27/06/2023
Teleconsultation: The Future of Healthcare in India
Teleconsultation, or the use of telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, is rapidly gaining popularity in India. This is due to a number of factors, including the country's large and growing population, the increasing availability of smartphones and other digital devices, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it more difficult for people to access healthcare in person.
The future of teleconsultation in India is bright. A recent study by EY found that 64% of consumers were keen to adopt teleconsultation even after COVID-19, while around 80% of doctors were being consulted via audio/video and text. The study further found that 15 to 20% of healthcare is pegged to shift to virtual care. This includes consultations, home health, and remote patient monitoring, among others.
There are a number of reasons why teleconsultation is becoming so popular in India. First, it can help to address the country's doctor shortage. India has a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:1,700, which is one of the lowest in the world. Teleconsultation can help to bridge this gap by making it possible for patients to access care from doctors who are located in other parts of the country.
Second, teleconsultation can help to reduce healthcare costs. The cost of travel to and from doctor's appointments can be a major financial burden for many patients, especially those who live in rural areas. Teleconsultation can help to eliminate these costs, making healthcare more affordable for everyone.
Third, teleconsultation can help to improve access to healthcare for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. These individuals may have difficulty traveling to doctor's appointments, but they can still receive care through teleconsultation.
Of course, there are also some challenges to the adoption of teleconsultation in India. One challenge is the need for reliable internet connectivity. Another challenge is the need for doctors to be trained in how to provide care remotely. However, these challenges are being addressed, and it is clear that the future of teleconsultation in India is very bright.
In the coming years, teleconsultation is likely to become even more widespread in India. This will help to improve access to healthcare for millions of people, and it will also help to reduce healthcare costs.
Teleconsultation is the future of healthcare in India, and it is already starting to make a difference in the lives of many people. The government is supportive of the development of telehealth, and there is a growing demand for teleconsultation services from patients and doctors alike. As the technology continues to improve and the regulatory environment becomes more favorable, teleconsultation is likely to become even more widespread in India in the coming years.
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