Udupi: Udupi district hospital at Ajjarkad is making significant progress towards complete digitalisation, aiming to establish a paperless administration and a more transparent healthcare system.
Earlier, patient records such as treatment details, scan reports, and lab results were maintained in paper form, requiring patients to carry documents for every visit. With the new system in place, all patient information is now being stored and accessed digitally, streamlining hospital operations and improving patient convenience.
Pilot project across four districts
The initiative has been implemented by the Karnataka government on a pilot basis in four districts—Udupi, Ballari, Dharwad, and Tumakuru. Among these, Udupi district hospital has emerged as a frontrunner, achieving around 70 per cent success in digitalisation.
Officials said the progress reflects the hospital’s proactive approach in adopting technology-driven healthcare solutions and improving service delivery.
Introduction of Druke app
The earlier ‘e-Hospital’ system had faced frequent server-related issues, often leading to overcrowding and delays. To address these concerns, the Druke app has been introduced, offering a more stable and efficient platform that functions without major server disruptions.
Between June 2025 and April 17, 2026, a total of 45,915 Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) registrations have been completed at the hospital, indicating strong adoption among patients.
Access to medical records via ABHA
Patients can now access their complete medical records through the ABHA system using their smartphones. By creating an account linked to their Aadhaar number and scanning a QR code provided at the hospital, they can view doctor consultations, diagnostic reports, and treatment details directly on their mobile devices.
Nursing students stationed at the hospital are assisting patients in downloading and using the app, ensuring wider accessibility and ease of use.
Improved doctor-patient workflow
Once a patient registers at the hospital help desk, a list of available doctors is generated. Doctors can then access previous medical records through the app on tablets, enabling more informed and efficient consultations.
Although prescriptions are currently issued in handwritten form, plans are underway to digitise them and send them directly to the pharmacy in the future. For patients without smartphones, doctors record treatment details on tablets, ensuring continuity of care.
Infrastructure support and investment
To support the initiative, the hospital has been equipped with 19 tablets and additional computers at a cost of around Rs 5 lakh. This infrastructure has played a crucial role in facilitating digital record-keeping and improving operational efficiency.
Challenges in achieving full digitalisation
Despite the progress, certain technical and administrative challenges remain. Postgraduate medical students are currently not permitted to use the app, which can lead to delays in data entry.
Additionally, there is a shortage of tablets in the outpatient department when doctors conduct ward rounds. Officials noted that achieving 100 per cent paperless operations will require additional devices and staff support.
Officials highlight benefits
District Surgeon Dr Ashok stated that the project has proven highly beneficial in improving transparency and efficiency. He added that greater success can be achieved if more patients have access to Android smartphones.
A detailed report outlining the advantages, challenges, and additional requirements has already been submitted to the government for further action.
Conclusion
The digital transformation at Ajjarkad district hospital marks a significant step towards modernising public healthcare in Karnataka. While challenges remain, Udupi’s leading position among pilot districts highlights the potential of technology-driven solutions in improving patient care. With continued investment and support, the vision of a fully paperless healthcare system appears increasingly achievable.