Telemedicine in India Will Continue to Grow: Mary Gorder, DrsOnCalls

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force, bringing quality healthcare services to patients' fingertips globally. DrsOnCalls, a US-based telemedicine platform, appears as a beacon of hope for patients seeking high-quality, convenient healthcare solutions in the comfort of their homes.'¯

Under the leadership of Mary Gorder, founder & CEO, DrsOnCalls, the platform is now expanding its footprint in India.

In an exclusive interview with Gorder, Dr Jayati Dubey, Industry Analyst, DHN, dives deep into the transformative impact of telemedicine in India and how DrsOnCalls is addressing the diverse healthcare challenges of the nation.

Join us as we explore the unique features, advantages, and commitment to patient care that define DrsOnCalls, and glimpse the promising future of telemedicine in India.

Q. How are technological advancements shaping the future of telemedicine in India and enhancing patient care?

Mary Gorder: Technological advancements have profoundly impacted telemedicine in India, significantly improving patient care. The availability of messaging platforms and widespread internet access has driven the expansion of telemedicine services across the country. This increased accessibility allows patients to connect with healthcare providers more efficiently. Moreover, technological innovations enable remote monitoring of patients, facilitating timely interventions and better health outcomes. Electronic health record exchange enhances the continuity of care and provides a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, further improving healthcare quality in the telemedicine landscape.

Q. India is known for its diverse healthcare landscape. How does telemedicine address the challenge of providing healthcare services to remote and underserved areas in the country?

Mary Gorder: Telemedicine is crucial in overcoming the challenges of providing healthcare services in remote and underserved areas of India. It ensures accessibility to medical expertise irrespective of geographical constraints. Patients in remote locations can access specialist consultations and emergency response services through telemedicine platforms. Additionally, telemedicine supports continuous medical education and training, empowering local healthcare professionals in these areas. Remote monitoring enables healthcare providers to track patient health remotely, ensuring timely interventions and reducing health disparities.

Q. Affordable healthcare is a concern for many in India. How does DrsOnCalls address the issue of cost-effective healthcare delivery and reduce healthcare expenses for patients?

Mary Gorder: DrsOnCalls addresses the issue of cost-effective healthcare delivery by reducing various expenses associated with traditional healthcare. It helps patients save on travel costs, as they can receive medical consultations without the need to commute, avoiding traffic hassles and taking time off work. Furthermore, telemedicine saves valuable time for patients and offers the convenience of receiving prescriptions electronically. These cost-saving measures make healthcare more affordable and accessible, addressing a critical concern for many in India.

Q. How does Drs.OnCalls ensure the healthcare professionals providing virtual medical consultations are equipped with specialised training and expertise to deliver high-quality care?

Mary Gorder: DrsOnCalls ensures that healthcare professionals offering virtual consultations are well-equipped through a thorough verification and background check process. This process includes verifying the healthcare professionals' credentials, qualifications, and licenses. Only those with the requisite specialised training and expertise can provide services on the platform. This rigorous screening ensures that patients receive high-quality care and have confidence in the expertise of the healthcare professionals they consult through DrsOnCalls.

Q. Language and cultural diversity are significant in India. How does DrsOnCalls accommodate these differences to ensure effective doctor-patient communication and care?

Mary Gorder: Drs.OnCalls recognises the importance of language and cultural diversity in India and takes steps to accommodate these differences. The platform offers multilingual support, allowing patients to communicate with healthcare professionals in their preferred language. Moreover, cultural sensitivity is a core aspect of the training provided to healthcare professionals on the platform. This ensures effective doctor-patient communication, fosters trust, and facilitates culturally competent care delivery, thereby addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the population.

Q. What encryption technologies and security measures does DrsOnCalls employ to guarantee secure and confidential medical consultations on its web and mobile app platforms?

Mary Gorder: DrsOnCalls prioritises the security and confidentiality of medical consultations through robust encryption technologies and security measures. The platform employs secure communication channels, including encrypted emails and video consultations, to safeguard patient information'”additionally, DrsOnCalls follows strict data storage protocols compliant with standards like HIPAA to ensure the protection of sensitive medical data. User authentication measures further enhance security. These comprehensive security practices guarantee that medical consultations on the platform are conducted securely and confidentially.

Q. Could you elaborate on the distinctive features, advantages, and services that DrsOnCalls' telemedicine platform offers to patients?

Mary Gorder: Our telemedicine platform offers a range of distinctive features and advantages to patients. One notable feature is the CHR Store, which allows patients to purchase and rent medical products conveniently. This enhances the overall healthcare experience and provides easy access to essential medical supplies. Additionally, the platform offers secure and efficient virtual consultations with healthcare professionals, reducing the need for physical visits. Patients benefit from time-saving measures, electronic prescriptions, and access to a comprehensive electronic health record system, ensuring continuity of care and high-quality healthcare services.

Q. Looking ahead, what do you envision as the future of telemedicine in India, and how will it evolve to meet the changing healthcare needs of the population?

Mary Gorder: The future of telemedicine in India holds immense promise. It will evolve to meet the changing healthcare needs of the population by increasing access to healthcare services. Remote monitoring and managing chronic diseases will become more widespread, allowing for better health outcomes. Integration with artificial intelligence will enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment recommendations. Collaboration with various partners in the healthcare ecosystem will further expand the scope of telemedicine. Additionally, e-pharmacy integration will provide patients with convenient access to medications. In summary, telemedicine in India will continue to grow, becoming an integral part of the healthcare landscape and addressing evolving healthcare needs.