A landmark initiative in public healthcare was launched today with the inauguration of Mizoram’s first-ever Health ATMs under the Lunglei District Administration’s “Healthy Lunglei Initiative” at Civil Hospital Lunglei and Primary Health Centre (PHC) Lungsen. The programme was held at the Seminar Hall, Civil Hospital Lunglei, with Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.

In her address, Minister Lalrinpuii expressed pride in launching Mizoram’s first Health ATMs, describing the occasion as “a proud and historic moment” for Lunglei and the state. She highlighted the progress made under the Healthy Lunglei District Campaign, launched in June 2024, which has expanded preventive healthcare through screenings, awareness drives, and active community participation.

The Minister noted that the Health ATMs, equipped with modern diagnostic tools, will enable citizens to instantly check vital health parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, oxygen levels, and more. She added that the IoT-enabled kiosks will generate digital health records for timely follow-up, helping bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare facilities while reducing time and cost for patients.

Lalrinpuii also commended the Lunglei DC’s office for holistic public health initiatives such as Project LEAP (for Persons with Disabilities) and Project BLOOM (focused on improving maternal and child health in Lungsen Aspirational Block). She thanked MVS India, ABCI Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd, and BRN for their CSR support and collaboration, calling the project “a shining example of government, private sector, and civil society working together to achieve lasting change.”

The function commenced with a Welcome Address by Zoramdini, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei, followed by Bible reading and prayer from Rev. V. Lalzarliana, Baptist Church of Mizoram. Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei, Navneet Mann, then gave a brief description of the Health ATM initiative and other activities under the Healthy Lunglei District Campaign. Dr SR Ngurchamliana, Director, Directorate of Hospital & Medical Education (DHME), and Lalhruailiana Zote, Block Development Officer, Lungsen, also delivered short speeches.

The function was attended by V. Malsawmtluanga, Vice Chairman, Lunglei High Powered Committee; Lalramliana Papuia, MLA, Lunglei South; Lalzuithanga, Chairman, Lunglei Municipal Council & councillors; officials of various departments; representatives of ABCI, BRN and MVS India; representatives of churches and NGOs; political party leaders; members of District MJA; hospital staff; and students of the Nursing School, Lunglei.

The Health ATMs were officially launched at Civil Hospital Lunglei and connected via video conference to PHC Lungsen. A live demonstration was also conducted by Dr Lalremmuana Ralte, Medical Officer, NCD Clinic, Civil Hospital Lunglei.

The Health ATM initiative was made possible following a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Manav Vikas Sanstha (MVS India), the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei, and ABCI Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. Under the MoU, ABCI & BRN have funded the procurement and maintenance of the Health ATMs through its CSR programme, MVS India is responsible for installation, training and technical support, while the DC’s Office will provide administrative facilitation and ensure sustainability.

The Health ATM will offer 35 varieties of diagnostic tests, covering general health, diabetes, hematology, cardiac, ear, eye, and mental health parameters. These include vital checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, ECG, lipid profile, vision and hearing assessments, as well as a depression and anxiety screening tool. A personalised diet plan feature is also available to support preventive healthcare. Importantly, all tests can be done free of cost in less than half an hour, with instant results delivered directly to the user’s mobile phone.

With the introduction of these Health ATMs, Lunglei District has taken a pioneering step in integrating technology into healthcare delivery, improving access to preventive services, and strengthening the vision of a Healthy Lunglei. In particular, the installation of a Health ATM at PHC Lungsen is expected to greatly strengthen ongoing health initiatives to improve health indicators under the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme in the Lungsen Aspirational Block.