A STEP TOWARDS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY IN INDIA: A REVIEW

by Datalife Health tour Datalife health tour

The creation of an apparent idea of progression, development and a world dependant on technology has led to the integration of multiple digital technologies into its usage in everyday life. Digitalization is, simply, the computerization of systems, jobs, HealthCare etc.; ready to be accessed at fingertips and not just by the technological companies developing the software but also by people sitting at homes with access to network. Amidst the chaos of delays in transfer of information taking up to weeks by the postal service to standing and waiting patiently drenched in perspiration and never ending queues for a doctor’s appointment, India has grown in subtlety towards the ‘Digital’ transformation in almost all aspects including the healthcare industry and medical tourism services leaving an imprint on the global market.The change associated with the application of digital technology refers to the concept of going ‘paperless’ which has affected all the segments of society.Digitization and digitalization has announced the arrival of a new revolution as it comes to life with the collaboration of technological masterminds and newer perspectives in policy making by the governing body, thus stepping closer to a developed India. Online shopping to Health delivery Products have shown tremendous acceptance and progression in customer care and support by bringing the same experience of personalization in both the fields. Indian economy has taken a major leap since the computerization of banking networks both in the government and private sector. But, digitalization is a newer concept in case of medical healthcare industry with introduction of electronic medical records to booking appointments with licenced practitioners within seconds. So what has provoked the need of digitalization in every step of medical care?

The ever growing market rate of Indian healthcare industry from 100 billion in 2015 to 280 billion in 2020 with an annual growth rate of 25% which is being driven by increased health awareness through campaigns, introduction of newer strain of microorganisms causing varied spectrum of illnesses with the need for research and development, insurance accessibility and rising standard of living. The immense pressure on stakeholders to meet the increasing needs of c ustomers along with providing better quality of care and efficient management of inadequate and low resources and infrastructure has led them to develop precise and durable technology with easy acceptance among the buyers. The major reason of delay in providing health solutions to the people is due to lack of accessibility, interoperability amongst various divisions and affordability of such schemes and technology. India is a country with 48% residing in rural and remote regions require a day or a night trip to visit a practitioner which has led to flourishing of quacks and serious health illnesses. Even in urban cities before the advent of digitalization, the accessibility of a hospital and a physician includes a two hour wait and loss of records requiring a full workup with increased consumption of resources and money. Late diagnosis with an unhealthy lifestyle increases the cost about 10 times more than early diagnosis and treatment. Hence this has brought a unique opportunity to introduce India to Telemedicine with digitalization of the healthcare industry and solving the newer generation healthcare problems.

The use of Information and technology (ICT) in health is graciously approved and accepted by Ministry of health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as an initiative taken by them in the form of eHealth division. With an increase in the GDP resulting from the integration of health and information system, it has marked India’s strong presence in the global IT sector. The generalised area of inclusion for all the initiatives are availability of facilities of and support through web searches, SMS or call services as well as covering the facility for efficient maintenance of online medical records, delivery of required medications to the households with easy accessibility and access to patient information. These initiatives are some of the promises made by the MoHFW but evidence based evaluation is required to prove its efficiency.Some of the ‘digitisations’ brought about by these initiatives is:

Telemedicine: Use of telecommunications in providing healthcare from a distance. Its success mainly depends on the success of interoperability of networks and communication parameters between the doctor and patient with the help of video messaging and additional devices for in home care. The barrier of distance and absence of doctors in vicinity is overcome by ICT and satellite communication. Using Integrated services digital network (ISDN), in 2005, Schizophrenic Research Foundation (SCARF) began its intervention in the form of Telepsychiatry for its tsunami victims which became a full fledged outreach program.
Smart Health Data monitors like pulse oximeters, auto analysers, CT scanners which help collect personalised information for easier and quicker diagnosis resulting in rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Research of newer methods of treatment for inherited inborn errors of genetic disorders have led to invention of gene therapy with Human DNA analysis with advanced genomic sequencing patterns using the required technology for the exact localization of the defect.
Development of newer apps which engages services from doctor appointments with consultation to follow ups with delivery of medications to door step has led to the creation of virtual health clinics such as Celes care for women and has enhanced global medical tourism.

A strong pace is developing in encouraging the nascent digital health sector since the last 2 year which requires several digital health companies in making this futuristic dream for India’s digital healthcare to come true. In a country of ever changing growth patterns multiple digital health start-ups has embarked on this journey to bridge the gap between ICT and healthcare industry. Innovators like Health start and InnAccel aims in producing novel devices and diagnostic tools to catapult the growing pace of India’s digital healthcare. Practo founded in 2008 provides a forum for doctors to reach patients by offering online consultations and facility to book online appointments. Other examples are DataLifeHealth, Portea ,Lybrate etc.which acts as a portal between physician, healthcare and the patient, thus showing the effects of digitalization in healthcare delivery system. But India is still taking its beginner steps to match up to the required speed of development which can only be fulfilled with outreach programs to the rural regions. It requires patience and acceptance from the users with integration of services of funding from the government to climb the next step on the ladder of digital transformation.