Robotics, Telehealth, AI, & 5G Transforming India’s Healthcare Delivery: Report

The report underscores the burgeoning adoption of digital technologies across India's healthcare ecosystem.

Deloitte, a global leader in consulting and advisory services, has unveiled its latest report titled "The Future of Health: India" at the Bharat Digital Healthcare Summit 2024.

The report indicates a paradigm shift in the sector, forecasting a decade marked by unprecedented digital and technological innovations, a surge in infrastructure development, and extensive government and private sector collaborations.

Report Highlights

The report underscores the burgeoning adoption of digital technologies across India's healthcare ecosystem.

Private entities are increasingly leveraging robotics, telehealth, AI, and 5G to deliver tech-driven care, paving the way for a transformative era in healthcare delivery, the Deloitte report highlighted.

To sustain this momentum, the report identifies several critical imperatives. strengthening cybersecurity measures, streamlining Goods and Services Tax (GST) protocols for the healthcare sector, and enhancing digital literacy and skills emerge as vital prerequisites for the sector's evolution.

Per the report, technology is democratizing healthcare by offering digital tools, virtual care solutions, and healthcare applications. These innovations align with consumers' preferences for a seamless and personalized healthcare experience, fostering greater accessibility and convenience.

Govt-Private Sector Collaboration

A collaborative approach between the government and private sector for India’s healthcare transformation also finds mention in this report.

Major initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and private innovations in AI and 5G are revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and delivery, with a focus on reaching the masses.

Patients are increasingly utilizing technology for proactive health management, facilitated by initiatives such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill of 2023.

These efforts aim to create a secure and patient-centric healthcare landscape, catering to the evolving needs of modern healthcare consumers.

Commenting on the tech-enabled care, Joydeep Ghosh, partner and Industry Leader for Life Sciences & Healthcare at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, said, "India's rapidly expanding digital economy, with over 75 million 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband subscriptions in 2021, projected to reach approximately 460 million by 2030, is driving tech-enabled care. While we've seen significant 5G growth, it's crucial to sustain this, especially in rural areas."

Addressing Challenges

While India's healthcare future appears promising, the report acknowledges several challenges that must be addressed.

These include cybersecurity vulnerabilities, infrastructure gaps, personnel shortages, and digital disparities, including a notable gender gap in smartphone usage.

Government initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana are working to bridge digital divides, complemented by private sector innovations in digital healthcare solutions, the report noted.

However, broader issues such as income inequality necessitate comprehensive solutions for the sector's transformation.

Embracing a Tech-Driven Approach

India's healthcare future hinges on the transformative power of technology and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders.

Through innovative solutions, digitization, and a focus on equitable access, India aims to offer personalized and preventive care, redefining health as holistic well-being encompassing mental, social, and economic dimensions.

Embracing a tech-driven approach, India's healthcare sector is poised to become more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric, leading to improved health outcomes and a brighter future for all.