India’s healthcare future depends on technology integration and collaborative efforts: Report

The report emphasises the digital transformation of healthcare, noting a growing adoption of digital technologies including robotics, telehealth, AI, and 5G by private entities to deliver tech-enabled care

India’s healthcare sector is poised for a transformative shift in the coming decade which will be driven by digital and technological innovations, infrastructure boom, and major government and private initiatives and partnerships. On the same lines Deloitte launched its report titled, “The Future of Health: India,”. The report emphasises the digital transformation of healthcare, noting a growing adoption of digital technologies including robotics, telehealth, AI, and 5G by private entities to deliver tech-enabled care.

To maintain this progress, strengthening cybersecurity, streamlining GST for healthcare, and enhancing digital skills are vital. Technology is democratising healthcare through digital tools, virtual care, and healthcare apps, aligning with consumers’ desire for a seamless and personalised healthcare experience.

A collaborative approach by the government and private sector is shaping India’s secure, tech-forward healthcare future. Major initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and private innovations in AI and 5G are revolutionising healthcare and its access to the masses. Patients are increasingly using technology for proactive health management. Combined with the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill of 2023, these efforts aim to create a secure, patient-centric healthcare landscape. Modern healthcare consumers seek a personalised, efficient experience, much like online services. Technology, including digital health tools, virtual care, smart devices, AI portals, and chatbots, is streamlining healthcare, offering a unified electronic health record system for tailored and cohesive patient journeys.

Joydeep Ghosh, Partner, and Industry Leader for Life Sciences & Healthcare at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, says, “India’s rapidly expanding digital economy, with over 75 million 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband subscriptions in 2021, projected to reach approximately 460 million by 2030, is driving tech-enabled care. While we’ve seen significant 5G growth, it’s crucial to sustain this, especially in rural areas.” He continued, “We’re making strides with projects like the ‘Anemia Mukt Mahilayen’ and ‘Sanjeevani Pariyojana,’ using digital solutions to address anemia and provide virtual support for COVID-19. Deloitte is committed to expanding these programs, fostering innovation in both public and private sectors to shape healthcare’s future.”

India’s healthcare future relies on technology and collaboration, but challenges like cybersecurity, infrastructure gaps, personnel shortages, and digital disparities must be addressed. The report also highlights a 23 per cent gender gap in smartphone usage, despite 71 per cent of Indian women owning mobile phones, and only 33 per cent accessing the internet. Government efforts, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, have provided digital health IDs to about 21 per cent of citizens, alongside regulations like the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. Initiatives like ABDM and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana are working to bridge digital gaps, while some private players create digital healthcare solutions. However, broader issues like income inequality still require comprehensive solutions for India’s healthcare transformation.

In conclusion, India’s healthcare future is set to be defined by technology’s transformative power and the unwavering commitment of stakeholders. Through innovative solutions, digitisation, and a focus on equitable access, India is on course to offer personalised and preventive care, redefining health as a holistic well-being encompassing mental, social, and economic aspects. Embracing a tech-driven approach, healthcare will become more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric, leading to improved health outcomes and a brighter and healthier future for all. The vision of a digitised, interconnected, and inclusive healthcare system is within reach, and with continued dedication and collaboration, India’s healthcare future is bound to flourish.