The potential of modern technologies in bridging the healthcare gap in India

Tanay Tulsaney and Vaibhav Sharma, Co-Founders, DigiLantern emphasises that digital health technologies have the potential to improve healthcare access and outcomes while also reducing costs and increasing efficiency

The healthcare sector in India is going through a period of great change. The population worldwide is estimated at around 8 billion as of 2023 and is likely to exceed 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050. As the world population continues to grow, the number of aging individuals is increasing, which is resulting in a higher demand for healthcare services. This demand is exacerbating the shortage of healthcare professionals in many regions, including India. The issue of staff shortfalls, insufficient recruiting and retention, unappealing working conditions, and limited access to ongoing professional development opportunities are all wreaking havoc on healthcare systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these issues and exposed the gaps in the healthcare sector.

In this context, the potential of modern technologies to bridge the healthcare gap is enormous, particularly in the context of India’s vast rural areas and underserved populations. The adoption of digital health technologies such as telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) applications has already shown significant promise in providing remote healthcare services to these areas.

The benefits of modern technologies in healthcare

Digital health technologies have the potential to improve healthcare access and outcomes while also reducing costs and increasing efficiency. They can empower patients by providing them with greater control over their healthcare and enabling them to manage chronic conditions more effectively. The adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) and telemedicine has been shown to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes.

Challenges to overcome

There are significant challenges to overcome in the widespread adoption of modern technologies. The shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The lack of digital infrastructure in many areas of the country also poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of digital health technologies. Furthermore, issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to ensure the safe and effective use of modern technologies in healthcare.

The way forward

The government’s efforts to address the shortage of healthcare professionals through initiatives such as the National Health Mission (NHM) have been laudable, but there is still a long way to go. The government needs to continue investing in digital infrastructure and healthcare workforce development to ensure the effective and safe adoption of modern technologies in healthcare. Additionally, healthcare providers and stakeholders need to collaborate to develop effective and sustainable solutions to address the challenges and enable the widespread adoption of digital health technologies.

The role of telemedicine and mHealth applications

Telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) applications have already shown significant promise in providing remote healthcare services to underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. These technologies can provide patients with access to specialists and healthcare services that would otherwise be unavailable to them. For instance, telemedicine can be used to provide consultations for patients with chronic conditions, enabling them to receive specialist care without having to travel long distances. mHealth applications can also be used to deliver healthcare services directly to patients, such as providing them with medication reminders, monitoring their health status, and offering health education and advice.

Addressing the digital divide

However, there is still a significant digital divide in India, with many rural areas lacking the digital infrastructure necessary to support the adoption of modern technologies. This digital divide poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of digital health technologies and needs to be addressed through increased investment in digital infrastructure.

Data privacy and cybersecurity

Data privacy and cybersecurity are also major concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the safe and effective use of digital health technologies. The use of electronic medical records and the exchange of health information over the Internet raises concerns about the privacy and security of patient data. It is essential to develop robust data privacy and cybersecurity frameworks to protect patient data from breaches and cyber-attacks.

Regulatory frameworks

Finally, regulatory frameworks need to be developed to ensure the safe and effective use of digital health technologies. The government needs to establish clear guidelines and regulations for the development, deployment, and use of these technologies to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Overall, the potential of modern technologies in bridging the healthcare gap in India is enormous, but there are still significant challenges to overcome. By investing in digital infrastructure and healthcare workforce development, addressing the digital divide, ensuring data privacy and cybersecurity, and developing robust regulatory frameworks, we can ensure the effective and safe adoption of digital health technologies in healthcare. The widespread adoption of these technologies can transform the healthcare sector and improve healthcare outcomes for all populations, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.