Context

• Healthcare Systems form the basic fabric in human society.  It improves and maintains the populationʼs health by diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness both physical and mental.
• Today healthcare has been undergoing a profound change with the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence (Al), big data, and the increasing computational power and the design of efficient algorithms. 
• This trend has been accelerated during the pandemic, where social distancing measures have forced providers to employ virtual care technology for outpatient appointments, leading hospitals and health systems to turn to cloud computing, 5G telecommunications and interoperable data.
• The concept of digital transformation specifically pertains to creating value propositions, where new means of value creation are pursued with technology. 

Shift in Healthcare

The digital transformation in healthcare can lead to improvements in diagnostics, prevention and patient therapy.

• Engagement

• • • It is an important component of patient-centred care, which captures the notion that healthcare systems should be respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences.

• Capabilities

• The rise of intelligent technologies  such as advanced analytics, ML, AI has enabled the creation of the intelligent  enterprise. The amount of usable patient-level data has increased with advancements in sensors and mobile technology.

• Discussion

• Real-time interactions allow a physician to monitor a patient ‘live’, instead of interactions once every few weeks. 

Government initiatives for digital shift in Healthcare

• National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)

• • • It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing an integrated digital health ecosystem in India.
    • It includes the creation of digital health IDs, electronic health records (EHRs), a health information exchange, and telemedicine services to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

• Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission (PM-DHM) Portal

• • • It is an online platform for managing and accessing health services under the National Digital Health Mission.
    • It provides access to digital health records, health IDs, and information about health services and benefits.

• ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)

• It is a digital health ID system designed to provide citizens with a unique health ID.

• It facilitates easy access to healthcare services, streamlines the process of health record management, and integrates with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana PM-JAY) for better access to insurance benefits.

• E-Sanjeevani

• • • It is a digital platform for managing and analysing health data.
    • It supports data collection and reporting for various health programs, helping in decision-making and policy formulation.

• Digital Payment Platforms for Healthcare

• Platforms such as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) support digital payments for healthcare services.
• It facilitates cashless transactions, streamline billing processes, and integrate with health insurance and reimbursement systems.

The digital shift in healthcare would transform the healthcare sector from reactive health (a paternalistic approach to diagnosis and treatment in response to signs and symptoms) to proactive health (personalized patient interactions and care delivery based on early warning signs).