In recent years, India has experienced an incredible technological transformation that has altered the game for various sectors, including healthcare. The healthcare sector is one of the fastest transforming sectors in the modern world with technological advancements being a major driver of growth and innovation. There are several significant improvements on healthcare technologies that have transformed how people perceive health today ranging from electronic health records to telemedicine. As the world moves towards preventive care rather than sick care, it is important to understand how technology plays a pivotal role in making this shift possible.

Preventive healthcare – An Overview

The term ‘Preventive Healthcare’ refers to being proactive about your own health & wellness in terms of self-care and behaviour to prevent illness or minimise potential risks before they turn into life-threatening conditions. It is all about early intervention measures to mitigate or prevent the development of diseases at an early stage and taking proactive steps to avoid chronic conditions in the near future. The primary goal of preventive healthcare is to reduce the burden of preventable conditions such as NCDs, promoting wellness and improving the quality of life for individuals. 

In recent years, the focus on preventive healthcare has shifted from sick care and it is mainly driven by the ever-rising healthcare costs and the pressing burden of chronic health conditions like NCDs (non-communicable diseases) like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc. Given that such diseases contribute to a whopping 66% of premature, preventable deaths in India and account for a significant portion of healthcare costs, the advancements in technology in the healthcare sector act as a catalyst in shifting focus from curative, reactive care to proactive, preventive care. 

To further understand the role that technology plays in escalating preventive healthcare in India, read on this blog further. 

Latest Technologies Transforming Healthcare in India 

Technology has the potential to redefine the way preventive healthcare is perceived, offering new and innovative ways to identify health risks, manage chronic conditions and make informed decisions related to health.  From improving patient care to increased access to big data, the impact of technology in healthcare is profound. Not just the tech-led innovations enhance patient care, it also paves the way for faster diagnoses, more precise and accurate treatments and improved communication between the healthcare providers and the patients. To help you gain an in-depth understanding on how technology is bringing preventive healthcare to the forefront, let’s take a look at the technologies driving transformation in the healthcare sector. 

• Telemedicine and Telehealth

With the advent of new-age technologies including telemedicine and telehealth, it has become possible for patients to access quality medical care digitally, right from the comfort of their homes. Whether it is a routine health screening, consulting a healthcare provider or refill medicines, technologies like telemedicine and telehealth have the potential to bridge the existing gap in healthcare. 

The pandemic outbreak accelerated the adoption of these technologies but their benefits extend far beyond such situations of crises. From improving access to quality care and reducing travel time to mitigating costs to enhancing overall patient satisfaction, these technologies are changing the game of healthcare. 

• Digital Health Kiosks

Digital health kiosks, also called Health ATMs, are one of the remarkable innovations in the field of healthcare that make preventive care more affordable and accessible for everyone, These kiosks are leverage technologies like Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to screen various health parameters of an individual like blood pressure, ECG, SpO2, body temperature, body mass index, visceral fat, cholesterol levels, glucose levels among others in a quick and convenient manner. 

These compact kiosks are particularly useful in public places like community centres, workplaces and even hospitals to expedite their operational process and reduce patient handling time. Given that India’s 70% population reside in rural and remote areas and the access to quality healthcare and availability of healthcare providers is limited, the deployment of digital health kiosks is one of the great ways to bring quality preventive care closer to the people there. By undergoing health screenings using digital health kiosks, individuals can gain a comprehensive view of their health and take timely preventive actions in order to lead healthier, disease-free lives.

• Wearable Devices and Mobile Health Apps 

Wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches, have gained popularity in India over the last few years. These devices have the functionality to monitor various health parameters such as heart rate, sleep patterns, total number of steps walked and more. With the help of these devices, one can be empowered to take control of their health by getting their health data in real-time and make necessary modifications in their lifestyle. 

To further complement these devices, there are healthcare mobile applications that provide individuals with personalised health tips, hydration and medication reminders and virtual fitness programs. When used in combination, these technologies promote a healthier lifestyle and empower individuals to learn about their health condition by detecting potential health issues at an early stage when they are treatable, manageable or even reversible. 

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs) 

Electronic health records, known as EHRs in short, are becoming immensely popular as a way to store and manage an individual’s medical histories and records. With the help of this technological innovation, healthcare providers are enabled to access medical records and health data of their patients electronically, resulting in improved accuracy and efficiency of diagnoses and treatments. In addition, they also provide patients with better control over their health data, allowing them to keep track of their health in real-time and access their health records at their fingertips whenever required. 

EHRs can be highly beneficial for individuals with chronic health conditions as it helps them stay on track of their condition over time. Another advantage of accessing electronic health records is that the data always remains secure and confidential and can only be accessed by authorised parties i.e patient and the healthcare providers. 

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the emerging technologies that have a great potential to revolutionise healthcare. The algorithms of AI and ML can analyse large volumes of health data and identify latest trends and patterns, enabling healthcare providers to make better informed diagnosis and treatment decisions. 

For instance, AI algorithms can be used to predict potential health risks based on an individual’s health history, lifestyle habits and other factors. This can help healthcare professionals to provide accurate, more effective treatments, reducing the risk of health complications and improving overall health outcomes. 

Impact of Technologies on Preventive Healthcare in India 

The healthcare industry in India has been witnessing exponential growth, with projections indicating continued growth and expansion in the coming years. The country’s hospital market is valued at US$ 98.98 billion in 2023 and is set to grow, with projections indicating a CAGR of 8% from 2024 to 2032. By 2032, the healthcare market is expected to reach US$ 193.59 million. In addition to the growing hospital market, there are several other segments of the Indian healthcare industry that are witnessing rapid growth and expansion. 

The telemedicine market is expected to touch US$ 5.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 31%. Similarly, AI applications in healthcare are expected to rise at an annual growth rate of 45% by 2024, indicating a substantial shift towards technology-driven healthcare solutions and improving various aspects of healthcare delivery. Here’s how technological innovations are transforming healthcare: 

• Improved Accessibility

The tech-led innovations have substantially improved the accessibility of healthcare services in India, especially in underserved, rural areas. Technologies like telemedicine and digital health kiosks bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that preventive care reaches even the most remote locations. This democratisation of healthcare is important in a country where access to quality of healthcare has been a persistent challenge.  

• Enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness 

With the advancements in technology, preventive healthcare is becoming more efficient and cost effective. Digital health records reduce administrative burdens and minimise errors, while AI-driven analytics enable early detection, mitigating the need for expensive treatments. Wearable devices and mobile applications encourage self-monitoring, which can prevent the development of chronic health conditions and reduce physical visits to hospitals. 

• Empowerment of Individuals 

Offering real-time health data and personalised health insights, technology empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards their health. This increased awareness and engagement in one’s health can lead to healthier lifestyles and better management of chronic health conditions. Educating and empowering individuals is a fundamental aspect of preventive healthcare and technology has a significant role to play in this regard. 

Conclusion 

Technology is playing a transformative role in escalating preventive healthcare in India. From wearable devices and telemedicine to Artificial Intelligence and digital health kiosks, technological advancements are making proactive, predictive, and preventive care accessible, affordable, and efficient for everyone. While challenges persist, the potential benefits far outweigh the hurdles. By embracing and integrating these innovations, India shifts towards a healthier future where preventive healthcare is at the forefront, improving the quality of life for millions of people.

With the aim of redefining healthcare perception and shifting focus from curative, reactive care to preventive, proactive care, our team of experts has developed hPod, a cutting-edge digital health kiosk.

Want to learn more about hPod? Visit the link here or get in touch with us at +9180474 85152 or write to us at info@indiahealthlink.com.