The Digital Health Summit 2023, sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), recently spotlighted the crucial role and potential challenges that digital health innovations play in today’s healthcare system. Below are some of the key points discussed at the summit and other contributing factors.
Digital Health – An Overview
Digital healthcare is a rapidly evolving field that integrates a wide array of technologies to offer quality and affordable medical care services. This term encompasses numerous categories like mobile health, health IT, wearable devices, telemedicine, telehealth, and personalized medicine. The WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health, introduced in 2020, provides a roadmap to leverage digital health innovations and improve global health outcomes.
Key Applications of Digital Healthcare
Several applications have emerged in the digital healthcare landscape. Point-of-care diagnostics allow patients or healthcare professionals to conduct accurate diagnostics even in resource-limited settings with tools like biosensors, portable x-rays, and smartphone-based applications.
Virtual health assistants and chatbots bridge the communication gap between patients and doctors, helping manage appointments, maintain health records, and perform administrative tasks. Similarly, wearable devices with integrated monitors and sensors track physiological changes in the body, including weight, sleep patterns, diet, and exercise habits.
Finally, e-pharmacies, internet-based pharmacies that fulfill orders through mail or delivery persons, make accessing necessary medications more convenient for patients.
Benefits of Embracing Digital Healthcare
Telemedicine has been instrumental in decentralized healthcare delivery, ensuring remote and advanced care accessibility. Notably, digital health tools provide healthcare practitioners with comprehensive patient health data, enabling better-informed treatment decisions.
Challenges Associated with Digital Healthcare in India
While the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated digital health adoption in India, several challenges persist. Among these are the absence of clear regulations and guidelines, leading to potential fraud, digital prescription misuse, and data theft. An underdeveloped digital infrastructure and a lack of skilled professionals further hinder healthcare digitization in the country. Additionally, securing patient data privacy and cybersecurity is vital to maintain patient trust in digital healthcare, as witnessed in the recent ransomware attack at AIIMS Delhi.
Government Initiatives Bolstering Digital Health
The Indian government has undertaken several initiatives in support of digital health. Among them are Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), e-Sanjeevani Teleconsultation Service, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), and the CoWIN App.
WHO’s Approach to Promoting Digital Health and Innovation
The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes digital health and innovation by translating research and data into action through interoperability and data sharing standards. It seeks to enhance knowledge through scientific communities, assess and link nation requirements with an innovative supply, and drive digital healthcare solutions.
The Way Forward: AI, Blockchain, and mHealth
Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and mHealth are prospective ways forward for digital healthcare. AI can analyze vast volumes of data, enhancing healthcare delivery accuracy and speed. On the other hand, blockchain technology can bolster health data security and privacy while streamlining healthcare processes. Lastly, mHealth, which involves using mobile devices and applications to deliver remote healthcare services, can significantly aid rural areas with limited healthcare access.