In a strategic move to enhance the effectiveness of Telemedicine initiatives at the grassroots level, the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) embarked on a journey to establish state chapters. This initiative began with a criterion that each chapter would be formed in states where at least 20 Life members were enrolled. This approach has proven successful, leading to substantial growth over the years.

By 2018, TSI proudly had eight active state chapters. This number has impressively increased, and as of now, TSI boasts a network of 20 functioning state chapters. This expansion reflects our commitment to making Telemedicine services more accessible and collaborative across various regions.

I have had the privilege of contributing to this growth during my tenure as the Honorary Secretary of TSI. From November 2019 to November 2023, I served two consecutive terms, during which I played a pivotal role in the formation of 12 additional state chapters. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the TSI’s history, showcasing our dedication to spreading the benefits of Telemedicine far and wide.

It is essential for every TSI member to be familiar with these state chapters. Awareness and active participation in chapter activities foster a richer exchange of knowledge and ideas, crucial for the growth and development of Telemedicine practices. Additionally, TSI members are encouraged to attend meetings of these state chapters whenever they visit respective states. Such engagements are not only beneficial for professional growth but also serve as a platform for fostering fellowship and building stronger networks within the TSI community.

Our collective efforts in nurturing these state chapters will undoubtedly propel the reach and impact of Telemedicine across the country, benefiting a larger section of society. I look forward to seeing more members actively engage with their local chapters and contribute to this vital cause. Here is a list of all the new chapters that were formed during my tenure.

1. UP Chapter: February 22, 2020

As most of us are aware; Lucknow, UP is the hometown of TSI and SGPGI is the birthplace of TSI and SGPGI is the birthplace and HQ of TSI. But for some unknown reason UP state chapter came late on board. It was inaugurated on February 22, 2020 and became the 11th state chapter. However again, due to the Corona effects the state chapter couldn’t do much activities and remained in a dormant state.

The chapter was reinvigorated on Nov 02,2022 at Prayagraj and has since conducted good number of programmes and training camps.

At the time of writing this report, I came to know that the chapter was initially formed in 2017 itself but was dormant.

2. Jammu & Kashmir: October 29, 2021

One of the dreams of TSI has been to expand to the frontiers of the nation by reaching out to states like J&K. ISRO’s telemedicine has been in vogue in the state since 2004 with SKIMS, Srinagar as the Super specialty Hospital and at the helm of affairs. Mr. Farooq Ahmed Wani has been a crusader for the successful running of operations across 13 ISRO TM nodes in the state established by ISRO. Again, with his active role the dream of TSI came to a reality with the inauguration of J&K chapter at SKIMS, Srinagar on Oct 29,2021.

Quiet unexpectedly but most pleasantly, the state chapter within a period of 9 months from the formation, came forward to successfully host the mid-term conference of 2022 on Aug 26, 2022 again at the prestigious SKIMS. The participation of several young doctors and particularly students and their presentation of high quality research papers was an added attraction in the mid-term conference.

3. Gujarat Chapter: July 06, 2022

Expanding the TSI in the western zone, the Gujarat chapter was inaugurated on July 06,2022 at Ahmedabad. Incidentally this is the city of DECU, ISRO the national provider and coordinator of ISRO’s SatCom based TM services.

4. Chandigarh Chapter May 16, 2022

Dr. Meenu Singh, the then President-Elect and Professor at PGI Chandigarh completed all the formalities and sent a list of enrolled members and request to recognise the formation of a new state chapter. It is the first chapter to be formed in a Union Territory. She had a dedicated and enthusiastic young team of professional like Dr. Amit Agarwal, Dr. Biman Saikia etc.; and with all their coordination the chapter was inaugurated on 16/05/2022 under the aegis of TSI President Dr. PK Pradhan.

Interestingly during this period of formation Dr. Meenu Singh was appointed as the Executive Director at AIIMS Rishikesh and has attended the function online, by making it a Tele-inauguration of the state chapter.

5. Uttarakhand Chapter: November 10, 2022

The shift to AIIMS, Rishikesh of Dr.Meenu Singh worked as a catalyst for the formation of Uttarakhand Chapter. Uttarakhand chapter was inaugurated at AIIMS Rishikesh on the Nov 10, 2022.

Dr. Ankur Mittal of AIIMS has taken lead role in spreading the importance of TM and value of forming a local TSI chapter. The good news is that the chapter stood as the best chapter as declared at Goa Telemedicon AGM by conducting 12/12 programmes (12 events in 12 months period) on subjects varying from Urology, Oncology and recent annual event on Laparoscopy. As said, conducting online events is not the ultimate aim and goal of TSI or state chapters but is a step in the right direction. This keeps the state unit active and dynamic in moving ahead.

6. Himachal Pradesh Chapter: May 13, 2023

With active support and lead role by Dr. Vikrant Kanwar of AIIMS Bilaspur and wishes of Dr. Vir Singh Negi, Executive Director AIIMS, Bilaspur, the HP chapter was inaugurated on May 13,2023. This is personally special and dear to me as this day was also my birthday. Dr. Vikrant came to Telemedicon2022 at Kochi and joined a parallel meeting with me along with Dr.Arti Pawaria of Haryana and got motivated to form a state chapter. An soon after their formation they magnanimously came forward to host 2024 Telemedicon at HP in Dharamshala (Kangda) in Nov 2024 which was ratified by the 2023 AGM.

7. HARYANA Chapter: March 04, 2023

Similar to HP chapter, the Haryana chapter also came into existence after a meeting at Kochi during the Telemedicon 2022. Dr. Arti Pawaria of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Faridabad came to Telemedicon for the first time and was so impressed with the work and potential of her desire to serve the society through Telemedicine. The Haryana chapter was inaugurated on Mar 04,2023. Being close to Delhi which is very much crowded, but also being close to the rural Haryana on the other side, Haryana chapter has a key role to play in reaching healthcare to all in the remote regions and let’s hope for an all-round development of TSI activities through Haryana Chapter.

8. Goa Chapter: Telemedicon 2023 was announced to be held at Goa, initially proposed to be hosted by TSI Maharashtra Chapter under the aegis of Dr. B.S. Ratta. Subsequently TSI Gujarat chapter under the presidentship of Dr. Raj Rawal joined the event as a co-host. Like the tradition to preview the venue and review the arrangements, Mid-term meeting of TSI was held at Goa on July 09,2023. With the help and efforts of Dr. Suraj Bhosle of Goa joining the ongoing efforts by Dr. Ratta and Hony. Secretary TSI; the formation of Goa chapter also gained momentum and became a reality with the inauguration on the same day. Hence, the realisation of Goa Chapter and local team in the field, Telemedicon 2023 was successfully held at Goa during Nov 3-5,2023 in a grand way.

9. Jharkhand Chapter: August 18, 2023

With active support and membership drive by Dr.Maishraj of AIIMS Deogarh, the Jharkhand chapter of TSI was inaugurated on Aug 18, 2023 under the aegis of President TSI Dr. Meenu Singh and Dr. Saurabh Varshney, Director AIIMS.

10. North East Chapter: on November 24, 2023

After J&K, North East (NE) region is treated as the most important and difficult geographic terrain. The group of seven states is considered as a single block by Govt of India. Keeping this in mind, and identifying the difficulty in enrolling the required 20 members from each state, TSI also decided to allow the 20+ members from NE (7 states) to form a NE chapter to start with and gradually progress towards independent state chapters wherever possible. This was communicated to the Ad-hoc committee on Nov 01,2023 as a recognition to form the NE chapter. Subsequently the chapter was inaugurated at the Royal Global University, Guwahati on Nov 24,2023. Many engineering college students were addressed about the evolution and growth of TM and advances in technology aiding the growth of TM. There is a potential to from a student chapter of the university soon and this needs to be taken forward to other states and universities of the region.

NE chapter has also agreed to conduct the 2024 mid-term conference in the North East region and formal request during the inauguration itself as announced by the incoming president.

This leaves West Bengal and Bihar in the east to come up with their own state chapters and the work is in progress with the author’s discussions with potential stakeholders to rope-in the required members and probably holding the 2025 conference at Kolkata perfectly matching the ideal desire of holding national Telemedicine meetings in rotation in North-East-West and South (NEWS) regions. Let’s wish for the same to be realised soon.

We anticipate a surge in dynamic activities under the banner of these chapters, driven by the active involvement of our members, particularly from the younger generation.

The initial steps of hosting online and offline seminars, workshops, and training sessions form the foundational activities of these chapters. However, the next, and indeed more impactful phase of our journey, involves organizing remote and rural camps. These camps will demonstrate the real-world application and benefits of Telemedicine to the unreached, bringing this innovative healthcare approach directly into practice.

As we move forward, our goal is to ensure that the benefits of Telemedicine extend far and wide, reaching even the most remote areas. We envision a future where geography, location, and distance become irrelevant in accessing quality healthcare. With this aspiration, we extend heartfelt wishes for the success of these endeavors and the widespread adoption of Telemedicine, making quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their location.

Let us strive together towards this noble goal, ensuring that Telemedicine not only reaches but also positively impacts the unreached and underserved communities.