CM launches ‘District Sandbox’ to accelerate health-tech innovations

PNS

Ranchi

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday launched the ‘District Sandbox’ initiative aimed at accelerating healthcare innovation and the adoption of emerging medical technologies in Jharkhand. The initiative was unveiled during the ‘MedTech Innovation Day’ organised by the Indian Development Trust (BVT) in collaboration with PHIA Foundation in Ranchi.

Launching the programme remotely, the CM said Jharkhand offers immense opportunities for innovators to develop practical solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in rural and tribal regions. He lauded the efforts of BVT, PHIA Foundation and their partners for creating a platform that fosters collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector.

“Healthcare remains a major challenge globally, and in a state like Jharkhand, with its unique geographical and social conditions, technology and innovation can play a transformative role. Reaching quality healthcare services to remote and tribal areas remains a key priority of the government,” Soren said.

Emphasising the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, bioengineering and real-time data in healthcare, the CM said that the future of healthcare delivery will be technology-driven. He assured innovators, startups and researchers of the government’s support in translating promising technologies into practical solutions for the people.

During the event, Soren also inspected a portable film-free digital X-ray machine developed by alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad.

The District Sandbox initiative will provide innovators with an opportunity to test and evaluate medical technologies in real-world public health settings. The programme aims to strengthen Jharkhand’s health innovation ecosystem and improve health outcomes, especially among rural, tribal and underserved communities.

Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Irfan Ansari highlighted the rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure under the current government. He cited the increase in medical colleges, MBBS and postgraduate seats, and recruitment of doctors as major achievements. The minister also spoke about plans to expand AI-enabled healthcare services, organise an AI conference, and establish 745 ‘Abua Medical Stores’ across the state.

The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, National Health Mission Campaign Director Shashi Prakash Jha, senior government officials, public health experts, innovators, healthcare professionals and development sector partners.

Two panel discussions were also held on developing MedTech solutions for public health systems and strengthening collaboration among governments, innovators, healthcare institutions and development partners to accelerate the adoption and scaling of healthcare innovations.