• Technology-based start-ups are emerging as a key solution to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services.
• These startups are making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. 
• These startups use cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (Al), machine learning, telemedicine, and data analytics. 

Need for Healthtech Startups in Rural areas

• Nearly 65% of India’s population reside in rural areas and these startups are needed to improve India’s healthcare sector infrastructure  and ensure access to quality healthcare across the  country.
• At present times there is a need for a healthcare model that  provides 24×7 healthcare services in remote areas of  the country. 
• The need of the hour is a system that is sustainable, cost-efficient,  effective, and safe so that every village in the country  can get city-like healthcare services as an inclusive  healthcare industry.

Role of Healthtech Startups

• Healthtech startups are revolutionising the  way healthcare services are conducted. 
• Provide innovative solutions: These solutions streamline operations for doctors and hospitals from  patient management to surgical procedures. 
• Startups are improving clear disease diagnosis and resource allocation using data analytics, artificial intelligence and  thermal sensing devices. 
• Startups are playing a vital role in reducing administrative burden and improving the  efficiency of healthcare.  

Government Initiatives

Various initiatives launched by the government have reduced the cost of healthcare and are leading to  better health outcomes. 

• National Digital Health Mission 
  • The mission aims to improve clinical decisions and telemedicine services, making the health system more evidence-based, transparent, and effective. India’s large and rapidly growing population.
  • Under this, a strong mechanism of health facilities, service providers, laboratories and pharmacies is being created. 

• Telemedicine Platforms

• • Telemedicine platforms facilitate remote healthcare consultations between patients and health providers by using telecommunication technology to allow individuals to consult physicians from any location. 
  • It covers a range of medical services such as regular checkups, follow-up tests, prescription renewals, and consultations with specialist doctors.

• Digital Health Monitoring

• • • Digital health monitoring platforms are designed to collect, track, and analyze personal health-related data. 
    • Digital health monitoring aims to enable citizens to actively participate in their own health management and provides real-time data to health providers.

• Electronic Health Records: 

• • • Electronic health records systems are digital versions of paper patient charts, reports of diagnostic tests, health consultations, etc., which compile comprehensive health information about an individual. 
    • These services are designed to preserve, manage, and make health records easily accessible in a secure and electronic format. 

• Health Data Analytics: 

• • • Health data analytics systems are involved in analysing health-related data to extract health details, identify patterns, and make informed decisions for better health outcomes. 
    • It aims to improve patient care, optimize operational efficiency, and support strategic decision making within the healthcare ecosystem.

• Artificial Intelligence-based Diagnostics

• • • Artificial Intelligence-based diagnostics helps interpret and analyze medical diagnostic data using artificial intelligence, especially machine learning algorithms. 
    • The aim of this service is to increase the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of medical diagnoses.

• E-pharmacy

• • • E-pharmacy is an online platform for the sale and purchase of medicines and pharmaceutical products. 
    • It allows consumers to order medical consultations and medicines online through websites or mobile apps. 

• Health ID 

• • • Citizens are given a unique health ID that makes their health information available to health workers in a secure manner with their consent.

• Digi Doctor

• • • Under the Digi Doctor initiative, a detailed database of doctors has been created, including their qualifications, specialization, and affiliations with healthcare facilities. 
    • This ensures accurate mapping of available medical resources.

• Health Facility Register

• The Health Facility Register is a national centralized database of health facilities that facilitates seamless data exchange between public and private Healthcare providers.

• Personal Health Records

• • • Personal health records are electronic repositories that store an individual’s health information.
    • This gives individuals the freedom to manage and update their personal health data.

• Electronic Medical Records

• • Electronic Medical Records is a web-based system containing patients’ health records and treatment information, which assists physicians in patient management, health monitoring,and preventive Healthcare recommendations.

Success Stories of Healthtech Startups

• Digi Qure:
  • The startup provides tele-consultation services for just Rs 1. This startup makes access to doctors all year round in rural India which costs Rs 365 for a year. 
  • In Digi Qure, patients come to the e-clinic with their Saksham card and book an appointment.
  • Here trained health workers do the initial test, and after connecting with the doctor, the patient gets a digital prescription and patients are given complete treatment support and consultation through follow-up calls. 
• Cure Bay 
  • Cure Bay provides healthcare services at an  affordable cost. The initial consultation fee is just  ₹99, which brings doctors to patients living in remote  villages without having to travel from village to city  for medical treatment.

The rural healthcare industry in India has huge growth potential. With a large rural population and rising health awareness, the need for accessible and affordable healthcare services is increasing. To meet this need, healthtech startups are focusing on rural healthcare.