National Digital Health Blueprint is covering several essential aspects of digital healthcare. The Indian government may seek partnerships with private firms for its implementation.
National Digital Health or Universal Healthcare, by 2030, is one of the most primary commitments for India. Its implementation would impact all other SDCs achievements as well. If we talk about the most developed economics, healthcare digitization has made it more affordable.
Digital India movement in 2015 initiated efforts for healthcare digitization. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we now need a quick adaptation of it.
The government of India has issued guidelines for Telemedicine 2020 on 25 March. As of 10 August, it has completed over 1,50,000 consultations. We are utilizing telemedicine full potential now only though it has been around for more than twenty years.
The Apollo 247 has over millions of downloads with over 5000 teleconsultations per day. Between March and May 2020, more than five crore Indians have accessed online healthcare. A nationwide COVID-19 telemedicine platform, Swasth is also launched by a collaboration of over 100 healthcare specialists.
PM Modi to formally Launched National Digital Health Mission
The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) is to transform the healthcare system of India. However, such an efficient and secure implementation of digital health solutions would require a unified framework and a strong foundation for data integration (1).
Moreover, to implement the UHC, it is essential to standardize the board. It is vital for the development of the national digital health framework.
FICCI had developed the National Standard Treatment Treatment Guidelines (STGs). These guidelines are for 20 specialties and cover 280 conditions along with EHR (Electronic Health Records) standards. The aim is to promote the standardizing of clinical practice.
FICCI is working closely with IRDA regarding the standardization of health insurance. It is vital for the development of a basic framework of interoperable data records. The government of India can also incentivize institutes that comply with the Standards of EHR to boost the movement.
The National Digital Health blueprint also includes data privacy and security. However, if we roll out a significant program that digitizes the data of millions of citizens without any data protection wall is deleterious. Hene, it is crucial to implement the process of the Digital Health Security Act in fast track mode.
