Context
∙ The World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), a platform for sharing knowledge and digital products among countries.
Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
∙ The GIDH will be a WHO Managed Network (“Network of Networks”) that will promote equitable access to digital health by addressing challenges such as duplication of efforts and “products-focused” digital health transformation.
Aim:
∙ ALIGN efforts to support the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025;
∙ SUPPORT quality assured technical assistance to develop and strengthen standards-based and interoperable systems aligned to global best practices, norms and standards;
∙ FACILITATE the deliberate use of quality assured digital transformation tools that enable governments to manage their digital health transformation journey.
∙ The GIDH will focus on following four foundational pillars:
Digital health in India
∙ Digital health refers to the utilization of digital technologies across the healthcare ecosystem, aiming to improve accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare services for individuals and healthcare providers.
Significance
∙ Improved Access: Digital tools can reach remote areas, connect patients to specialists, and enable virtual consultations, expanding healthcare access.
∙ Enhanced Affordability: Telemedicine, electronic prescribing, and data-driven resource allocation can potentially reduce healthcare costs.
∙ Personalized Care: Electronic health records (EHRs) and wearable devices facilitate personalized treatment plans and preventive care.
∙ Empowered Patients: Digital platforms can educate patients, enhance medication adherence, and promote self-management of chronic conditions.
∙ Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: Digitization empowers efficient data management, administrative processes, and resource optimization within healthcare systems.
Challenges
∙ Infrastructure Gaps: Unequal access to internet connectivity, electricity, and digital devices hinders widespread adoption.
∙ Data Privacy and Security: Concerns and regulations regarding patient data privacy and security require robust solutions.
∙ Digital Literacy: Bridging the digital divide through training and awareness programs is crucial for patient and provider involvement.
∙ Interoperability and Standards: Seamless integration and exchange of data across different healthcare IT systems is needed.
∙ Skilled Workforce: Building a workforce equipped to handle digital health technologies and data analysis is vital.
Government initiatives
∙ National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Aims to create a national digital health ecosystem with unique health IDs, EHRs, and a health data exchange platform.
∙ Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Focuses on creating a digital infrastructure for ABHIM, with health registries, e-claim processing, and telemedicine.
∙ E Sanjeevani Telemedicine Platform: Facilitates virtual consultations between doctors and patients across the country.
∙ Jan Arogya Setu App and COWIN Platform: Provides access to health services, appointment booking, and COVID-19 information.
∙ Digital Aarogya Mitra (DAM): A community health worker program leveraging technology for data collection and community health interventions.
Way Ahead
∙ Digital health is a proven accelerator to advance health outcomes and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, it needs to be made integral to every health policy.
∙ As Deputy Secretary-General of ITU said recently that nearly half the world’s population might not have access to health services they need, but 90% have access to a 3G connection, showing the potential for digital health.∙ By scaling up existing initiatives, collaborating across stakeholders, and fostering innovation, India can leverage digital health to achieve its goal of universal healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for all
