A groundbreaking digital medical emergency referral system is being introduced in Rajasthan, poised to significantly enhance patient care during critical initial hours. This innovative model will enable tertiary hospitals to prepare for incoming patients even before their arrival.
Rajasthan leads the nation as the first state to adopt this initiative, where a referred patient’s medical history is transmitted online to the control room prior to them reaching the hospital. This proactive measure allows medical teams to review reports in advance and be poised for immediate treatment upon arrival.
Key Features of the SETU Model
Developed and tested at the Rabindranath Tagore Medical College in Udaipur, the Simplified Emergency Transfer and Urgent Referral (SETU) system has already managed over 3,510 emergency cases across 15 districts in the state. This model is anticipated to be a game-changer for patients, effectively addressing the problem of ‘blind arrivals’ — situations where patients arrive at hospitals without prior notification.
Principal Medical and Health Secretary Gayatri Rathore commented in Jaipur on August 1, 2026, that the SETU system will fortify the connection between primary health centres (PHC) and community health centres (CHC) in rural areas to medical colleges and tertiary hospitals in urban settings.
Efficiency and Technology Integration
According to Ms. Rathore, the entire system operates with just smartphones, quick response (QR) codes, and a closed user group (CUG) network, thus eliminating the necessity for substantial investment in new infrastructure. Once a physician at a PHC refers a patient through the digital app, comprehensive digital data—including the estimated time of arrival and live GPS tracking—is sent to the receiving tertiary hospital.
Before the patient arrives, the control room will notify super-specialists in relevant departments such as trauma, surgical care, obstetrics and gynaecology, and pediatrics using the CUG network. They will also reserve intensive care unit or emergency beds as needed.
Ms. Rathore emphasized that a fully prepared team of doctors will commence lifesaving treatment right from ‘minute zero’ as soon as the ambulance doors open. Furthermore, every patient referred through SETU will receive a follow-up call the next day from the control room to gather feedback regarding the treatment and hospital services.
