India’s eSanjeevani has crossed 470 million consultations across 1.3 lakh health centres. While it reduces travel for patients, the service reveals deep gender and access gaps, especially for rural women who often rely on shared devices.
Key Developments
- Rural women’s mobile usage is high (76.3% reported use in the past three months) but device ownership is below 50%, forcing many to borrow phones controlled by male family members.
- More than 93% of eSanjeevani consultations in 2025 were facilitated by health workers, indicating limited direct access for end‑users.
- Studies from National Statistics Office and peer‑reviewed journals highlight privacy concerns and cultural constraints that restrict women’s ability to seek confidential care.
- Frontline workers such as ASHA, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Community Health Officers are the primary facilitators of digital health interactions.
Important Facts
The shortage of specialists in remote villages is estimated at 80%. Video consultations can bridge part of this gap, but physical examinations—such as abdominal scans, emergency deliveries and blood tests—still require in‑person care. A study in BMJ Global Health found that married women in rural Madhya Pradesh have little say over phone usage, which is dictated by tradition rather than personal choice.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding the interplay of technology, gender equity and public health delivery is crucial for GS 1 (Society) and GS 2 (Polity). The role of digital health literacy determines how effectively schemes like eSanjeevani reach marginalized groups. The reliance on community health workers underscores the importance of the Ministry of Health’s human resource policies.
Way Forward
- Strengthen telemedicine by ensuring women have personal, private devices or dedicated kiosks at health centres.
- Invest in training for ASHAs and other frontline workers to improve digital competency and reduce documentation burdens.
- Integrate tele‑consultations with robust referral mechanisms so that physical examinations are promptly arranged when needed.
- Monitor equity indicators such as who holds the phone during a consultation, privacy safeguards, and completion of follow‑up treatment.
Only by coupling technology with gender‑sensitive policies can India achieve an inclusive health system that benefits every citizen, especially rural women.