CCDC’s ‘DigiSetu’ Telemedicine Initiative Shows Promising Results for Chronic Disease Management

Findings from a recent study conducted across three telemedicine clinics in Tamil Nadu highlight DigiSetu’s success in enhancing the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases.

The Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) has reported promising outcomes from its pioneering ‘DigiSetu’ telemedicine initiative aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for chronic disease patients in resource-limited areas.

The initiative, which combines telemedicine with trained health professionals, is specifically designed to address healthcare gaps for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Findings from a recent study conducted across three telemedicine clinics in Tamil Nadu highlight DigiSetu’s success in enhancing the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases.

Published in the BMC Primary Care Journal, the study details how DigiSetu provided care for over 11,000 patients, demonstrating the potential for assisted telemedicine to bridge significant healthcare gaps.

Improved Health Outcomes in Patients

The study shows substantial improvements in chronic disease management through DigiSetu.

Diabetes patients recorded an average reduction of 33 mg/dL in fasting blood sugar levels, while hypertensive patients saw reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9.6 mmHg and 5.5 mmHg, respectively, within nine months of their initial consultation.

The findings emphasize DigiSetu’s capacity to address barriers at multiple levels—patient, technology, and system—while advancing digital health equity and improving health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.

Dr Arun P Jose, Deputy Director of CCDC and Head of the BRIDGE Centre for Digital Health at CCDC, highlighted DigiSetu’s transformative potential.

“In India, over 65% of the population lives in rural areas with limited access to quality healthcare. The DigiSetu model demonstrates how assisted telemedicine can enhance healthcare access and produce measurable improvements in patient outcomes. Our findings reveal that by combining technology with trained professionals, we can bridge healthcare disparities and make strides toward digital health equity. We look forward to scaling this sustainable model to benefit millions across India and beyond,” added Dr Jose.

Key Metrics Achieved by DigiSetu

The study, spanning March 2021 to June 2023, was conducted using interoperable health platforms, including electronic health records, point-of-care diagnostics, and clinical decision support systems.

Nurses were trained to facilitate tele-consultations, ensuring smooth interactions between patients and physicians.

Throughout this period, the DigiSetu clinics reached several significant milestones: 11,388 patients accessed care, of whom 59.3% were female, underscoring the model’s inclusivity.

A total of 26,998 consultations and 15,437 lab investigations were performed, with notable diagnostic achievements—43% of diabetes patients and 75.3% of hypertensive patients were newly diagnosed.

These results highlight DigiSetu’s role in early detection and prompt intervention for chronic diseases.

Prof (Dr) Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC, underscored the potential of technology-driven models like DigiSetu for improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas.

“To truly transform healthcare and improve lives, we must adopt technology-driven models. By integrating effective digital health solutions, we can eliminate barriers that prevent millions in low-resource settings from accessing quality care. DigiSetu’s impact showcases the need for widespread adoption of similar technologies to make equitable healthcare accessible to all,” he stated.

As a leader in chronic disease management, CCDC is committed to enhancing public health in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Established in 2000 as a non-profit scientific organization based in Delhi, CCDC collaborates closely with the Government of India (GoI) to address the nation’s growing burden of chronic diseases.

The organization continues to empower public health professionals and promote sustainable healthcare solutions in resource-constrained settings.

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