Government Initiative Launched to Manage Chronic Diseases through Digital Healthcare
In an effort to address the growing burden of chronic diseases in India, the government has launched a new initiative under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aimed at providing accessible and affordable specialist care.
The National Non-Communicable Disease Monitoring Survey recently found that nearly 60% of premature deaths in India can be attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes. The survey revealed that two in five adults across the country have three or more risk factors for NCDs.
To tackle this challenge, Practo insights reveal that lifestyle and dietary habits of people in different states/cities have distinct impacts on their health. Cities such as Chennai topped queries related to diabetes, while Mumbai led in queries related to gastroenterology. Kerala and Bengaluru also saw a significant number of queries regarding cholesterol and obesity, respectively.
The government initiative is designed to form a network of specialist care that is both accessible and affordable. Advanced digital healthcare delivery systems, including telemedicine, diagnosis, and medicine delivery, are being integrated into the system. This enables patients to access these services from the comforts of their homes.
Testing has become faster and more routine, helping identify symptoms of NCDs in a timely manner. Timely health check-ups can play a significant role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, while required doses of medicines can be delivered at homes. Furthermore, this initiative ensures that those living in remote locations are not deprived of these services.
The National Digital Health Mission aims to provide value-based and patient-centric care that is both personalized and data-focussed. While technology can only manage symptoms and complications of chronic diseases efficiently, understanding the science of healthy eating remains crucial for maintaining a sound physical condition.
As the country moves towards a digital healthcare revolution, it is essential to recognize the importance of conscious deliberation in providing care for patients anytime, anywhere. Moreover, there is a growing need to shift emphasis from treating the effects of food with medicine and focus on preventative measures that prioritize nutrition, physical activity, and sleep.