PRAYAGRAJ, Sept. 9 -- The network of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Prayagraj is being upgraded with artificial intelligence (AI), high-speed broadband and digital diagnostic facilities to enhance healthcare access in rural areas. Under the hub-and-spoke model, all 494 Arogya Mandirs in the district are being developed as spokes linked to hospitals with specialist doctors. The initiative will expand telemedicine services, allowing patients in remote areas to access specialist consultations without travelling to larger health facilities, officials said. Divisional project manager of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Harit Saxena said Moti Lal Nehru Divisional (Colvin) Hospital has been developed as the hub and connected with high-speed broadband for real-time exchange of medical reports and consultations. Community health officers (CHOs) at the Arogya Mandirs upload patients' symptoms and preliminary test reports on the e-Sanjeevani portal. Specialists at the hub then conduct video consultations and issue digital prescriptions, he shared. The centres are also being equipped with smart testing kits, with preparations underway to integrate them with point-of-care laboratories. Dry-biochemistry analysers can provide preliminary readings for haemoglobin, liver and kidney function and blood sugar within five to 10 minutes, Saxena said. Portable kits are also being provided to screen pregnant women for anaemia and identify high-risk pregnancies early. The upgraded grassroots facilities, formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres, are also being linked with Tele-MANAS for free, confidential counselling for stress, depression, insomnia and other mental health problems. Saxena said the service has started in Prayagraj through helplines 14416 and 1800. As many as 755 rural patients received treatment with its help in August 2026. Officials said the integration of e-Sanjeevani, digital diagnostics and tele-mental health services will strengthen the Arogya Mandirs as the first point of healthcare access for rural residents....