Nilay Mehrotra, Founder, Janani.life highlights the role of technology in sexual and reproductive health
Technology has taken over even the smallest processes in the world. Digitisation has emerged as an invaluable necessity and is rapidly changing the way the world works. The vast majority of industrial activities have now transitioned and become available online owing to the fast pace and economic perks that accompany it. The healthcare industry is no exception, as digital health and medtech are at the forefront of all major segments of healthcare today.
Though digitisation as a concept was already growing fast for the most part of the decade, one must acknowledge the role played by the COVID pandemic in further accelerating its growth. The healthcare sector, in particular, has experienced swift digitisation and online transitions to facilitate widespread accessibility of knowledge and medical services amidst the ongoing crisis.
The healthcare sector itself has seen considerable growth in recent times, as highlighted in a report by IBEF and the Ministry of External Affairs, who have projected the healthcare industry of India to reach a value of approximately $372 billion by 2022. The same report also predicts that the value of the diagnostic sector would reach $32 billion by 2022. Any industry developing at a fast pace has technology and innovation as its foundational pillars that determine the speed of its growth.
The infusion of technology has impacted the less developed sectors, such as the sexual and reproductive health sector, even more than the rest and has proved to be revolutionary for their growth. Some ways in which technological innovations have altered the landscape of the sexual and reproductive healthcare sector are discussed below.
Digital health and its role in sexual and reproductive healthcare
Digitisation of healthcare might have acquired focus out of sheer necessity in the wake of the pandemic, but it has sustained itself only because of the benefits that it comes with. This is especially true in the case of sexual and reproductive health, topics that are traditionally taboo and restricted to very limited discussions along with poor awareness.
Owing to the lack of awareness, even people who experience problems on sexual and reproductive fronts are unable to recognise the need for help or seek it. By making it possible for these topics to be talked about out in the open, online portals have done them a colossal service. The sharp rise observed in the number of virtual healthcare and diagnostic websites has made it possible to generate greater awareness amongst a large humongous number of people and has helped significantly in clearing the air in this regard.
Additionally, digital portals have also made online doctor consultations and prescriptions possible. In a country like India, where topics of sex and reproduction have been kept shushed for generations, people shy away from seeking treatment against diseases pertaining to these areas. However, these online options have acted as an incentive for them to seek help from the comfort and privacy of their home. Thus, it has provided tremendous help to people suffering from sexual and reproductive problems in silence till now. Moreover, most diagnostic labs are offering the option of quick online results for various tests. This move has enhanced the efficiency of all healthcare processes and the satisfaction of customers.
Summing up
India has a long way to go in terms of sexual and reproductive health-related awareness and diagnosis. This lag can principally be attributed to the general taboo that surrounds these topics here. The recent infusion of technology and digitisation in the industry has truly facilitated the uptake of services in this field. As awareness increases, thanks to the wide reach of informational online platforms, so do the number of people seeking and accessing proper treatment and help needed for their sexual and reproductive issues. Thus, digital health and medtech interventions have proved to be one of the most critical advancements in the healthcare industry.