5G in Digital Health

Deployment of fifth-Generation wireless technology (5G) has resulted in a significant transformation in many industries. This communication summarizes potential real-world applications of 5G in Digital Health.

By 2030 60 billion smart devices will be connected worldwide. 5G alone is expected to deliver INR 12.5 Lakh Cr for India by 2040. 5G is likely to increase use of a wireless body sensor network (WBSN) in real-time, monitoring applications, data transmission, emergency situations and patient location.

5G Use Cases in Healthcare

Challenges in Introducing 5G

Risk-averse conservative healthcare professionals have difficulty in accepting changes. Raising additional funds, demonstrating an ROI, would be difficult. Accompanying reliability and availability are the “seven nines” (99.99999% reliability). AI, ML, Deep Learning, VR, AR, MR and ER.

5G at present is used only in small cell zones in urban areas. Extensive deployment is not expected till 2025/26 even in many developed markets. Broad consumer acceptance of 5G applications such as wearable medical devices and remote health care monitoring will take time.

Conclusion

Advances that will take place in 6G are mind-boggling. In our anxiety to be ahead of the curve, there is a danger that we may be developing solutions, and then going in search of problems. With MNCs stressing on RoI, there is a risk of overkill. Trained in the 20th century, I believe that technology is a means to an end and not an end by itself.

A clinician’s primary raison d^etre is to promote good health and improve health outcomes. Is 5G really going to make a difference? This needs a good, well-designed, prospective study. Such a study can be done in India – with global ramifications.

The real world is different. If we do not use 5G we are in the Jurassic Park!! Time alone will tell if 5G needs to be an integral part of a hospital’s armamentarium.