HEALTHCARE IT

improve healthcare access. Various government programs and initiatives, such as the National Health Mission, aim to provide affordable healthcare services, including telemedicine, in rural areas. These initiatives can help in reducing the cost burden for individuals seeking telehealthcare.

The government has a pivotal role to play in making telemedicine accessible in remote/rural areas. And the government’s program through eSanjeevani, ABDM etc will help improve access to telehealth services and promote health equity across the nation. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a government-sponsored health insurance scheme, is planning to integrate telemedicine services into its coverage. This could significantly expand access to telemedicine services for millions of people in India.

What are the obstacles in the way of its large-scale adoption in India's hinterland?

The Indian Government, digital and traditional healthcare players are all working cohesively to improve digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, establish clear regulations and raise awareness about the benefits of adopting telemedicine. While consistent efforts are being made, here are some of the obstacles:

◆ Lack of digital infrastructure: Many healthcare facilities in India lack the digital infrastructure required for telehealth, such as internet penetration, electronic health records and remote monitoring devices. This can make it difficult to integrate telehealth into existing healthcare systems and workflows.

◆ Technology literacy: Many people in India may not be familiar with the technology required for telehealth. This can make it difficult for patients to access telehealth services and for healthcare providers to effectively communicate with patients using technology.

◆ Limited regulatory framework: The regulatory framework for telehealth in India is still developing, which can make it difficult for healthcare providers to navigate legal and ethical issues related to telehealth. For example, there may be concerns around data privacy and security, as well as licensing and reimbursement policies for telehealth services.

◆ Availability of 5G network and devices: While 5G deployment is gradually expanding in the country, lack of essential infrastructure such as towers and fiber optic cables hampers the establishment of a reliable 5G network in rural and remote regions. Furthermore, the penetration of smartphones with internet connectivity is lower in the rural areas. Acquiring the necessary devices can be an added expense.

Kalyani.sharma@expressindia.com journokalyani@gmail.com