and ensure greater convenience to the Armed Forces personnel,” the Minister added.

He suggested that regular feedback of beneficiaries should be obtained for improved delivery of services.

The Defence Minister commended the role being played by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Armed Forces in the fight against the second COVID-19 wave.

He made special mention of the COVID hospitals and Oxygen Generation plants being set up by DRDO at many places across the country including Delhi, Lucknow, Gandhinagar and Varanasi as well as the development of 2-DG drug to fight the virus.

He also appreciated AFMS for deploying additional medical professionals in COVID hospitals and effectively dealing with the surge in cases.

Reckoning that the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy for working tirelessly to transport oxygen and other critical medical equipment on time from within the country and abroad, the Raksha Mantri urged them to not to let their guard down and continue their efforts with dedication until the war against COVID-19 is won.

The OPD services can be availed by registering on the website https://sehatopd.in/.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, DG AFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Rajat Datta, Deputy Chief IDS (Medical) Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar and other senior civil and military officials of Ministry of Defence attended the event virtually.