Is virtual medicine here to stay?
Recent reports suggest that the Govt. of India’s National Telemedicine Service – eSanjeevani achieved its greatest milestone by completing 3 million (30 lakh) consultations this year. Telemedicine emerged as a silver lining amid the COVID-19 pandemic in India and the world, improving access to care. To facilitate a transition toward digital medicine, India is set to increase its budget significantly in the coming years, reaching approximately 5.4 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.
Even though it has been almost two years, it remains unclear which conditions and treatments telehealth and mobile apps are effective. Currently, telemedicine services are offered for cancer, cardiovascular, endocrine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, psychiatric and renal health, among others. Research is underway to gauge the efficacy of telemedicine being used increasingly for mental and behavioural health. Clinical studies need to be conducted on larger scales for chronic illnesses to consider telemedicine as a full-time feasible option. The biggest challenge is to facilitate the expansion of high-speed broadband internet access to remote and underprivileged communities. Healthcare authorities and providers are now more mindful that telemedicine does not exacerbate health inequities.
Telemedicine brings a hoard of benefits like:
- Bridging the gap between people, doctors, and health systems
- Allows symptomatic patients to stay at home and connect
- Less outpatient visits and effective patient monitoring through virtual means
- Easy verification prescription and drug dosage monitoring
- Lesser turn-around-time
- Reduced costs
A noticeable rise in the use of telehealth services has been observed in patients within the 35-44 years age group. Around 37 per cent of this age group have been found most willing to use telehealth services, which is almost 7 per cent higher compared to pre-COVID times. SeekMed, the best doctors’ app, allows easy access to award-winning superspecialists who provide effective medical second opinions. Explore affordable treatment options, and get comprehensive health coverage and free follow-ups with the best doctors’ app in India.
