The CHANGE–CVD project is being implemented across ten Rural Health Training Centres (RHTCs) affiliated with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Madras Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, and St. John’s Medical College. The project is designed to strengthen heart disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referral services at the primary healthcare level using a combination of digital health technologies and trained healthcare teams.

Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and frontline workers, receive structured training on cardiovascular disease screening, use of digital tools, telemedicine processes, and patient management. Philips Lumify handheld ultrasound devices are introduced at participating centres to support early identification of heart-related abnormalities and improve timely referrals to higher healthcare facilities when needed.

The project also uses the DigiSetu assisted telemedicine platform for patient registration, clinical data recording, teleconsultation, referral coordination, and follow-up tracking. In addition, the mPower electronic clinical decision support system (eCDSS) helps healthcare providers follow standard treatment guidelines and make informed decisions during patient care.

Referral pathways between primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities are being strengthened to improve continuity of care and access to specialist consultation. Together, these interventions aim to improve delivery of quality cardiovascular care in rural and underserved populations.