Divya Laroyia, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, MyHealthcare stresses that with the near-ubiquitous penetration of smartphones in India, improved network connectivity and supportive government policy framework, the Indian healthcare industry is on the cusp of transformation, driven by healthtech
Around the world, healthcare systems are seeing disruptive level changes as technology is being adopted to meet evolving healthcare needs. India, with its growing population and a rise in lifestyle diseases, is also seeing transformative change in the domain. Entrepreneurs and governments alike are beginning to harness the power of tech enabled healthcare delivery to make accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services available to millions of people. Having emerged like a panacea for an inadequate healthcare ecosystem, digital and tech advances in healthcare are making the lopsided landscape of our healthcare system, more inclusive and democratised.
With the near-ubiquitous penetration of smartphones in India, improved network connectivity and supportive government policy framework, the Indian healthcare industry is on the cusp of transformation, driven by healthtech.
Here’s a look at some of the key changes driven by technology in healthcare:
- With the help of technology, telehealth and virtual consultations have become crucial aspects of the healthcare system, allowing patients to have one-stop solutions from the comfort of their homes. These remote access solutions offer patients greater convenience, accessibility, and affordability, while also enabling healthcare providers to expand their reach and offer more personalized care, making it more inclusive and equitable across geographies.
- The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming healthcare delivery in India, enabling improved diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes, while providing doctors with clinical decision support. These technologies have numerous applications, including medical image analysis, personalised treatment plans, and remote patient monitoring. AI and ML can analyse patient data to identify patterns and recommend effective treatment options, leading to better outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. In addition, wearable devices and sensors enable continuous remote monitoring of patient health.
- Technology-enabled Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have transformed the way healthcare providers in India manage patient data. EMRs enable healthcare providers to collect a longitudinal patient history, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, and treatment plans, providing a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s health. This technology has revolutionised patient care, allowing for more accurate and efficient record-keeping and management, eliminating errors, and improving outcomes. Furthermore, EMRs have enabled healthcare providers to analyse and understand vast amounts of historic data contained within them, identifying patterns and predicting potential health risks for patients. With the help of technology, routine tasks like data entry can be automated, freeing up time for healthcare providers to focus on patient care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for patients.
- Digital transformation of healthcare has enabled remote booking, consults and diagnosis with the adoption of online booking engines and apps by hospitals and healthcare service providers. This new approach provides patients with the convenience of booking appointments and consulting with medical professionals from the comfort of their homes, saving them time and money. This technological model has been especially beneficial for patients living in far-flung areas, who can now access medical services without having to travel long distances for initial or follow-up consultations. This also brings poorly resourced and marginalised rural areas into the healthcare ambit by addressing inadequate infrastructural gaps. Patients have access to specialised healthcare services from remote areas by connecting virtually with doctors.
Alignment with government initiatives
The changing landscape of healthcare in India has been further augmented by the Indian government’s initiatives towards digitisation and healthcare reforms. The government has launched various digital healthcare initiatives to improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services, especially for underserved and rural populations.
Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and the National Health Stack (NHS) in India aim to leverage digital technologies to transform the healthcare landscape in the country. Through the ABDM, the Indian government is committed to creating a patient-centric healthcare system that is inclusive and accessible to all. For rural healthcare needs, there are state-led initiatives like e-Sanjeevni, a telemedicine platform that offers web and mobile application-based video consultation services to rural communities. Additionally, the government has partnered with leading healthcare providers to enhance patient care and ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
As we move forward, the possibilities for tech-enabled healthcare delivery in India are endless. With a strong commitment from the government to promote healthtech innovation, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s start-up ecosystem, we are poised to witness a healthcare revolution in the country. In order to fully utilise the potential of technology to enhance healthcare in India, it is crucial that we prioritise the upskilling of healthcare professionals and equip them with the appropriate tools and resources to deliver top-notch care to their patients. By combining the best of technology and human expertise, we can create a truly patient-centric tech enabled healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all.
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