Centre for Chronic Disease Control reports success of DigiSetu telemedicine initiative

The Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) has reported results from its ‘DigiSetu’ assisted telemedicine initiative, aimed at enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for chronic disease patients in resource-limited settings. A study conducted across three telemedicine clinics in Tamil Nadu has shown that combining telemedicine with trained health professionals can effectively address healthcare gaps, particularly for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Key findings, published in the BMC Primary Care Journal, indicate that the initiative provided care to over 11,000 patients, enhancing the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases.

The study highlights that assisted telemedicine can address barriers at patient, technology, and system levels, leading to improvements in health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions and achieving digital health equity. Diabetes patients saw an average reduction of 33 mg/dL in fasting blood sugar levels. Hypertensive patients experienced reductions of 9.6 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 5.5 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure within nine months of their first visit.

Dr Arun P Jose, Deputy Director of CCDC and Head of the BRIDGE Centre for Digital Health at CCDC, stated, “In India, over 65 per cent of the population live in rural areas, with limited access to quality healthcare. The ‘DigiSetu’ model showcases the transformative potential of assisted telemedicine by not only enhancing access to healthcare but also delivering tangible improvements in patient outcomes. Our results demonstrate that technology, combined with trained professionals, can bridge healthcare disparities and pave the way for digital health equity. We are excited to scale this sustainable model, ensuring better healthcare for millions across India and beyond.”

The study utilised interoperable health platforms, including electronic health records, point-of-care diagnostics, and clinical decision support systems. Nurses were trained to facilitate tele-consultations, ensuring seamless interactions between patients and physicians. Over 2.4 years, from March 2021 to June 2023, the clinics recorded milestones with 11,388 patients accessing care, with 59.3 per cent being female. The initiative resulted in 26,998 consultations and 15,437 lab investigations conducted. Nearly 43 per cent of patients with diabetes and 75.3 per cent with hypertension were newly diagnosed, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.

Prof (Dr) Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC, added, “To truly transform healthcare and improve lives, we need to embrace technology-driven models like DigiSetu. By integrating simple, effective digital health solutions into the ecosystem, we can break down the barriers that prevent millions in low-resource settings from accessing quality care. The impact of DigiSetu highlights the need for large-scale adoption of similar technologies to make equitable healthcare a reality for all.”

With its focus on early diagnosis, improved adherence to care protocols, and better health outcomes, the DigiSetu model serves as a scalable solution for improving healthcare delivery in underserved regions.