The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is making significant strides in transforming healthcare in India. Safdarjang Hospital, one of India’s leading medical institutions, has issued over 50 lakh digital tokens for queue-less OPD registrations, marking a major milestone for the mission. Dr. Vandana Talwar, the medical superintendent of Safdarjang Hospital, spoke about the transformative power of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of medical data to aid in early detection and treatment of diseases, optimize hospital operations, and even assist in surgical procedures.
Dr. Talwar highlighted that India is emerging as a world leader in integrating robotics into healthcare. Safdarjang Hospital recently showcased a live robotic renal transplant to 52 medical colleges and 20 different countries through the NFC portal. The hospital is committed to improving the quality of healthcare to achieve the health-related targets of the sustainable development goals through Universal Health Coverage by 2023.
Dr. Talwar emphasized that the past few decades have witnessed remarkable advancements in medical therapies and diagnostics, revolutionizing disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The advent of genome sequencing technology has made personalized medicine a reality. Furthermore, the implementation of a new digital ecosystem has enhanced the accessibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery, paving the way for universal health coverage in India.
During the Healthcare Summit and Awards organized by ASSOCHAM, Dr. Rajinder K Dhamija, the Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), discussed the achievements of the Indian healthcare industry. India has become a hub for the vaccination industry, providing 60% of all vaccinations worldwide. The country also supplies 40% of all generics for the US and 25% for the UK. However, Dr. Dhamija emphasized the need to increase healthcare spending in India, as the current per capita expenditure on health is comparatively lower than other countries.
Pushpa Vijayaraghavan, the Director of Healthcare and Life Sciences at Sathguru Management Consultants, highlighted the urgent need to address resource scarcity in the healthcare sector. Integration of technology is crucial to bridge the gap in the number of doctors and hospital beds per individual. The G20 presidency of India has brought digital health to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to improve healthcare accessibility and delivery.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is propelling healthcare transformation in India, bridging gaps between stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem through digital connectivity. By leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, India is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. With continuous advancements and sustainable solutions, India is poised to become a leader in healthcare development. Increased healthcare spending, integration of technology, and a focus on environmental sustainability are essential for a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens.
