Swasthya Connect: Optimising Doctor Availability and Appointment Scheduling using AI and Digital Tech

Swasthya Connect is a comprehensive digital healthcare management platform aimed at addressing operational inefficiencies in Indian public hospitals. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Blockchain technology, it provides an end-to-end solution to common healthcare challenges such as long wait times, poor resource visibility, and fragmented health records. The AI module dynamically schedules appointments based on patient urgency and doctor availability, significantly reducing manual errors and optimizing medical staff utilization. RFID technology enables real-time tracking of medical personnel, beds, and essential equipment, streamlining emergency responsiveness and resource allocation. Blockchain ensures secure, tamper-proof electronic health records (EHRs), offering consent-based access control for patients and seamless interoperability between departments. The system architecture is modular, leveraging a microservice design with React.js and Node.js for frontend and backend development, respectively. Data is managed through MongoDB and Firebase, while Ethereum smart contracts handle health data storage securely. A pilot simulation involving 500 patients and 15 doctors demonstrated substantial operational improvements, including a 60% reduction in patient wait times, an 85% drop in scheduling conflicts, and a 91% satisfaction rate among users. Extensive feedback from doctors, administrative staff, and patients was incorporated to ensure ease of use and practical relevance. The multilingual, role-specific dashboards help overcome digital literacy barriers and provide stakeholders with personalized interfaces. Swasthya Connect also includes real-time notifications, automated workflows, and a scalable deployment model adaptable to varied hospital sizes and regional conditions