New Delhi: The healthcare industry in India is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the integration of advanced technology and the pharmaceutical sector. With an expanding population, rising health awareness, and a growing demand for personalised care, India is uniquely positioned to embrace innovation to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. As of 2023, India’s healthcare market is estimated to grow to $372 billion by 2025, representing an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionise patient care through technology-driven solutions.
Dr. Gunjan Kishor Sharma (MBBS, DNB Medicine) is a Senior Consultant Physician & Noninvasive Cardiologist and Director at MeshApp.ai, With over 25 years of distinguished experience in healthcare, spoke about how tech and pharma can support patient care.
The Current Landscape: Challenges in Patient Care
Despite being one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets, India faces several challenges:
Accessibility: Approximately 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas, while 70% of healthcare infrastructure is concentrated in urban regions.
Affordability: A significant portion of the population lacks access to affordable medical services, with out-of-pocket expenses accounting for over 63% of healthcare spending.
Efficiency: Long waiting times, inefficient hospital management systems, and limited reach of quality pharmaceuticals hinder seamless patient care.
Technology and pharmaceutical innovations are poised to address these challenges, paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient healthcare ecosystem.
The Role of Technology in Healthcare
India’s healthcare sector is rapidly adopting advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), telemedicine, and big data analytics. These innovations are reshaping the way healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and manage diseases.
Telemedicine and Remote Care: Telemedicine is revolutionising access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved regions. As per a NITI Aayog report, the telemedicine market in India is expected to grow to $5.4 billion by 2025.
Impact: Patients can consult with specialists through video calls, reducing the need for travel. This is especially valuable in areas where there is only one doctor for every 1,511 people, as compared to the WHO recommendation of 1:1,000.
Example: Platforms like Practo and Apollo 24|7 enable virtual consultations, online medicine delivery, and home-based diagnostics.
AI and Machine Learning in Diagnostics: AI algorithms are enabling early and accurate diagnosis of diseases, reducing human error, and improving treatment outcomes.
Application: AI-powered tools are being used for detecting breast cancer, analysing CT scans, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Efficiency: These tools significantly reduce diagnosis time, improving patient outcomes. For example, AI solutions are shown to reduce diagnostic errors by 30% in radiology.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches enable real-time monitoring of vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Market Growth: The IoMT market in India is projected to reach US$ 30,868.3 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 27.1%.
Impact on Pharma: IoMT is also helping pharmaceutical companies track the effectiveness of drugs and gather real-time patient data for clinical trials.
The Evolving Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of India’s healthcare sector, contributing over $50 billion annually. The integration of technology is further amplifying its potential to deliver seamless patient care.
Digital Supply Chains: Advanced technologies like blockchain are enhancing the efficiency and transparency of pharmaceutical supply chains.
Impact: Blockchain ensures traceability of medicines, reducing counterfeit drugs, which account for 20% of India’s pharmaceutical market, as per WHO estimates.
Example: Companies like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories are leveraging digital tools to optimise inventory and logistics.
Personalised Medicine: Pharma companies are increasingly using genomics and AI to develop personalised treatments based on a patient’s genetic profile.
Significance: Personalised medicine is proving especially effective in oncology, cardiology, and rare diseases, offering better outcomes and fewer side effects.
Pharma-Tech Collaborations: Collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and technology firms are fostering innovation.
Example: Golyg Technology, through its AI-powered Mesh App, aims to bridge the gap between doctors and pharmaceutical companies, improving product promotions and clinical workflows.
Combining Technology and Pharma for Patient-Centric Care
The convergence of technology and pharma is driving a paradigm shift towards patient-centric care.
AI in Drug Discovery: AI is speeding up the drug discovery process, reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new drugs to market.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs allow seamless sharing of patient information between healthcare providers and pharma companies, enabling better care coordination.
Medication Adherence: Apps and IoMT devices are helping patients adhere to prescribed medication schedules, reducing hospital readmissions.
Key Benefits for Patients
Improved Access: Telemedicine and e-pharmacies bring healthcare to the doorstep of patients, especially in rural areas.
Better Outcomes: AI-powered diagnostics and personalised medicine ensure more effective treatment.
Affordability: Automated supply chains and IoMT reduce operational costs, making healthcare services more affordable. The future of healthcare in India lies in seamless collaboration between technology and the pharmaceutical sector. By 2030, India is expected to become the third-largest healthcare market globally, with an emphasis on innovation and patient-centric solutions.
Investment Trends: Government initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aim to create a unified digital health infrastructure.
Start-Up Ecosystem: Over 7,500 health-tech start-ups in India are driving innovation, supported by investments of over $4 billion in 2021 alone.
As these sectors continue to evolve, the ultimate goal is to provide equitable, efficient, and high-quality healthcare to every Indian. With technology and pharma working hand in hand, the dream of a healthier India is becoming a reality. In conclusion, the integration of technology and pharmaceuticals is not just transforming the healthcare industry but is also paving the way for a future where patient care is seamless, personalised, and universally accessible.
In the near future, turning to an approach that combines healthcare, pharma and tech can together make all the difference. Here’s what experts have to say. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
