The healthcare industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic. As technology continues to redefine the way we approach healthcare, the focus on precision, preventive, and connected care has become more crucial than ever.
Recent estimates by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) have indicated that data and AI in healthcare could contribute approximately 25 billion dollars to India’s GDP by 2025. Embracing these technological advancements is not only essential for the growth of the healthcare industry but also for creating a more inclusive healthcare delivery system.
Today, we have access to unified solutions that are driving the renaissance in healthcare IT. These solutions aggregate, analyse, and display data from a network of clinical sources, enabling quicker and smarter clinical decision-making for healthcare professionals. On-demand care, device-enabled autonomous care, and cognitive engagement are also gaining momentum, marking a new era of democratised healthcare.
Precision health has become a pivotal point in India, considering its status as the fastest-growing economy with a substantial burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). With the rapidly increasing population of the elderly projected for the coming years, there is an urgent need for technologies that can effectively reach a larger population. Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms have the potential to revolutionise healthcare data analysis, improve population health management, and provide personalised treatments that cater to individual patient needs.
The integration of cloud computing, blockchain, and AI tools has significantly enhanced accessibility, data security, and clinical outcomes, while Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are playing a significant role in skill-building for care providers. Furthermore, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) technologies are capturing vital signs remotely, providing reassurance to patients and enabling clinicians to identify early signs of patient deterioration, thereby reducing ICU admissions.
The future of healthcare in India also relies heavily on empowering R&D initiatives to build Atmanirbhar Bharat. The focus on advancing tech solutions and investment in R&D will be pivotal in driving the growth of India’s MedTech sector. The recent announcement of a ₹1 lakh crore corpus with a 50-year interest-free loan for research and innovation in sunrise domains is a testament to India’s commitment to becoming a global innovation hub.
As we look ahead to the coming decade, it is evident that AI-driven technologies will play a pivotal role in making healthcare more human. The way we utilise connected care, cost-effective models, and precision-led approaches will be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare in India and beyond.
Girish Raghavan, Leader at the Healthcare Technology Centre India (HTCI) at GE HealthCare South Asia, and the Global Engineering for Edison Platform, and C H Unnikrishnan, have collaborated to provide insight into how technological advancements are shaping the future of healthcare. The evolution of healthcare technology in the digital age is a testament to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for the healthcare industry.
+ There are no comments
Add yours