Preventive, Secondary, Tertiary and Quaternary Healthcare to Coexist with Digital Healthcare – ET HealthWorld

By Anurag Khosla

From eradicating small pox to becoming a favoured international destination for medical tourism, India’s health care industry has come a long way. In the Union Budget 2021-22 the government of India has increased the spending and allocated 35,000 crores (4.8 billion USD) for home grown covid-19 vaccines alone. Due to factors like rising incomes of a growing middle class, new lifestyle diseases, better access to health insurance and health awareness, this market is only expected to grow exponentially in the coming future. The digital healthcare ecosystems are currently coexisting with the Preventive, Secondary and Tertiary infrastructure and will soon mesh in seamlessly.

REAL TIME MEDICAL ADVICE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Covid-19 has exposed the gaps in our present medical infrastructure and taught us that time is of essence when it comes to saving lives. Overworked doctors and staff in overburdened hospitals was the reality of Indian healthcare system when the second wave of the pandemic swept the country. The digital models of communication have lessened the load of hospitals and made real time medical advice accessible for many. Social distancing during covid and the unavailability of physical appointments amid p aucity of time had led people to rely on virtual consultations, wearable devices and e-pharmacies more than before.

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

With wireless technology such as 5G being ushered in, India is on the cusp of a digital revolution in the healthcare system where problems like time lags, buffering and broken connections might soon be a thing of the past.

Medical advice and therapists are more accessible now than ever before, literally right in the palm of your hand. Instant streaming, uploading and downloading heavy files/ reports and video calling even in the most remote of locations and off shore sites will not only aid the patient but also improve the efficiency of the current primary healthcare system. Remote rural areas where physical connectivity and access to doctors has been an issue, will get resolved with the help of accurate diagnosis as 5G is compatible with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR).

GOING PHYGITAL

The simultaneous coexistence and interdependence of physical healthcare systems and digital interfaces is already a reality and going phygital is the future of medicinal practice in not only India but globally. Phygital (Physical plus digital) model of healthcare is evolving and promises to provide comprehensive care system to the customers maximising each model for cost, quality and accessibility while delivering the necessary care to the customers at the right time and right place i.e. home, clinic or other locations. This goes beyond a virtual consultation package and one stop shop pharmacies.

For instance, many patients’ medical needs are highly specialized and need customization. The tertiary and quaternary healthcare sector where the one-size-fits-all approach has proven to be a failure, will reap the rewards of digitization immensely. Augmented Virtual reality when integrated with the digital world of AI (think robotic surgeries, 5d remodelling and precision medicine) deliver a highly personalized care experience to the patient. 24/7 remote data monitoring is a virtual necessity in some cases and sophisticated computer programs coupled with online therapists will offer a highly accurate diagnosis to the patient.

ROLE OF ARITIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Machine learning algorithms and Artificial intelligence are already mimicking human cognition and comprehending complex medical health care data within minutes saving time and reducing the scope of human error.

When introduced in the mainstream public and private health care centres, this will prove to be a boon. A lot of the mundane routine work will be automated and turned over to predictive technology to monitor ICU transfers, blood flow in critical patients and generate insights into improving the patient’s journey to wellbeing.Of course, the importance of physical one-to-one doctor patient meetings will always be significant in certain cases such as chemotherapy, lobotomy and other complex procedures. However even these will be largely facilitated by robotic intervention and smart machines.

TELEMEDICINE

In the era of digitalization where everything can be availed at the click of a button right from banking transactions to ordering groceries, healthcare is no different.Though still at a nascent stage, the integration of Artificial intelligence and digital platforms in to our everyday lives is happening at an unprecedented pace. For example, Tele consultations and electronic health records became the new norm during the second covid-19 wave when physical interactions became risky. By June 2021, the Health Ministry’s eSanjeevani telemedicine service crossed 6 million (60 lakh) teleconsultations since its launch enabling patient-to-doctor consultations from the confines of their homes.

Looking ahead, 5G coupled with telemedicine, personalised medicine, one stop-shop-platforms for healthcare needs and digitally prescribed therapeutics will become more and more mainstream.

By Anurag Khosla, CEO, Aetna India

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.)

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