Global Initiative on Digital Health 

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• As per the World Health Organization (WHO) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union), an investment of an additional US$0.24 per patient per year in digital health interventions, can help save more than 2 million lives from noncommunicable diseases over the next decade. 

Major Findings

• These investments could also prevent approximately 7 million hospitalisations over the next 10 years.
  • This will significantly reduce the strain on healthcare systems and lead to a total economic gain of $199.2 billion globally.
• The economic benefits of digital health investment were found to be particularly compelling for low- and middle-income countries, where the average required spending was only $0.10 per person per year.
  • The cost for upper middle-income countries is estimated to be $0.16 and for high-income countries at $0.67.
  • Cumulatively, the global spending required for these interventions would total $9.8 billion over the 10-year period.
• The report mentions India’s use of digital technologies to address healthcare disparities, particularly in rural areas where more than 65% of the population lives. 
• The report called on governments and stakeholders to take decisive action, ensuring that digital health tools are integrated effectively into healthcare systems to combat the rising burden of NCDs globally.

Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

• The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) in 2023.
• The initiative have four main components:

• Aim: ALIGN efforts to support the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025;
  • SUPPORT quality assured technical assistance to develop and strengthen standards-based and interoperable systems aligned to global best practices, norms and standards;
  • FACILITATE the deliberate use of quality assured digital transformation tools that enable governments to manage their digital health transformation journey.

Digital Health

• Digital health refers to the use of technology to improve health and healthcare delivery. 
• It encompasses a broad range of tools and solutions that integrate digital technologies with health services, aiming to enhance patient outcomes, streamline processes, and increase accessibility. 
• It includes tools such as Telemedicine, Mobile Health (mHealth), Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Wearable Devices, Health Applications etc.

Significance

• Improved Access: Digital tools can reach remote areas, connect patients to specialists, and enable virtual consultations, expanding healthcare access.
• Enhanced Affordability: Telemedicine, electronic prescribing, and data-driven resource allocation can potentially reduce healthcare costs.
• Personalized Care: Electronic health records (EHRs) and wearable devices facilitate personalized treatment plans and preventive care.
• Empowered Patients: Digital platforms can educate patients, enhance medication adherence, and promote self-management of chronic conditions.
• Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: Digitization empowers efficient data management, administrative processes, and resource optimization within healthcare systems.

Government Initiatives

• National Health Policy (NHP) 2017: This policy emphasizes the use of technology in health services and promotes the integration of digital health solutions.
• National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Launched in 2020, NDHM aims to create a digital health ecosystem in India.
  • It focuses on creating a Health ID for every citizen, facilitating access to health records, and ensuring the integration of healthcare services.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): It enables the establishment of health accounts, electronic health records, and health information exchanges.
• E Sanjeevani Telemedicine Platform: Facilitates virtual consultations between doctors and patients across the country.
• Health Management Information System (HMIS): This initiative aims to improve the collection and use of health data for better planning and decision-making.
• Digital India Initiative: While broader in scope, this initiative supports digital health by promoting internet connectivity, digital literacy, and technology use in various sectors, including healthcare.

Way Ahead

• Digital health is a proven accelerator to advance health outcomes and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, it needs to be made integral to every health policy.
• By scaling up existing initiatives, collaborating across stakeholders, and fostering innovation, India can leverage digital health to achieve its goal of universal healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for all.

Source: DTE