What is Changing the Face of Healthcare in India?

Mumbai: Whether it's a symptom, treatment or a new medical term that you’re unaware of, what is the first thing you’d do to know more about it? Google it because we know Google has answers to everything. Similarly, this habit is gradually transforming the healthcare industry, making patients more informed and involved.

The Informed Patient

Smartphones have undoubtedly played a key role in this shift. Today, a patient is not just someone receiving treatment from a healthcare expert but a patient full of knowledge, information and expectations. They ask more questions, expect a quick response and are less tolerant of delays. They want quick results and a seamless experience, similar to what they get in other service industries. Not just that, even the overall look and feel of a healthcare facility matters now. From clinic set up to digital communication like printed prescriptions and appointment reminders, patients are now looking for a more polished, customer-oriented experience.

Technology in Healthcare

Healthcare in India has been quick to adopt technology for treatments but now the focus is also shifting towards improving the overall patient experience. Mobile apps like DRiefcase and DRiefcase Connect have a big role to play here for helping streamline processes by providing easy access to medical records and appointment management. It is literally changing how patients interact with healthcare systems.

National Health Claims Exchange

In fact, a significant step towards improving healthcare efficiency in India is the National Health Claims Exchange - a government initiative that aims to streamline insurance claims processing. By digitizing health records and integrating insurance data, this platform is expected to reduce paperwork, speed up claims and ensure better transparency for citizens. It also allows patients to access their claims history and insurance information with ease, ensuring a smoother, more transparent healthcare experience.

Ayushman Bharat Health Account

In addition to these advancements, the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is another crucial initiative that aims to empower patients by providing them with a unique health ID. This account enables individuals to access their health records, insurance information, and other medical data seamlessly. By promoting a more holistic view of patient health, ABHA supports informed decision-making and improves the overall healthcare experience.

E-Health Records

While healthcare technology is advancing, it’s incomplete without the adoption of electronic health records. The ability to store, access, retrieve and share medical records with ease is crucial for creating a hassle-free digital healthcare experience. Though government initiatives are in place, India is yet to see widespread adoption of EHRs. In fact, patient inertia is one challenge. People spend hours on watching movies, clicking pictures, etc but they don't think of managing their health records, which can be done in just a few seconds. Changing this mindset is key to improving healthcare.

It’s great to see that India’s healthcare system is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The increasing role of technology, the rise of informed patients and initiatives like the National Health Claims Exchange are all reshaping how healthcare is delivered and experienced. While significant progress has been made, the full potential of healthcare technology will be experienced when EHRs become a standard practice and patient engagement improves further, making the system more efficient, transparent and patient-friendly.