The Indian healthcare sector faces several challenges, which can be dubbed as unique for the country. The challenges such as health infrastructure, shortage of professionals, quality, accessibility and affordability need unique solutions to overcome them. Over the years, technology and innovations have emerged as one of the most effective solutions to address many challenges. Innovative business models and new technologies have become a force multiplier to solve both problems of accessibility and affordability. With disruptions, Indian healthcare institutions are making all efforts to meet the challenges of the rising dual disease burden in the country.

The introduction of new technologies in healthcare has revolutionized the way healthcare services are delivered, making them more accessible, efficient, and effective. One of the major advantages of new technologies in healthcare is the ability to diagnose and treat diseases more accurately and quickly. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic tools and precision medicine have the potential to revolutionize the way doctors diagnose and treat diseases, providing better outcomes for patients. The introduction of telemedicine has also played a significant role in increasing access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas of the country.

Combining Natural with Artificial Intelligence

Opportunities that weren’t available or recognised before are now available thanks to AI. With efficiency akin to that of a human or even greater when using big data and algorithms, these mechanisms are capable of sensing and understanding data. On the basis of the patient’s signs, symptoms, and other reports, datasets with the assistance of algorithm intelligence assist in correlating the patient’s diagnosis with other similar cases. Some applications include using AI to analyse unstructured data and predictive modelling to manage patient flow and hospital capacity allocation. AI has been radically changing the face of care delivery. It will read X-rays and send the reports to the concerned centre. Datasets with the help of algorithm intelligence help in corroborating the patient’s diagnosis with other similar cases based on signs, symptoms and other reports. To leverage the full potential of AI, India needs to train a large number of health professionals, not only doctors and nurses but technicians and machine operators. Here, it is necessary to combine natural intelligence and training with AI.
Adoption of New Technologies
Healthcare institutions are mainly incorporating four types of technologies to improve their services. First of all, they are adopting state-of-the-art technologies specifically designed for clinical purposes. Highly advanced radiology and imaging, MRI machines, robots, and minimally invasive surgery techniques have been adopted to enhance clinical outcomes and patient experience. A case in point is Indian Spinal Injuries Centre where all old equipment has been replaced by new ones. All assets, resources and technologies are being used sensibly. It is the first centre outside the USA to have the Mazor X Stealth Edition robotic guidance system supported by O-arm Surgical Imaging System. With features such as customizable implant selection, optimal implant trajectories and 3D analytics, Mazor X Stealth Edition robotic guidance system allows medical professionals to plan treatment while the procedure is on.
Next, hospitals are integrating user-friendly tools that incorporate information technology-driven processes and procedures. This allows them to streamline their workflows and provide more convenient services to patients. Thirdly, health institutions are also leveraging productive technologies that enable their employees to work more efficiently and effectively. Finally, data analytics and related tools enhance their hospital management system.
All these innovations and technologies enable hospitals to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance patient outcomes. Health institutions need to integrate entire settings and services with an efficient information system with collaborative disruption. Collaborations with Med Tech, Pharma, Insurance and other supply chain logistics among others help a lot in the efficient management of the entire continuum of care from Admission to Discharge.
Cost of Care
The introduction of new technologies in healthcare has also had a significant impact on the overall cost of healthcare services in India. By reducing the need for hospitalization and enabling early detection of diseases, new technologies have helped in reducing the overall cost of healthcare services. This has made healthcare more affordable and accessible to a larger section of the population, leading to better health outcomes for all. As innovations aim at affordability, health institutions have been witnessing the creation of a robust supply chain as well. The whole supply chain logistics has been undergoing a transition. Due to disruption a powerful supply chain model is being created. This new model with the changing nature of supply chain logistics also brought services and products closer to the patients.
The role and importance of new technologies and innovations in the Indian healthcare sector cannot be undermined in any way. From better diagnosis and treatment to disease prevention and management, new technologies have transformed the way healthcare services are delivered in India. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, it is likely that new technologies will continue to play an increasingly important role in improving the quality of healthcare services and making them more accessible and affordable to all. Going forward, Virtual health will integrate virtual consults, remote diagnosis, teleradiology, telepathology, home healthcare, digital therapeutics, data monitoring, e-pharmacy, and clinical decision support systems. Virtual health will be the norm as it offers enormous advantages over physical consults.