Over the past few decades, technology has dramatically transformed consumer experiences across various sectors, from retail to travel. However, healthcare has lagged behind in fully integrating digital solutions that can revolutionise patient care and accessibility. This gap is particularly evident in India. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) seeks to bridge this divide by creating a cohesive digital healthcare ecosystem and an information highway.

Technological Advancements in Medicine

Medical technology has advanced remarkably, enabling unprecedented insights into the human body and even allowing for the editing of genes to combat deadly diseases. Innovations such as MRI, CT scans, and genomic editing continue to revolutionise diagnostics and treatment. However, access to these advanced technologies and their integration into everyday healthcare remain inconsistent.

The Stagnation of Healthcare Accessibility

While sectors like Edutech, Foodtech, and Travel have rapidly adopted digital innovations, the healthcare sector has been slower to embrace these changes. Unlike other consumer technologies, healthcare requires a more nuanced approach due to its episodic nature and focus on curative care. The urgency and emotional weight associated with ill health often necessitate in-person consultations for comfort and healing. Additionally, doctors’ busy schedules and the high demand for their time leave little room for online engagements.

Despite a decade of innovation in HealthTech and regulatory efforts, access to primary healthcare in India remains limited. As of 2021, the eSanjeevani platform had conducted over 14 million teleconsultations—a commendable number but still insufficient for a country with over 1.3 billion people. A significant barrier to digital health adoption is the lack of user awareness and understanding of its tangible benefits. Furthermore, healthcare providers and doctors have been slow to adopt digital tools, with online consultations representing only a small fraction of total medical consultations.

The Benefits and Challenges of Digital Health Adoption

Online doctor consultations offer significant advantages, particularly in a country like India, where geographical constraints and limited medical expertise often hinder access to care. According to a World Bank report, the average Indian spends approximately 4.6 hours traveling to healthcare facilities, significantly impacting productivity and economic growth. Online consultations can help alleviate this burden. The rapid increase in internet and mobile penetration—India had over 751.5 million internet users as of January 2024—facilitates the adoption of digital healthcare solutions. These digital interactions can effectively manage many common ailments, although some conditions will always require in-person visits. Despite these advantages, progress in this area has been slow.

Continuity of care is another critical issue. Physicians often lack access to patients’ previous medical records, leading to less effective treatment and potential cognitive errors. A unified digital health solution like ABDM can address this problem by ensuring comprehensive access to longitudinal patient data.

The Role of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

The ABDM represents a significant step toward establishing a structured digital health information highway. It aims to integrate the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and professionals while prioritizing data privacy and continuity of care. However, for the ABDM to achieve its full potential, mandatory adoption of its standards by healthcare providers is essential. Currently, awareness and adoption rates are minimal, especially among private-sector players.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

India’s healthcare needs in major cities are predominantly served by private providers, catering to perhaps 20% of the population. In contrast, an underfunded public health system serves the remaining 80%. However, improvements in India’s road and transport infrastructure over the past decade have enabled citizens to reach the nearest city in case of emergencies. A robust digital healthcare infrastructure could further enhance access to quality care across the country, leveling the playing field between urban and rural populations.

Government’s Pivotal Role

To catalyze this transformation, the government must implement several critical mandates. These include ensuring that every qualified physician dedicates a mandatory number of hours to online consultations and that all health records—from diagnostic reports to discharge summaries—are uploaded to the patient’s electronic health record (EHR). These mandates could serve as a strong starting point for widespread adoption.

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The Future of Digital Healthcare

Private players are likely to develop innovative applications that make digital healthcare appealing and user-friendly for both citizens and providers. These apps may offer features that enhance patient engagement and streamline access to affordable care. However, the success of such initiatives depends on foundational support from the government and widespread adoption of the ABDM framework.

Healthcare digitization, led by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, holds the promise of transforming India’s healthcare landscape. By addressing issues such as data privacy, increased transparency in the financial records of providers, and misuse of information by payers or other agencies, the ABDM can pave the way for a more equitable and efficient healthcare system. The journey is challenging, but with coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and technology providers, a digitally empowered healthcare future for India is within reach.

Views shared by: Hari Thalapalli, Director and CEO, Call Health, and Member of NATHEALTH

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