A Growing Concern

Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women, surpassing cervical cancer in recent years. The GLOBOCAN 2020 report revealed that India recorded over 178,000 new breast cancer cases and more than 90,000 deaths, making it a public health crisis in the making. In Delhi/NCR, a region that uniquely combines advanced urban settlements with semi-urban and rural belts, the impact of this disease is amplified by stark differences in lifestyle, access to healthcare, and awareness.

The Urban vs. Rural Reality

Urban areas in Delhi/NCR show a higher reported incidence of breast cancer, largely due to a combination of delayed childbirth, sedentary work environments, increasing levels of obesity, and dietary habits dominated by processed foods. Women in urban spaces often have better access to diagnostic facilities, yet are simultaneously exposed to risk factors such as environmental pollutants, chronic stress, and hormonal therapies.

In contrast, the rural population reflects a paradox. On one hand, recorded incidence rates are lower, which might seem promising. However, these figures are often misleading due to underdiagnosis, lack of awareness, and cultural stigmas that prevent women from seeking timely medical care. Women in rural Delhi/NCR are more likely to ignore symptoms or delay medical consultation, influenced by limited healthcare infrastructure and financial constraints. A 2022 study by AIIMS indicated that over 60% of rural women in North India have never undergone even a basic clinical breast examination.

The Lifestyle Factor

One of the most critical influences on breast cancer risk is lifestyle. Urban women in Delhi experience higher levels of physical inactivity due to desk-bound jobs and increasing reliance on technology. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), more than 23% of urban women in the city are overweight or obese—a significant risk factor for hormone-related cancers. Alcohol consumption and stress are also emerging threats in metropolitan areas, with studies such as The Lancet Oncology’s 2020 India report linking alcohol use to nearly 6% of breast cancer cases. Additionally, a 2023 survey by Fortis Healthcare revealed that over 70% of working women in major Indian cities, including Delhi, report high levels of stress—often overlooked in public health planning.

On the other hand, while rural lifestyles may appear physically active, they are not immune to risk. Poor nutrition, lack of reproductive health education, and delayed access to preventive care all contribute to late-stage cancer diagnosis, which significantly lowers survival rates.

Access, Awareness, and Equity

The disparity between urban and rural breast cancer outcomes highlights a critical urban-rural health inequity. While urban women benefit from screening programs, health insurance coverage, and frequent media campaigns, rural communities continue to struggle with limited infrastructure, social stigma, and misinformation. Breast self-examination (BSE), a simple and effective tool for early detection, remains poorly understood or practiced in rural areas. A 2021 study conducted by PGIMER, Chandigarh, found that fewer than 25% of rural women in North India were aware of BSE or its importance.

Moreover, despite Delhi’s status as a healthcare hub, a significant portion of its rural outskirts remains underserved. The gap in access to diagnostics and follow-up treatment further exacerbates health outcomes for women in these areas.

Toward Inclusive Solutions

Closing the gap in breast cancer awareness and care in Delhi/NCR requires a multipronged approach. Community-based screening through mobile mammography units can play a transformative role in rural areas. Public health programs must include culturally sensitive awareness campaigns that speak to women in their local languages and address social taboos directly. Simultaneously, wellness initiatives in urban areas need to prioritize stress management, dietary counseling, and regular health check-ups.

Education plays a foundational role. Integrating reproductive health and cancer awareness in school and college curricula can empower young women early in life. Strengthening the role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and local healthcare providers is also essential in spreading awareness and building trust within rural communities.

A Data-Driven Call to Action

Data paints a sobering picture. Nationally, one in 29 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. In Delhi/NCR, this risk is even more pronounced. Yet nearly 60 to 70 percent of breast cancer cases across India are detected in advanced stages, significantly reducing survival chances. In contrast, early-stage diagnosis can increase the five-year survival rate to over 90 percent, emphasizing the life-saving potential of awareness and timely intervention.

Breast cancer in Delhi/NCR is a mirror reflecting the broader challenges of India’s healthcare landscape—a landscape shaped by geography, income, education, and gender. To truly combat this disease, we must move beyond hospital-centric solutions and invest in community engagement, preventive education, and equitable access to care.

Empowering women—urban and rural alike—with knowledge, support, and timely medical attention is not just a health goal; it is a societal necessity. In doing so, we not only improve survival rates but also affirm the right to health and dignity for every woman, regardless of her postcode.

Authors Biography

Shilpi Bariar is Research Scholar at Amity Institute of Social Sciences & Dr. Roumi Deb is Professor at Amity Institute of Social Sciences Amity University Noida

The post Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Understanding Breast Cancer Risks in Delhi/NCR appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

श्री सिद्धार्थ श्रीनिवासन, सीईओ, लुपिन डिजिटल हेल्थ (LDH), तकनीक के माध्यम से रोगियों के बेहतर परिणाम सुनिश्चित करने पर केंद्रित डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स पहलों का नेतृत्व कर रहे हैं। टेक-ड्रिवन व्यवसायों को बड़े पैमाने पर आगे बढ़ाने का अनुभव रखने वाले वे इससे पहले एक दशक तक टाटा समूह से जुड़े रहे। उन्होंने एस.पी. जैन से पीजीडीएम और वीएनआईटी से बी.टेक की डिग्री प्राप्त की है। डॉ. सौम्या सिंह, क्रिएटिव एडिटर, उनसे स्वास्थ्य सेवा में डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स की भूमिका पर बातचीत कर रही हैं।

भारत में शहरी और ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स किस प्रकार स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं को बदल रहे हैं?

डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स भारत में स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं के परिदृश्य को तेजी से बदल रहे हैं।

• शहरी क्षेत्रों में टेलीहेल्थ और मोबाइल हेल्थ सॉल्यूशन्स का व्यापक रूप से उपयोग हो रहा है।
• ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में भी धीरे-धीरे टेलीहेल्थ और डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स का अपनापन बढ़ रहा है, क्योंकि लोग विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों की सेवाओं तक पहुँच बनाना चाहते हैं।

अब ध्यान संक्रामक रोगों से हटकर गैर-संक्रामक रोगों (NCDs) पर केंद्रित हो गया है, जिनमें कार्डियोमेटाबोलिक बीमारियाँ (जैसे उच्च रक्तचाप और मधुमेह) शामिल हैं। इन स्थितियों से भारत की बड़ी आबादी प्रभावित है, और डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स इन्हें नियंत्रित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकते हैं।

इसके अलावा, श्वसन रोग, महिला स्वास्थ्य, कैंसर, नवजात शिशु देखभाल और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य जैसे क्षेत्रों में भी उल्लेखनीय प्रगति हो रही है।

कार्डियोलॉजी (हृदय रोग विज्ञान) में डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स की क्या भूमिका है?

हृदय रोगों में डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स तीन प्रमुख पहलुओं में मददगार हैं:

• सक्रिय निगरानी (Active Monitoring): मरीज अपने लक्षण और महत्वपूर्ण संकेत (Vitals) वास्तविक समय में साझा कर सकते हैं, जिससे सही समय पर हस्तक्षेप संभव होता है।
• अनुपालन (Adherence): यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि मरीज नियमित रूप से दवा लें और समय-समय पर चेकअप करवाएँ।
• जागरूकता और पुनर्वास (Awareness & Rehabilitation): मरीजों को जीवनशैली सुधारने और रिकवरी में व्यापक सहायता प्रदान की जाती है।

डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स प्लेटफ़ॉर्म में डेटा गोपनीयता और सुरक्षा कैसे सुनिश्चित की जाती है?

• कानूनों का पालन: भारत में डिजिटल पर्सनल डेटा प्रोटेक्शन बिल और अमेरिका में HIPAA जैसे नियम।
• सूचना सुरक्षा प्रणाली: ISO 27001 जैसे मानकों के अनुसार।
• नियमित ऑडिट और जाँच।
• डेटा एन्क्रिप्शन और सीमित एक्सेस।
• सुरक्षित क्लाउड सेवा प्रदाताओं के साथ साझेदारी।
• मरीजों को अपने डेटा पर नियंत्रण: वे चाहें तो जानकारी एक्सेस या डिलीट कर सकते हैं।

AI एकीकरण डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स की प्रभावशीलता कैसे बढ़ा रहा है?

• प्रीडिक्टिव मॉडल्स: संभावित स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं का पहले से अनुमान।
• नेचुरल लैंग्वेज प्रोसेसिंग: चैटबॉट्स और वर्चुअल असिस्टेंट्स मरीजों के सवालों का जवाब देते हैं।
• क्लिनिकल डिसीजन सपोर्ट: डॉक्टरों को मरीज की जानकारी का सारांश और व्यक्तिगत इलाज योजनाएँ सुझाना।
• जोखिम मूल्यांकन (Risk Assessment): री-अडमिशन या जटिलताओं की संभावना का अनुमान।
• कंप्यूटर विज़न: स्मार्टफोन इमेज से बीमारियों का आकलन।

आने वाले 5–10 वर्षों में कौन-सी नई तकनीकें डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स पर सबसे बड़ा प्रभाव डालेंगी?

• वेयरेबल्स (Wearables): स्मार्टवॉच और अन्य उपकरणों का व्यापक उपयोग।
• गैर-आक्रामक मॉनिटरिंग: बिना सुई या कफ के ब्लड प्रेशर और ग्लूकोज की निगरानी।
• AI-आधारित बिहेवियरल मॉडल्स: बेहतर अनुपालन सुनिश्चित करने हेतु।
• कंप्यूटर विज़न: व्यायाम की सही तकनीक पर वास्तविक समय फीडबैक।
• ऑगमेंटेड रियलिटी (AR): मरीज शिक्षा और सर्जिकल प्लानिंग में उपयोग।

भारत और वैश्विक स्तर पर डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स बाजार का भविष्य कैसा है?

• भारत में: AI-आधारित हेल्थकेयर बाजार तेजी से विस्तार कर रहा है।
• वैश्विक स्तर पर: वेयरेबल्स का बाजार उल्लेखनीय रूप से बढ़ने की संभावना है।
• वर्तमान में स्वास्थ्य सुविधाओं में डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स का उपयोग अभी भी कम है, जिससे वृद्धि की अपार संभावना है।

हृदय रोगों की देखभाल में डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स का दृष्टिकोण क्या है?

विशेषज्ञ टीम (केयर मैनेजर, न्यूट्रिशनिस्ट, व्यायाम विशेषज्ञ)।

• मरीज, डॉक्टर और देखभालकर्ताओं के लिए ऐप इकोसिस्टम।
• मान्यता प्राप्त चिकित्सा उपकरणों का एकीकरण।
• पोस्ट-प्रोसीजर से लेकर क्रॉनिक कार्डियक कंडीशन्स तक की देखभाल।
• एविडेंस-बेस्ड केयर: नवीनतम क्लिनिकल गाइडलाइन्स पर आधारित।

डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं को अधिक सुलभ और किफायती कैसे बनाते हैं?

• दूरस्थ परामर्श और मॉनिटरिंग, अस्पताल जाने की आवश्यकता कम।
• विशेषज्ञों तक पहुँच, खासकर डॉक्टरों की कमी वाले क्षेत्रों में।
• यात्रा और आवास जैसे छिपे हुए खर्चों में कमी।
• नियमित देखभाल के बीच निरंतर समर्थन, जिससे जटिलताओं से बचाव।
• AI और तकनीक के ज़रिए बड़े पैमाने पर व्यक्तिगत देखभाल।
• मरीजों को आत्म-प्रबंधन के लिए ज्ञान और उपकरण उपलब्ध।

The post स्वास्थ्य सेवा में बदलाव: भारत और वैश्विक स्तर पर डिजिटल थेरेप्यूटिक्स की भूमिका appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

At the InnoHealth Conference 2024, host Mercilina sat down with Mr. Arun Agarwal, the founder of Janitri, a Bangalore-based health tech company revolutionizing maternal and newborn care. With a focus on critical monitoring during pregnancy, labor, and the neonatal period, Janitri is working to prevent maternal and infant mortality through wearable and AI-enabled technology.

A Mission Rooted in Compassion

“Janitri is a Sanskrit word for ‘mother’,” Arun explained. “Our vision is a world where no mother or baby dies during pregnancy, labor, or the newborn phase.” The startup, now eight years into its journey, has partnered with over 600 hospitals and has already impacted the lives of more than 8,000 mothers, monitoring over 150,000 pregnancies.

Janitri focuses on the critical “first thousand days” — from conception to two years after birth — by enabling real-time monitoring of vital signs through wearable devices. These solutions are designed to assist in both hospital and home settings, ensuring that early decisions can be made based on accurate data.

The Ground Reality: Urban vs. Rural Disparities

When asked about the current state of maternal and infant health in India, Arun highlighted a pressing concern. “India sees about 3 crore births annually, but we have only around 50,000 gynecologists,” he said. This stark mismatch in resources creates a heavy reliance on frontline workers like staff nurses and ASHA workers, especially in rural regions.

Statistically, India’s maternal mortality rate stands at approximately 97 per 100,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate is around 29–30 per 1,000 live births. However, these figures vary widely across states and are notably higher in rural areas, where access to emergency interventions like C-sections is limited. “In urban areas, C-sections are often used to prevent complications. But rural settings don’t have that luxury,” Arun noted.

Bridging the Gap with Technology

To address this disparity, Arun believes technology is the most viable and scalable solution. “We cannot bridge the gap with manpower alone, but we can with tech,” he emphasized. Janitri’s wearable devices monitor vital signs during prenatal, labor, and postpartum phases and assist healthcare workers in making timely decisions.

The Indian government is also stepping in with supportive policies. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and the integration of tech into public healthcare systems (including RCH, previously known as the Mother-Child Tracking System or MCTS) show promise. Arun expressed optimism about India’s growing focus on medtech innovation, which is being bolstered by favorable regulatory policies and investment in medical device manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

Janitri’s approach is not just about building products — it’s about building trust and empowering frontline workers with tools that enable better outcomes. Arun’s grassroots research, which included visits to over 100 hospitals and consultations with healthcare providers and families, shaped the company’s deep understanding of on-the-ground challenges.

As the conversation concluded, Arun reiterated Janitri’s core belief: “Many of these maternal and neonatal deaths are preventable. It all comes down to timely monitoring and intervention — and that’s exactly what we’re here to enable.”

Composed By

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team

Listen to the full podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5waUZP09egk&t=1s

The post Transforming Maternal and Infant Healthcare: A Vision from Janitri’s Founder, Arun Agarwal appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Healthcare is the backbone of any nation, and ensuring its accessibility to every citizen, especially those in rural areas, is a priority. At the InnoHEALTH Conference 2024, Dr. Brijendra Singh Dhillon, a distinguished expert in hospital administration, shared his insights on improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. With vast experience in managing one of Haryana’s largest hospitals, Dr. Dhillon sheds light on the current gaps in healthcare and the steps required to bridge them effectively.

About Dr. Brajendra Singh Dhillon

Dr. Dhillon’s impressive career spans decades of service in the medical field. Having completed his MBBS from Rohtak Medical College and MD in Hospital Administration from the All India Institute, he currently holds the position of Senior Professional Head of Hospital Administration at Rohtak Medical College, Haryana. Managing a 2,500-bedded hospital that caters to over 10,000 OPD patients daily and 2,000 emergency cases, his role is crucial in the seamless functioning of one of the largest healthcare institutions in the region.

A Tribute to Dr. V.K. Singh: A Mentor and Visionary

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Dhillon paid tribute to his mentor, Dr. V.K. Singh, describing him as an intelligent, kind-hearted, and inspirational leader who guided his students with dedication. Dr. Singh’s ability to speak eloquently for hours on any topic and his deep knowledge left a lasting impact on those he mentored. His legacy continues to influence medical professionals like Dr. Dhillon, inspiring them to strive for excellence in healthcare management.

Challenges in Rural Healthcare and the Role of Technology

One of the most pressing concerns in India’s healthcare landscape is the lack of proper medical facilities in rural areas. According to Dr. Dhillon, rural healthcare systems often suffer due to inadequate staffing, lack of medical equipment, and poor infrastructure. He emphasized that strengthening Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) is essential for reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals.

Key areas for improvement in rural healthcare include:

• Deploying More Healthcare Professionals – Many PHCs lack qualified doctors and nurses, leading to an over-reliance on urban medical centers.
• Upgrading Medical Equipment – Basic diagnostic tools such as X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, and dental chairs should be standard at PHCs.
• Improving Doctor’s Living Quarters – Providing better facilities for healthcare staff in rural areas will encourage professionals to serve in these regions.
• Strengthening Ambulance Services – Efficient emergency transportation can significantly improve maternal health outcomes and trauma care.

Leveraging AI and Technology in Healthcare

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements can revolutionize healthcare by improving efficiency and patient outcomes. However, integrating these advancements in rural areas remains a challenge due to infrastructure constraints and financial limitations. Dr. Dhillon recommends the following steps to enhance the adoption of technology in healthcare:

• Investing in Telemedicine – Remote consultations can help bridge the gap between urban specialists and rural patients.
• Digital Health Records – Streamlining patient data management can improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce redundancy in treatment.
• AI-Based Diagnostics – AI-driven tools can assist in the early detection of diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular conditions.

Learning from Developed Countries: What India Can Do Better

As a developing country, India has the opportunity to learn from global healthcare models and adapt best practices. Dr. Dhillon believes that the key to improving healthcare lies in honest governance, efficient resource allocation, and transparency in medical funding. He suggests that:

• Strict Monitoring of Healthcare Funds is crucial to ensure that the allocated budget reaches hospitals and is used effectively.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate healthcare advancements by leveraging private sector expertise and innovation.
• Preventive Healthcare Campaigns must be emphasized to reduce the burden of chronic diseases through awareness and lifestyle interventions.

A Message to Healthcare Professionals and Society

Dr. Dhillon concluded the discussion by emphasizing the importance of empathy in the medical profession. He encouraged healthcare professionals to prioritize patient well-being, serve the underprivileged, and work towards an inclusive healthcare system. His message was clear: A strong, ethical, and service-oriented medical community can transform the nation’s health infrastructure.

Conclusion

The conversation with Dr. Brijendra Singh Dhillon highlights the urgent need for reforms in rural healthcare, the integration of AI-driven solutions, and the importance of ethical governance. With a collaborative effort between the government, medical professionals, and technology innovators, India can move toward a stronger, more efficient, and accessible healthcare system.

By improving healthcare access and addressing key challenges, we can pave the way for a healthier and more equitable future for all.

Composed By

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team

The post Improving Healthcare Access: Challenges, Innovations, and the Path Forward appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Rural children in general and, girl child in particular due to prevalent gender discrimination, tend to face worst health outcomes.

It is well-known that in India there exist substantial differences between the urban and rural areas, with poverty affecting lives of people starting from early childhood and increasing as one grows older. Living conditions aside, rural areas also suffer from the lack of social sector services in general. Rural children in general and, girl child in particular due to prevalent gender discrimination, tend to face worst health outcomes. The health disparities between rural and urban children, as well as interstate disparities in health status go hand-in-hand to projecting concerning scenarios for the country. Again, the rural and tribal areas have fewer movement and connectivity options than urban areas. The settlements are dispersed more than urban areas. This necessitates evolving location-specific healthcare service delivery systems for rural areas.

The first pandemic wave in the country affected health and social welfare aspects of women and children, belonging to poorer section of society, adversely. Many pregnant women, without access to proper medical care during childbirth, lost their lives; while some gave birth to underweight and stunted children. These children obviously got subjected to life-long health problems. As observed, in ordinary times, the Indian healthcare systems, more so rural health facilities, face operational challenges, and the challenges observably grew manifold during the pandemic causing catastrophic effects on socio-economic spheres.

The rural healthcare system in rural India, primarily developed on the suggestions of Bhore Committee Report, guided Government of India in adopting population-based norms for establishing the three-tier public health care facilities, as Sub-Centre (SC), Primary Health Centre (PHC), and Community Health Centre (CHC). The current status, of these rural health facilities, as obtained from latest Ministry of Health & Family Welfare statistical data upload in their website, indicate shortfall at the three-tier set up as, 18% at the SC level, that consist of 158417 SCs, 22% at the PHC level that consist of 25743 PHCs and 30% at the CHC level that total 5624 CHCs. According to the National Health Profile 2021, in government hospitals one allopathic doctor is available to cater to 11,082 people, one bed per 1,844 people is the current allocation, and one state-run hospital available for every 55,591 people.

In spite of the elevation in rural health facilities over the years, the manpower availability is notably underneath the wanted tiers, as per World Health Organization suggested levels.

In spite of the elevation in rural health facilities over the years, the manpower availability is notably underneath the wanted tiers, as per World Health Organization suggested levels. Of the sanctioned posts, at the SC level 14 per cent posts of Health Workers (Female)/ ANM, and 37 per cent of Health Workers (Male) were vacant, as Government Rural Health Statistics (RHS)2019-20 indicated. The RHS also stated that the number and post-wise shortage in rural health set up as, 1,704 posts of doctors in PHCs across the rural areas, as well as 5,772 posts of nursing staff, 5,066 positions in female health workers, 6,240 posts of pharmacists, and 12,098 posts of laboratory technicians. The report further added that- of the total 155404 Sub Centre across the country, only 5383 SCs was functioning as per IPHS norms, only 8514 PHCs were functioning on 24×7 basis out of existing 24918 PHCs, and just 4957 CHCs, of the sanctioned 20732 CHCs, were currently functioning in rural areas. An International Journal paper published in December 2020 found that rural India has 3.2 government hospital beds per 10,000 people and that some big states such as, Uttar Pradesh with 2.5 with beds, Rajasthan 2.4 with beds, Jharkhand 2.3 with beds, Maharashtra with 2.0 beds and Bihar with 0.6 beds respectively, stood below the national average. Evidently, the rural healthcare set-up does not provide assuring state of affairs, currently. Besides, there is among the states, dissimilarity as far as access to medical care, appropriation of public health expenditure as well as achieving health outcomes. Obvious therefore that even without the pandemic or unforeseen emergencies, the rural health infrastructure is always stressed, while historically having less access to health services as the figure below will indicate.

The rural public health service management, especially in preventing, controlling or eliminating major communicable diseases, such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, and in reducing the risk of deaths in maternal and perinatal diseases has remained a challenge. In India, endemic diseases caused by infection or lack of nutrition still account for over two-thirds of mortality and morbidity.  With rural areas lacking access to elementary healthcare, there remain abundant challenges to setting up strong emergency medical services, as well.

Both increases in government spending and private sector initiatives have improved the health infrastructure, but given the rising demographic pressure in India, this increase does not seem to make the desired difference. It is the extension of life expectancy that has a direct impact on many households. The rising healthcare cost exacerbates the problem for lower- and middle-class households, as well. The suggestive way forward, at this juncture, at empowering rural healthcare systems and building healthy rural communities, can be as follows-

Maximize the implementation of Health and Wellness at the Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres levels–

The health and wellness concept under Ayushman Bharat was an excellent start, as the same advocated a more comprehensive, well-equipped, and well-staffed model of primary healthcare in government sub-centres and primary health centers. Updating them in rural areas will undoubtedly enable in achieving the degree of readiness required in rural India in the event of a pandemic or other unforeseen emergency.

Extended public-private partnerships (PPP) to support healthcare inclusion-

PPP partnerships evidently have potential to revolutionize the rural healthcare system in India, while simultaneously ensuring a long-term viable solution. As the country’s population is growing, government efforts will not be enough to strengthen the healthcare system. PPP can assist in overcoming monetary, specialized, pedagogy, and human capital constraints. Private players can also ensure that Government policies at improving rural healthcare infrastructure are implemented appropriately. Continuing partnerships will improve access to healthcare, especially in the inaccessible rural areas, because individual actors’ extensive expertise, experience and financial resources may aid in the development of novel solutions.

Organise a supervisory committee on the ground–

a local supervision committee formation needed for developing a centrepiece masterplan for improving access to better healthcare and overseeing the implementation of rural healthcare projects. Though the majority of rural healthcare programs often get off to a terrific start, the outcomes are not always as anticipated. To revive rural healthcare service systems, through efficient monitoring of rural healthcare strengthening operations, the local supervisory committee is required.

Doctors working in rural areas encounter several problems when it comes to accessing training opportunities due to their location.

Continuous competency development and mentoring-

Another key concern in rural regions is skill development and mentoring. The CHCs, which acts as a referral of PHCs in rural areas, currently have a 76.1 percent shortage of specialists, as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recent report indicated. Doctors working in rural areas encounter several problems when it comes to accessing training opportunities due to their location. In that scenario deployed Doctors can benefit from skill development courses, and ongoing learning programs to assist address the dearth of trained doctors in rural areas. A focused mentoring program, including online or offline sessions, skill upgradation and exchange programs could be extremely helpful in this situation. 

Coherent machine upgrade and paramedic training-

Essential amenities, such as most up-to-date medical equipment and skilled medical personnel to operate them, are lacking in rural areas. While medical equipment can still be upgraded on a regular basis, training courses for nurses and paramedical workers on how to handle, operate and manage these machines are also necessary. As new technologies become available, the requirement for training becomes more pronounced and required to be recognized.

In summing up, it needs to be pointed out that it is difficult to overhaul the country’s rural healthcare system within a short timeline, and that a piecemeal approach to improving rural healthcare facilities will be futile. But, with the ongoing dedication and regular efforts can a sturdy rural healthcare system be developed. Implementing the procedures outlined above will have positive benefits in the long run and will contribute to the development of a robust rural health care management system. Beyond COVID, the central objective should be to devise preparedness strategies for unforeseen emergencies, rather than focusing simply on short-term fixes that will return the system to its previous state once external help is withdrawn.

Composed by: “Dr. Gautam Kr Ghosh, is Ph.D in sociology with PG diploma in Reproductive and Child Health Management, and is research scientist at ICMR NICED, Kolkata, India.”

Composed by: “Aprita De, holds Masters in Public Health degree, and is working as Junior Consultant, NHSRC, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi.”

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India’s rural healthcare strategy needs a fresh dose and Internet of Things (IoT)-based approach can deliver the much-needed booster shot to those living in the remote areas.

In a country with over 130 crore population, there are over 10 lakh doctors and physicians – and nearly 80 per cent of those are currently serving the urban population.

In other words, “almost 75 percent of dispensaries, 60 percent of hospitals and 80 percent of doctors are located in urban areas, serving only 28 percent of India”, according to a report by KPMG and the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI).

On top of these dismal numbers, India also has the lowest number of physicians per 10,000 people among Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) countries.

There is no doubt that the country’s rural healthcare strategy needs a holistic approach and in such a scenario, disruptive technologies like Cloud-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) – with its patient-first approach – has the potential to transform the rural healthcare in the country.

How can IoT deliver the much- needed booster shot to people living in the far-flung areas and hinterlands of the country?

Imagine rural folks sitting in front of an Internet-connected screen, listening to a doctor sitting in a Metro hospital who, basis on their heart test results, gives them sane advice to either go for specialty tests or resort to prescribed medicines easily found in the vicinity; or envision a city-based doctor looking at a patient’s chest X-ray and decides on the next course of action – all via connected network of IoT devices.

The benefits of IoT are multifold – in providing telemedicine, personalized healthcare, video-based consultations and future wellness strategies – without the patient leaving the village sans emergency.

The IoT infrastructure needs is reliable internet, low-cost IoT devices, security and data analytics and India is slowly picking up on these fronts.

Thanks to the 4G revolution, better Internet connectivity has reached most of the parts in the country, helping the stakeholders in the healthcare industry aim for the last-mile connectivity.

As far as low-cost devices are concerned, several IoT health start-ups have now come to the fore, and are set to change the course of the healthcare industry.

Since IoT is a concept of devices talking to one another, there is a lot of data transfer happening.

To make sense of the data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-capable solutions are already here which – with the agility, scalability and security of cloud – can give predictive analysis of a patient’s data in a jiffy to the doctor.

India’s IoT market size is expected to expand to $9 billion by 2020, according to market research firm Deloitte, and healthcare sector is going to be the main beneficiary.

In a country like India, building state- of-the-art hospitals at every nook and corner is a daunting task. Telemedicine, where patients sitting in remote areas are brought face-to-face to a city doctor via a laptop is the best option.

Therefore, a heart patient can begin talking to a specialist working in a super- specialty hospital in New Delhi, discuss reports, and together work towards whether the patient needs to visit a nearby District Hospital for further check-ups and come to the Capital for advance check-ups or medical procedures.

Once back after a medical procedure or a surgery, the rural patient need not go back again for follow-ups.

Now bring low-cost IoT devices into the picture and the data that is being generated, goes in the Cloud and reaches the doctor faster. This helps the specialist better understand the case and build an online repository of research for future references. The process of well-documented research has today made telemedicine very efficient.

There are now apps to help rural population. India’s largest online health camp called “myUpchar” recently launched a “Saathi” app. “myUpchar” partners in operating villages along with volunteers and support staff who collect basic details of the patients such as weight, height, blood pressure, glucose, pulse and temperature, and shares those on the app with the doctor.

A recent study published in the journal Nature found that people can make use of apps that employ the phone’s camera to interpret test results, and send them to local clinics or healthcare workers before being uploaded to a central online database.

Globally, the healthcare IoT market is expected to reach $72.02 billion by 2021. According to Nutanix, a global leader in cloud software and hyper converged infrastructure solutions, the healthcare organizations need to address a variety of critical IT needs, which include a need for increased security, protection of sensitive patient data and meeting regulatory compliance. From a patient’s and clinician’s perspective, adopting a cloud model, hybrid or otherwise, also allows for providers to undergo a digital transformation of healthcare delivery.

Infrastructure innovations allow hospitals to manage different appli- cations and data types, take advantage of automation and create new service lines such as telehealth or remote monitoring, thus leading to improved patient engagement. Healthcare companies outpace the averages for certain applications, such as data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT). The fact is that India has always looked to provide a premier healthcare system for its citizens. Thus, investing in the next generation IT and IoT infrastructure is the first step in preserving the current quality of care and bringing healthcare to all.

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