Overcrowding in hospitals leads to long waiting times, compromised quality of care, and overburdened healthcare professionals. Surjeet Thakur, Founder & CEO, TrioTree Technologies, discusses how technology can offer effective solutions to address these challenges
India’s healthcare system faces chronic challenges due to the burgeoning population and insufficient infrastructure. The country needs an estimated 2.4 million additional hospital beds to meet the WHO’s recommendation of five beds per 1,000 people. Overcrowding in hospitals results in long waiting times compromised quality of care, and overburdened healthcare professionals. The pressing question is: can technology play a transformative role in addressing these systemic issues?
The healthcare infrastructure gap
Despite recent advancements, India’s healthcare infrastructure is still inadequate to serve its population of over 1.4 billion. Currently, the bed-to-patient ratio is significantly below global standards, with rural areas disproportionately affected. Even with a substantial increase in the number of medical colleges (from 387 to 716) and MBBS seats (from 52,000 to over 108,000), these improvements fail to fully address the human resource shortages in hospitals.
While private hospitals have added over 30,000 beds in the last five years, this growth is concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural regions behind.
How technology can help
– Telemedicine and remote consultations
Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool to decongest hospitals, especially during the pandemic. Platforms providing remote consultations can minimise hospital visits for routine check-ups and follow-ups. According to the Health Ministry, over 1.5 lakh tele-consultations were recorded during the pandemic, underscoring its potential to reduce strain on physical infrastructure.
– Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered diagnostics
AI can assist in early and accurate diagnosis, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays. AI tools are already being used to analyse medical imaging, detect anomalies, and predict diseases like cancer and diabetes.
– Hospital Management Systems (HMS)
Advanced HMS can optimise patient flow, resource allocation, and scheduling, ensuring efficient utilisation of available beds and staff. Technologies like IoT-enabled devices provide real-time monitoring of bed occupancy, reducing bottlenecks.
– Virtual Intensive Care Units (vICUs)
vICUs allow specialists to remotely monitor critical patients in real time. This technology is particularly useful for rural hospitals lacking specialised staff.
– Wearable devices and remote monitoring
Wearable devices enable continuous monitoring of vital signs, reducing the need for in-hospital stays. Such devices can transmit data to physicians in real time, facilitating proactive interventions.
– The role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can amplify the impact of technological innovations. Collaborations between technology firms and healthcare providers can accelerate the deployment of telemedicine platforms, AI diagnostics, and IoT-based hospital management systems in underserved areas.
Challenges to overcome
While technology offers promising solutions, implementation is not without challenges:
– High costs: Adopting advanced technologies requires significant investment, which may be prohibitive for small hospitals.
– Digital divide: Rural areas often lack the internet connectivity and digital literacy needed for telemedicine and other digital health solutions.
– Data privacy concerns: The use of AI and IoT in healthcare raises concerns about patient data security and privacy.
The way forward
To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is needed:
– Infrastructure expansion: The government and private sectors must invest in building hospitals and upgrading facilities, especially in rural regions.
– Training programs: Upskilling healthcare professionals to use technology effectively is essential.
– Digital literacy initiatives: Increasing awareness and training for rural populations to leverage telemedicine services.
To sum it up
Technology alone cannot replace the need for physical infrastructure, but it can significantly alleviate overcrowding in Indian hospitals by improving efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care. With collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and technology providers, India can take significant strides toward creating a robust and inclusive healthcare system. By addressing the gaps in both physical and technological resources, the country can move closer to achieving equitable healthcare for all.
Reference:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1644584