Technologies transforming India’s Healthcare system
The advent of technology has begun transforming India’s healthcare system to a large extent. During the COVID-affected period, India has observed how technology has changed and improved healthcare management. The role of technology in the Indian healthcare system has transformed from analog to totally digitally managed systems. The surfacing of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology has revolutionized the healthcare management system and earned efficiency over traditional healthcare. Let’s examine the application of technology and how India has responded to technological advancements in the healthcare field.
Telemedicine and remote care: Telemedicine in India has access to remote areas through platforms like eSanjeevani and other private health apps. Initiatives such as Practo and mFine are effectively bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas. After the outbreak of the pandemic, services like virtual consulting can enable the screening of patients without any personal visits. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) in India has established platforms where doctors can visit patients via smartphones. The benefits of telemedicine in India are a growing trend and improve access to healthcare and other government initiatives. Telemedicine in India has enabled the facilities to reach even remote places that presently have less access to medicines. The role of technology in the healthcare system is quite clear and obvious here.
Digital health records: India has a flagship project that records national digital health initiatives through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and has developed a unified health project. They provide full access to electronic personal health records (EPHR) and other ABDM-enabled apps. The goal is to create an integrated, secure, and interoperable health system in the country. Some aspects of this initiative are
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)
Electronic Personal Health Records (EPHR)
Unified Health Interface (UHI) and
Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS)
The benefits of this initiative are mainly to improve healthcare access, enhance efficiency & coordination, and have a reduced cost of public health monitoring.
Artificial intelligence and Machine learning implementation: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are fast-changing the healthcare scenario in India as they enable personalized treatment, early disease detection, and efficient resource management. The AI algorithms can detect MRIs and X-rays for diseases like tuberculosis and breast cancer at a very early stage. Patient record software with AI can help detect disease outbreaks, manage problems, and share resources effectively. Technology is changing healthcare in India profoundly.
Wearables and remote monitoring: Wearables and remote monitoring technology are fast transforming India’s stance on detecting diseases, health data collection and offering customized treatment. Wearables are capable of monitoring the skin temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Wearable technology allows patients to receive personalized treatment even at the least frequent doctor visits. Medical wearables and sensors allow tracking a patient’s health and spotting any abnormalities. Medical diseases are detected with the help of sensors, software, actuators and electronic patches. According to research, India bears almost 60% of heart-related problems in the world. Wearable technology ensures people have medicine at the right time.
Robotics and minimally invasive surgery: Robotic surgery in India has gained roots since 2012 and has successfully handled cases. The Da Vinci System was accredited by the FDA in 2000 in India, and AIMS successfully performed 1200 robotic neurosurgical procedures. Some common robotic surgeries in India are hysterectomies and urological surgeries. By 2021, India will have performed almost 76 functional robotic surgeries with 500 trained robotic surgeons. Merl’s CUVIS designed the first robotic surgery system for joints with precision and patient safety. All these facts support the idea that strong robotic surgery is gaining traction in the country.
Mobile health Apps: Some Mobile health-apps are being staggeringly liked in India and offer a range of healthcare services. These are used mainly for booking appointments and accessing medicines. The popular mHealth apps in India are PharmEasy, 1mg, Practo, HealthifyMe, Netmeds, Medibuddy and MyfitnessPal. There are several government initiatives like the Vaccine Tracker app, Swasth Bharat Mobile app, E-Raktkosh, and National Health Portal that are being used to improve health outcomes. The benefits of mobile health apps are that they are convenient, increase accessibility for rural areas, are affordable,e and have enhanced health outcomes. They indulge with improved efficiency for the healthcare providers.
Blockchain in the healthcare system: Blockchain technology offers to revolutionize India’s healthcare system by enhancing security, transparency, and managing patient records. Blockchain creates a decentralized and secure network for data sharing and gives patients control over information. Blockchain technology can be integrated into the Ayushman Bharat scheme. IIT Madras schemed for ‘Blocktrack’, a secured storage and exchange for medical data. Blockchain can even enhance the security of the pharmaceutical chain. Blockchain technology offers a secure and transparent approach to managing medical data and improving healthcare outcomes.
Healthcare startups: India is experiencing a massive health tech sector, and numerous startups are focusing on telemedicine, digital health, and data analytics. Some notable startups are HealthifyMe, Practo, PharmEasy, Innovaccer, BeatO, and many others. Around 37% of the health tech startups are incorporating IOT products. 54% of India’s healthcare start-ups are depending on AI and Machine Learning processes. The Indian pharmaceutical industry has bagged up INR 5000 crore in funding under initiatives like the Promotion of Research & Innovation Program Scheme, a program that fosters rapid growth among pharmaceutical companies, government research institutes, and startups.
Big data, public health surveillance, and technology: India has a huge population of 140 billion. Managing big data could be beneficial for hospital management and resource optimization. Such data would enable the prediction of patient inflow and hospitalization schedules. Using larger datasets for clinical schedules is a must now. COWIN is an app that enabled efficient vaccine tracking and drug delivery during COVID-19.
Technology has revolutionized India’s healthcare system in such a way that booking appointments, receiving personalized care, and delivering medicines are achieved in the least possible time. The advent of medicines and technology is exemplifying the detection of diseases and can predict any detrimental cases from the diagnostic patterns. India is becoming digital, and the healthcare system is one such lauded example of technological advancement.
Sweta Chakraborty is an Amazon author and SEO content writer. She contributes articles, blogs related to finance, stock market, cryptocurrency and real estates.