The attention garnered by the Indian healthcare ecosystem in the wake of the pandemic has been unprecedented. With a rapidly rising load of non-communicable diseases among the 1.35 billion plus Indians, there is a clear understanding about digitizing the healthcare ecosystem in the country. Healthcare infrastructure and resource development were not accorded the priority it deserved until the pandemic eventually compelled the stakeholders to make amends. This is where technology is now reshaping the dynamics between patients, doctors and the other components of the ecosystem. From early 2020 until now, there has been ample demonstration of the impact that digital channels can make in transforming healthcare delivery in India.

Digital channel usage has proved to be a major enabler in a multitude of ways. The biggest challenge that India faces is of access to quality healthcare services including treatments, diagnostics and medicines. In this area, mobile phone has emerged as a force to reckon with. Today, smartphone connectivity has reached even the remotest regions ensuring anytime, anywhere connectivity between patients and healthcare providers. Teleconsultations were a rarely considered option before the pandemic started, but as per the reports, the number of teleconsultations with doctors has already crossed the 4 billion mark and this is just the beginning of the new normal. 

While the option to telephonically consult a doctor existed even in the past, it is the development of cutting-edge communication technologies that has transformed the efficiency and impact of such consultations. The tech-based healthcare startups have managed to bring into the picture technologies, processes and innovative devices that combined with video communication tools are now making teleconsultations as effective as in-person visits to a doctor’s clinic. Digital stethoscopes, BP and heart rate monitors, portable ECG machines and various other AI/IoT powered devices are capable of bridging the access gap. Digital devices capable of monitoring the vitals of a patient automatically keep sharing the data with doctors in real-time to ensure them to proactively take steps whenever necessary.  In fact, leading innovative health-tech brands now make it possible for patients to receive advanced support such as dialysis and chemotherapy at home. This kind of digital channel backed healthcare delivery proves to be extremely effective in disease management and improving the quality of life for even the patients who live in areas not covered by conventional healthcare services. 

The advantage with India has been that the country has a world-class IT and technology sector that caters to almost all major countries of the world. Thus, the ability to innovate and digitize healthcare delivery through online platforms has bolstered startups in the arena. Digital technology makes the biggest impact by creating a virtual infrastructure that connects patients with the doctors, pharmacies, diagnostic facilities, insurance companies and other components of the ecosystem in a seamless and real-time manner. Thus, 24/7 universal healthcare has become a reality. Conventionally a patient suffering from tuberculosis, heart problems or other lifestyle diseases might consult a doctor after a gap of a month, even in areas with good access to institutional healthcare. The gap in consultation frequency in remote areas could be significantly higher due to the time, costs and discomfort involved. Digital healthcare platforms eliminate these obstacles, and enable 24/7 access to consultations leading to greater adherence to regular as well as preventive healthcare measures. For instance, a decade ago, a diabetes patient was needed to visit a lab and get sugar tests done or in metro cities, even where one could call and get the samples collected from home, the reports took days to come. Today, hand-held glucometers can accurately show blood glucose levels within seconds. This kind of comfort and economy encourages people to pay greater attention to their health parameters and report any niggles and discomfort to the doctors digitally. 

The Government of India has also acknowledged this need for a robust and holistic digital healthcare ecosystem and the National Digital Health Mission is now aiming to bring the vision into reality. India will undoubtedly go on to become ‘Ayushman Bharat’ with a high-quality digital healthcare ecosystem!