Future of Telemedicine In India: A Tech-driven Healthcare System
Telemedicine has earned public trust and is rightly considered not just a trend, but the future of public healthcare.
8 min read
February 07, 2025
Aishwarya Kulkarni
WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?
Telemedicine refers to digital communication tools, such as video calls, phone calls, and online messaging, to deliver healthcare services remotely, regardless of a patient's location. The word "Telemedicine" combines "tele," meaning "distance," with "mederi," meaning "curing." The World Health Organization (WHO) has also defined telemedicine as -
"The delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities."
ROLE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased telemedicine adoption as patients and doctors, facing lockdowns and hospital hesitancy, increasingly utilized remote consultation.
Research published in the International Journal of Science and Research reveals that approximately 75% of physicians believe telemedicine should be integrated into daily practice, with nearly 80% considering it ideal for patient follow-ups.
Once considered a futuristic ideal, telemedicine is now a widespread reality. Its adoption accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the risks of in-person interaction. This increased public acceptance of telehealth services, such as virtual consultations via chat and video calls, has dramatically reduced the need for physical doctor's appointments.
Consequently, telemedicine not only minimizes medical expenses but also reduces the risk of exposure for both patients and healthcare providers.
The rise of telemedicine is further propelled by wearable technology, which allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients' biometric data between in-person appointments. These devices stream information, enabling continuous and long-term tracking of patient health.
IMPLEMENTATION OF TELEMEDICINE
Present Times
The widespread availability of 5G internet and smartphones, even in India's most remote regions, makes telemedicine a powerful tool for improving healthcare access and efficiency. Its speed and convenience contribute to the standardization, optimization, and simplification of healthcare operations.
Telemedicine streamlines processes like appointment scheduling, consultations, surgery scheduling, and patient visit reminders, saving both time and resources.
In the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), high-speed connectivity facilitates access to global medical technology, enabling higher-quality treatment through a wider range of devices and equipment. Telemedicine has earned public trust and is rightly considered not just a trend, but the future of public healthcare.
There are multiple uses of telemedicine in the healthcare sector of India that are quite futuristic and innovative, some of which are;-
Online Patient Portals
In India's diverse healthcare landscape, online appointment scheduling platforms like Practo and 1mg are crucial for improving access.
Telehealth integration helps hospitals reduce no-shows, especially for key diagnostics like MRIs and CT scans.
Digital check-in systems are streamlining patient experiences and minimizing wait times, particularly in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Ultrasound access for remote areas
Tele-ultrasound is revolutionizing rural Indian healthcare by bridging the gap between ultrasound availability and expert interpretation.
Live collaboration platforms connect urban specialists in cities like Delhi or Mumbai with rural healthcare workers, enabling real-time remote diagnosis.
A National Institute of Health study confirms this approach reduces patient anxiety and significantly improves rural healthcare quality.
According to a study done by the National Institute of Health, this approach reduces patient anxiety associated with waiting for results and significantly enhances the quality of care available in rural India.
Expanding critical care with Tele-ICU
According to a study conducted by Springer on ‘Telemedicine during Covid-19 pandemic’, India with its vast population of over 1.35 billion, faces a significant healthcare challenge due to the unequal distribution of healthcare resources.
A striking 68.84% of Indians reside in rural areas where healthcare services are scarce, while a disproportionate 75% of doctors are concentrated in urban centers.
Popular Health Insurance Providers in India with Telemedicine Coverage,
Focus: Care Health (formerly Religare Health Insurance) is known for its focus on health-specific insurance.
Telemedicine Coverage: They frequently emphasize telemedicine benefits in their plans. Look for plans that explicitly mention telemedicine or digital consultations within their OPD coverage. They may have specific tie-ups with telemedicine platforms.
Things to Check: Inquire about limits on telemedicine consultations (number of sessions, types of specialists), co-pays (if any), and the claims process for telemedicine expenses.
Star Arogya Digi Seva: This is a key initiative specifically designed to bring healthcare to rural and underserved areas.
Star Health App: The Star Health app is a central hub for their telemedicine services. It likely allows users to book appointments, access consultations, and manage their health information.
It combines telemedicine with mobile health units, allowing people in remote locations to consult with doctors and specialists remotely.
This program focuses on addressing common health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
Things to Check: Carefully review the policy wording to understand the specifics of telemedicine coverage. Pay attention to any sub-limits for telemedicine consultations and how they handle claims for these services.
Comprehensive Plans: ICICI Lombard offers a wide array of comprehensive health insurance plans.
ICICI Lombard offers several health insurance products that include telemedicine benefits. Here are a few examples:
Health AdvantEdge: This plan offers a wide range of coverage options and includes e-consultations as part of its wellness programs. This allows policyholders to connect with doctors for medical consultations through video chat, audio call, or chatbot.
Golden Shield: This plan also includes 24x7 medical teleconsultation via the IL Take Care app, providing convenient access to medical advice and support.
Things to Check: Look for mentions of telemedicine, digital consultations, or virtual consultations in their policy documents. Contact their customer service to clarify any ambiguities.
4. Bajaj Allianz:
Tele-consultations: Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance plans often include coverage for tele-consultations. This allows policyholders to consult with doctors remotely via video or phone calls, providing convenient access to medical advice and support.
Things to Check: Ask about any network restrictions for telemedicine providers, the claim process for telemedicine expenses, and any limitations on the types of medical services covered via telemedicine.
5. HDFC Ergo:
Digital Focus: HDFC Ergo has been actively focusing on digital health solutions.
Digital platforms: HDFC Ergo likely partners with telehealth platforms or has its own app to facilitate these teleconsultations. This provides a convenient way for policyholders to schedule appointments, conduct consultations, and manage their health records.
Things to Check: Explore their online resources or contact their representatives to get detailed information about their telemedicine offerings. Pay close attention to any specific conditions or exclusions related to telemedicine.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF TELEMEDICINE HOLD
Telemedicine in India holds immense promise for revolutionizing healthcare access and delivery, particularly given the nation's unique challenges of a vast and geographically dispersed population, coupled with a shortage of healthcare professionals. Reports from organizations like NITI Aayog and McKinsey highlight the potential of telemedicine to bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap and improve health outcomes.
National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): NITI Aayog's NDHM envisions a robust telemedicine framework integrated with a national digital health ecosystem for seamless data sharing and improved care coordination.
COVID-19 Catalyst: The pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption across India.
Increased Availability: Many hospitals and clinics now offer virtual consultations, and numerous telehealth platforms have emerged.
Future Growth: Investments in digital infrastructure and supportive government policies are crucial for realizing telemedicine's full potential.
AI Integration: The future of telemedicine will likely feature greater integration of AI, Blockchain and other advanced technologies.
AI-Powered Diagnostics: AI algorithms can analyze medical images and patient data for faster, more accurate diagnoses.
Remote Monitoring: Wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies enable continuous tracking of patient health parameters for proactive interventions.
Expanding Service Range: Telemedicine platforms are evolving to offer mental health counseling, physiotherapy, and nutritional guidance.
Regulatory Evolution: Evolving regulatory frameworks will address data privacy and security concerns.
Integral Role: Telemedicine is poised to become an integral part of the Indian healthcare landscape, transforming healthcare access and delivery.
Looking ahead, the future of telemedicine in India is likely to be characterized by greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.
AI-powered diagnostic tools, remote patient monitoring systems, and personalized treatment plans are expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of telemedicine services.
For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images and patient data to assist doctors in making faster and more accurate diagnoses, particularly in specialties like radiology and pathology.
Moreover, the rise of wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies will enable continuous tracking of patients' vital signs and health parameters, facilitating proactive interventions and personalized care.
Telemedicine platforms are also evolving to offer a wider range of services, including mental health counseling, physiotherapy, and nutritional guidance. As regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate these advancements and address concerns around data privacy and security, telemedicine is poised to become an integral part of the Indian healthcare landscape, transforming the way healthcare is accessed and delivered.
IMPACT OF TELEMEDICINE ON HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES
The intersection of insurance and telemedicine is rapidly transforming healthcare access and delivery. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has gained significant traction, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Insurance companies are increasingly incorporating telemedicine services into their coverage plans, recognizing its potential to improve healthcare access, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
Convenient Care: Telemedicine allows remote consultations, diagnoses, and chronic condition management, often at a lower cost than in-person visits.
Innovative Insurance Products: Telemedicine's rise has led to new insurance products covering virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
Future of Healthcare: The synergy between insurance and telemedicine will significantly shape the future of healthcare as technology and regulations evolve.
Visit OneAssure to navigate the evolving landscape of telemedicine in India through personalized health insurance policies. Contact us to explore how we can help you leverage the future of digital health.