Transforming Healthcare Systems in Emerging Economies: A New Era of Equitable Access

The recent publication by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in partnership with Gilead Sciences, has illuminated the potential transformative influence of technology on healthcare systems in developing economies. Entitled “Health Equity and Inclusion in Action,” the report investigates the hurdles of attaining universal healthcare in lower-income nations, where current health delivery methods are falling short in reaching a substantial segment of the populace.

The report encompasses case studies from six Asian and African countries, illustrating how the incorporation of technology and inventive business models can pave the way for more impartial and comprehensive access to healthcare. Oommen C. Kurian, Senior Fellow and Head of the Health Initiative at ORF, articulated that the initiatives detailed in the report were devised by community advocates, policymakers, and social entrepreneurs from the Global South, in an endeavour to address the health requirements of individuals in lower-income nations. Kurian also accentuated the potential for these models to be disseminated across various nations in the Global South, with the intention of enhancing access and affordability of healthcare services.

Vaibhavi Choksi, General Manager, India and South Asia, Gilead, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to discovering solutions to surmount barriers to care. Choksi stressed that the case studies featured in the report exhibit tangible solutions that have been effectively implemented at the community level. Moreover, Professor Yongyuth Yuthavong, member of the global WHO Science Council and chair of the Expert Group who advised on the report, underscored the significance of adopting the approaches outlined in the report, as they could potentially usher in a new era of more inclusive and equitable access to health.

The report spotlights a dozen case studies from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Vietnam, all devoted to harnessing health innovation to enhance health equity and inclusion across the Global South. One of the prominent conclusions from the report is the efficient use of task redistribution among layers of health staff, which can aid in conserving vital healthcare human resources.

One of the case studies featured in the report is iKure TechSoft in India, which has been successful in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency through the use of technology and task redistribution, ultimately striving to bring about a fundamental transformation in the delivery of healthcare services.

Moreover, the report emphasises the importance of linking these initiatives to all other care providers in the national healthcare system, in order to fully exploit the advantages of advanced data tools and be able to draw on high-level expertise when needed. With the increasing accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data tools, there is potential for a much better understanding of gaps in care and how they can be addressed.

The discoveries of this report not only offer valuable insights into the transformative effect of technology on healthcare systems in developing economies but also provide a roadmap for attaining a more equitable and inclusive access to healthcare. As the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the integration of technology and inventive business models is poised to play a pivotal role in overcoming existing challenges and forging a path towards a future where healthcare is truly accessible to all.