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Addressing healthcare disparities in rural India through technology
- Health disparities in urban and rural India are severe and demand immediate attention. The lack of medical facilities, healthcare professionals, and timely treatment in rural areas have contributed to poor health status, increased maternal and infant mortality and lower life expectancy.
- Technology has the potential to address healthcare disparities in rural India. Telemedicine, mobile health, digital health platforms, and AI-powered chatbots can bridge the gap between quality healthcare and inaccessible areas.
- Rural areas account for 67% of India's population but only 30% of hospital beds and 50% of health institutions. The doctor-to-patient ratio is alarmingly low at almost 1:25,000.
- There is a lack of primary healthcare in rural areas and a shortage of healthcare professionals who feel reluctant to work in rural areas because of poor living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and absence of career growth.
- Teleconsultations allow people in rural areas to communicate with doctors and specialists in urban areas without traveling, saving their time and money and ensuring timely medical advice and continuous care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
- Mobile health (mHealth) services give information about health, medication reminders, and e-records of one's health. Pregnant women in rural areas can use mHealth apps to track their pregnancies and receive reminders for check-ups.
- Digital health platforms connect patients, providers, and pharmacies on a single interface. Patients in rural areas can schedule appointments, examine laboratory results, place medicine orders, and talk with doctors remotely.
- The Indian government has taken various steps to address healthcare disparities. Several ICT initiatives have been developed, including the National Health Portal, e-Hospital @NIC and mobile apps on vaccination tracking, disease management and stress management.
- With telemedicine, mHealth applications, digital health platforms, and AI-driven innovations, it is possible to treat everyone regardless of location and bring the potential of a healthier, equitable society with regards to healthcare with it.
- Internet connectivity, smartphones, and training for doctors and patients are required to make technology available and affordable to bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban India.
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