Puducherry: The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has been chosen as one of six national sites for implementing DIGI-CARE, an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-funded project aimed at strengthening digital technologies in the management of diabetes and hypertension.

The initiative, launched under the National Health Research Priority framework, seeks to address gaps in the National NCD Portal — the government's platform for screening, treatment and follow-up of non-communicable diseases. Challenges such as fragmented workflows, poor usability and inadequate digital infrastructure will be tackled through context-specific, optimized models, officials said.

DIGI-CARE will focus on improving early detection, diagnosis, treatment initiation and follow-up care for patients. The project is expected to enhance real-time data capture, improve linkage with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA), strengthen healthcare provider training, and streamline clinical workflows. Key outcomes will include better control of blood pressure and blood sugar, improved medication adherence and higher patient satisfaction, besides more accurate health data.

Alongside JIPMER, the project is being implemented at the George Institute for Global Health (Hyderabad), Centre for Chronic Disease Control (Delhi), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (Kochi), AIIMS Guwahati and ICMR-NIIRNCD (Jodhpur).

The Puducherry launch was held at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, led by Director Dr S Sevvel and Mission Director (NHM) Dr S Govindarajan, with participation from ICMR officials, state NCD officers and JIPMER investigators.

Officials said the project represents a major step towards creating a scalable model for digital integration into routine NCD care, strengthening monitoring systems and improving healthcare delivery nationwide.