Dr Dhrubaa Ghosh, Partner, Management Consulting, BDO India emphasises that for decades, accessibility has been a persistent issue in India’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas due to the scattered nature of receptivity, the shortage of specialists, and the lack of patient records maintenance. The ABDM could play a crucial role in changing the landscape
Digital technology in the healthcare space has gained significant traction in India. However, the country has a long way to go in terms of accessibility, especially in rural areas. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – erstwhile National Digital Health Mission – is a revolutionary initiative that aims to transform healthcare quality and ensure access for all, by addressing key challenges in the sector.
For decades, accessibility has been a persistent issue in India’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas due to the scattered nature of receptivity, the shortage of specialists, and the lack of patient records maintenance. The ABDM could play a crucial role in changing the landscape.
From paper trail to digital empowerment: The power of ABHA
Imagine a scenario where your medical history isn’t a stack of papers, but a secure digital record accessible at your fingertips. Central to the ABDM is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account-ID (ABHA ID) which is revolutionising the course of how patients manage their health information. Instead of dealing with confusing paper records, patients now have secure electronic access to their medical history. This empowers both patients and healthcare providers to actively steer decisions regarding their treatment, especially in emergencies where quick access to records is crucial.
This digital transformation translates to more efficient use of resources (time and effort), allowing healthcare providers to focus on treatment rather than data collection. For example, a doctor who wants to check a patient’s history for allergies, previous medications, and treatment records, with the ABDM framework and the patient’s consent, can save the time-consuming ordeal of data collection and get to a quicker diagnosis and treatment planning.
ABDM’s effect goes beyond digitisation
In addition to digitising medical records, ABDM very actively promotes telemedicine consultation through a programme called e-Sanjeevani. This telemedicine platform bridges the gap in access to specialists, especially in rural areas, by offering consultations online. The growing interest in ABDM-enabled teleconsultations underlines its transformational potential if strong regulatory frameworks are in place for the quality of care and protection of patients.
Finding the balance: Regulation for innovation
Regulatory enablers such as the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines and the draft Health Data Management Policy go a long way in bringing about that fine balance between innovation and regulation. This sets minimum standards for conducting telemedicine consultations and lays down the protocols to be observed for data privacy and security. This ensures that healthcare providers offer better care while safeguarding the interests of the patients. However, a significant issue is that regulation often lags behind advancements in the ABDM.
Private sector and Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Despite the undeniable prospects of the ABDM, its wider adoption among all healthcare providers remains a challenge. Currently, it is mainly operational in public health facilities. Integrating private hospitals and clinics into the ABDM framework is crucial for utilising its full potential. This is where PPPs can play a vital role. The Government can encourage private sector involvement either through financial schemes or through regulatory ease-of-doing-business measures. Public-private collaboration between healthcare providers can guarantee a more integrated and accessible healthcare ecosystem for all Indians.
Addressing data privacy concerns
Data privacy remains a valid concern. The draft Health Data Management Policy by MoHFW specifies rigorous data privacy and security standards. All patient data is encrypted and then safely stored within the ABDM framework. National Health Authority must play the necessary function to have sound data governance and user privacy. For example, patients will be able to ascertain with whom they will share ABHA IDs and which healthcare providers shall access or view their records. It is, therefore, transparency and control in the personal health records of a patient that will build trust in the ABDM.
A call to action for you to be a part of this digital health wave:
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Register for Your ABHA ID: Take charge of your health information by accessing your ABHA ID. You can register on the National Health Authority webpage, https://abdm.gov.in/, or from your nearest health facility. With an ABHA ID, you will securely have access to your medical information, thus empowering you with better decision-making regarding your well-being and ultimately helping you to be more involved in your health journey.
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Advocate for the adoption of e-Sanjeevani: Encourage your local healthcare service providers to support adopting an e-Sanjeevani consultation. This facet can enhance the access concerns to specialists, especially in rural areas, dramatically.
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Spread awareness: Address data privacy concerns by sharing credible information about the ABDM’s robust security protocols. Have a chat with friends and family regarding the benefits of getting an ABHA ID and how remote consultations via e-Sanjeevani work. Spreading awareness will help you do your part in helping greater adoption of these game-changing healthcare solutions.
The ABDM is truly a groundbreaking initiative that holds great promise in changing access and quality of healthcare services in India. It will provide a platform for effective healthcare by giving patients access to their health data through the ABHA IDs, improved interaction between patients and providers through availing telemedicine or e-Sanjeevani, and result in enhanced data management in healthcare delivery. The sustainable development of the ABDM hinges on it overcoming difficulties in comprehensive adoption and having standard data privacy protocols. As the ABDM evolves and develops, it can help bridge the gap in healthcare access and facilitate quality healthcare for all Indians.
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