India’s healthcare system is being shaped by the rapid adoption of technology and innovation. While many advancements have improved accessibility, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural areas, housing around 70% population. As per NFHS 2021, 1 in 3 villages lack basic healthcare facilities. Another study revealed that less than 10% of rural healthcare providers are trained in digital health tools. At the Elets Patient Centricity Summit & Awards 2025 in New Delhi, the District Collector of Bijapur, Karnataka, T. Bhoobalan, IAS, shared insights with Nijhum Rudra from Elets News Network (ENN) on steps needed to strengthen the system and make India a global leader in healthcare.

How do you perceive the role of technology in transforming the healthcare system? What are some existing gaps that still need to be addressed to maximize its potential?

Technology is playing a transformative role in the healthcare system by improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. Initiatives like telemedicine offer a powerful solution to minimize wait times for consultations, significantly enhancing access to healthcare. For individuals living in remote or underserved areas, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, telemedicine eliminates the need for long journeys to overcrowded hospitals or clinics. Using mobile phones or other internet-enabled devices, patients can connect with healthcare professionals virtually, receiving timely consultations from the comfort of their homes.

In outbreak situations, technology can be a game-changer in tracking the spread of disease. Implementing a robust system for monitoring outbreaks can help contain and mitigate the spread of infections more effectively. These technological advancements have the potential to bridge the gap between the public and private healthcare sectors, improving overall access and efficiency. However, existing gaps still need to be addressed, including inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas, lack of digital literacy among patients and healthcare providers, and data security concerns that must be tackled to maximize technology’s potential.

In what ways do digital healthcare, telemedicine, and AI contribute to a patient-centric approach to care?

Telemedicine, once seen as a service accessible only to the wealthiest segments of society, is now reaching economically disadvantaged communities. This shift has sparked increased interest from public health institutions, as telemedicine helps alleviate overcrowding in hospitals. With access to specialists via phone consultations, patients can receive appropriate medical advice remotely. If necessary, doctors can refer them to nearby public health institutions for further care.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a key role in enhancing this system. Once a patient’s information is entered into the system, AI can continuously monitor their health and provide valuable insights. This technology also supports the work of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), ASHA supervisors, and local doctors based in villages, enabling them to respond quickly to outbreaks or emergencies. AI-powered interventions allow healthcare workers to receive real-time alerts, enabling prompt action and creating a more efficient and responsive healthcare system.

What initiatives is the Karnataka government taking to enhance the healthcare ecosystem and provide seamless solutions for its citizens?

The government of Karnataka has been a trailblazer in e-governance, becoming the first state in India to introduce a range of services through telemedicine. The Ayushman Bharat initiative complements these efforts by fostering cooperation between public and private healthcare sectors. This collaboration ensures that both sectors work together to address the diverse needs of the population. One of the key initiatives taken by the government is ensuring that no patient is turned away due to a lack of insurance or cash. The priority is to provide immediate emergency care, with financial aspects addressed later. This system ensures that every patient, regardless of their financial situation, receives prompt medical attention at both public and private health institutions.

Can you highlight any additional game-changing services introduced by the Karnataka government?

The government has implemented free doorstep healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers, and malnourished children. These services are supported by technology, data collection, and follow-up systems to ensure proper care and monitoring. Another crucial initiative is the assessment and management of health risks and diseases. Karnataka has developed a dedicated portal where outbreaks are recorded and tracked in real-time. This data is then used to prevent the spread of diseases and manage outbreaks effectively within specific localities. These initiatives highlight Karnataka’s commitment to making public health accessible to all while integrating the latest technologies to improve healthcare delivery.

Also read :- Navigating the Intersection of Innovation and Privacy: Tackling Data Challenges in Modern Healthcare

Looking at India’s healthcare landscape, how do you view its market growth, and how can the country become globally competitive?

India’s healthcare sector is poised for significant growth, driven by rising health challenges such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other lifestyle diseases. These issues affect people across all demographics, making healthcare a key area of investment. With an increasing number of professionals entering the field and growing investments, India’s healthcare market is expanding rapidly. The high population and prevalence of lifestyle diseases indicate sustained growth in the sector, requiring both public and private stakeholders to be prepared.

In rural areas, especially in states like Karnataka, where many people cannot afford private healthcare institutions, government hospitals play a crucial role. However, these hospitals often face resource and service challenges. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible and effective for all citizens.

What strategies would you recommend to improve the infrastructure of government hospitals in rural and remote areas to ensure affordable, quality healthcare for underserved communities?

Many government hospitals, such as AIIMS, NIMHANS, PGIMER, and JIPMER, provide exceptional care, sometimes surpassing private hospitals. Additionally, district hospitals and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) serve the public well. However, challenges such as manpower shortages, insufficient funds, and inadequate equipment persist. To address these issues, collaboration between the government and private stakeholders is essential. Leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and other contributions can significantly improve infrastructure.

Public health institutions are steadily improving, and we are nearing a point where they can match private institutions in quality. For example, the district hospital in Vijayapura serves people from all walks of life, including politicians and bureaucrats, which has helped build trust in public healthcare. This growing confidence in public institutions is a positive sign for the future.

What measures can be taken to motivate medical professionals to join government hospitals, given the trend of many opting for private institutions due to higher pay?

The government is investing significantly in medical education, whether at public or private institutions. However, the response from graduates, especially in states like Karnataka, has been less encouraging. Karnataka has introduced compulsory rural service and government service for postgraduates, despite some resistance from doctors. The government continues to enforce a five-year service requirement for postgraduates in government hospitals.

While this is a positive step, the legitimate concerns of graduates and postgraduates need to be addressed. Given their long years of study, the government could consider integrating undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses in some cases and provide opportunities for further studies abroad with government support. Additionally, incentives for doctors in government hospitals should be competitive with those offered by private institutions. These initiatives have been successfully implemented in some areas, and with the growing number of medical graduates and postgraduates, the future of public health institutions looks promising, ensuring better healthcare services for the country.

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