In a country like India where nearly 65 % of the population still resides in rural areas , these numbers are insufficient to support the massive demands . Multiple other factors also add up to the problems faced by people residing in these areas- People need to travel extensively to reach these care centres , and are often faced with the lack of qualified personnel or diagnostic equipment aggravating the situation . For instance , there is a shortage of about 79.9 % of specialist doctors at community health centers across India . The number of specialists has increased at an extremely slow pace in 2021 .
To combat the above health infrastructure issues , the Government of India launched the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission ( ABHIM ). In the next 4-5 years , the goal is to improve the vital healthcare network from village to block to the district to
The advanced devices offer integrated technologies such as IoT , AI , and mobile technologies to operate in areas where even electricity or internet coverage is sketchy .
regional and national levels . The most important pillar of this program is to develop adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities .
Integrating technology-driven private
We have witnessed rapid and inspiring collaborations between public systems and private innovations to deploy digital solutions in times of great need .
sector healthcare services
The pandemic also brought challenges around ensuring adequate screening and regular monitoring of health conditions into the limelight . PPP partnerships can transform India ’ s rural healthcare system with a long-term sustainable model in multiple ways . Given the growing population of our country , state efforts alone may not suffice to strengthen the health system .
We have witnessed rapid and inspiring collaborations between public systems and private innovations to deploy digital solutions in times of great need . This spirit needs to be institutionalised for the long term evolution of our healthcare systems . Usage of smartphones for tele-consultations , and POC , portable diagnostic devices that can carry out a diverse range of basic blood tests and screening for infections as well as Non Communicable Diseases ( NCDs ) has increased dramatically .
For instance , in one such initiative , the state government of Uttarakhand deployed POC devices for routine healthcare checks in remote mountainous villages across the state . These are regions that typically remained cut-off in uncertain weather . However , digital POC devices can now ensure year-round access . If a disease is detected , further steps can be seamlessly taken to provide doctor consultations or transfer the patients to healthcare facilities .
Through screening camps and partnerships with state governments and municipal authorities , healthtech startups are now swiftly expanding their coverage as well as features of digital diagnostic solutions . The advanced devices offer integrated technologies such as IoT , AI , and mobile technologies to operate in areas where even electricity or internet coverage is sketchy .
Way forward
The key is to continue the momentum to digitize the diagnostic ecosystem even though the pandemic has abated . A proactive , regulated , and consistent approach is surely going to be a game-changer for India ’ s medical ecosystem , and an enabler so that rural and remote areas can reap the benefits .
RUNAM MEHTA , CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER , HEALTHCUBE
Runam Mehta is the CEO of HealthCube , a well-funded health-tech startup in the arena of diagnostic devices . She is a dynamic and vastly experienced professional and has spent over 13 years building businesses and new sales channels in the Indian healthcare industry . Prior to joining HealthCube as its Chief Growth Officer and later taking the reins as the company ’ s CEO in less than 9 months , Runam spent close to 7 years at Portea Medical – India ’ s largest home healthcare company . A physiotherapist by profession , Runam ’ s first entrepreneurial stint was when she was in her 20s .
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