India’s healthcare system is undergoing a significant digital transformation, a shift poised to enhance accessibility, affordability, efficiency, and sustainability. This evolution is fueled by a combination of government initiatives, policy reforms, increased private sector involvement, and rapid technological innovation.
According to a World Economic Forum article, India shows strong potential to lead the way in digital health on a global scale. The WEF highlights India’s digital ecosystem, its robust digital public infrastructure (DPI), and various national health programs as crucial factors.
Key Digital Health Initiatives in India
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
PM-JAY is central to India’s plan to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Launched in 2018, this scheme is one of the largest health assurance programs globally. The initiative aims to provide coverage to 55 crore individuals, focusing on the most vulnerable populations. Since its inception, 35.4 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, authorizing 7.79 crore hospital admissions and providing ₹1,07,125 crores in financial coverage.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
The ABDM aims to be the backbone of the digital health infrastructure, connecting all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. According to experts, India’s ABDM is the most ambitious initiative of its kind, given the country’s size, diversity, and population. Within three years of its launch, the program has achieved remarkable progress, including the creation of 67 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA), linking over 42 crore health records to ABHA, enabling over 1.3 lakh facilities, and registering 3.3 lakh health facilities and 4.7 lakh healthcare professionals in the National Healthcare Providers Registry.
eSanjeevani Telemedicine Service
eSanjeevani is a telemedicine service designed to support UHC and improve health equity across India. It utilizes a hub-and-spoke model. The service has already assisted over 33,81,40,627 patients across more than 1,31,069 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and over 691 online OPDs, supported by a team of over 2,31,129 doctors, medical specialists, super-specialists, and health workers serving as telemedicine practitioners.
U-Win Portal
This digital solution focuses on timely vaccinations for pregnant women and children, supporting the Universal Immunization Programme. It also supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The U-Win portal is one of the world’s largest public health programs providing free vaccinations.
National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS)
The digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme, Tele MANAS is an important step by the government to recognize the importance of mental health and make it more accessible. With services available in over 20 languages across the country, the helpline has handled over 18,13,000 calls to date.
Other Government Initiatives
India’s National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, the initiatives under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Health Data Management Policy, and the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) showcase the Indian government’s commitment to achieving UHC through digital health integration.
The Path Forward
With healthcare expenditure in India around 3.8% of its GDP, and a significant portion of the population still lacking access to basic healthcare services, health technology must play a bigger role in this expenditure. As the government increases its focus on tech solutions, digital health initiatives will be crucial for closing the gaps in access, improving service delivery, and ensuring quality healthcare for all.
