Out-of-Hospital Care Emerge as a Revolutionary Solution to Meet India's Healthcare Challenges
Bengaluru, December 31, 2023 - With India's healthcare sector expected to grow at a significant CAGR of $638 billion by 2025, transforming the country's economic development and job landscape, it has become imperative for the industry to adopt innovative solutions that can cater to the growing needs of the population.
Vishal Lathwal, CEO of Apollo Home Healthcare, and Apollo Hospitals emphasizes that out-of-hospital care serves as a pivotal alternative in easing burden on overstretched facilities. "By providing quality care at home, hospitals can be supported in improving the average length of stay, thereby unlocking bed capacity to take up more complex cases," said Mr Lathwal.
The market value of India's healthcare sector stands at $372 billion and is expected to see a significant increase to reach $638 billion by 2025. Moreover, the sector is projected to add approximately 6.3 million jobs to the existing 6 million workforce by 2030.
However, the country's population presents considerable strain on its present healthcare infrastructure, with challenges for healthcare providers to deliver quality care. India's ageing population, which is expected to account for 17 per cent of the national population by 2051, requires a redefined approach to primary care.
The rise of home healthcare services gained momentum during the pandemic, significantly reducing hospital visits and enabling efficient care delivery. These services have adopted technologies like telehealth, remote monitoring, and connected devices, which have also led to greater acceptance from stakeholders alike - doctors, hospitals, and patients.
Complementary to hospital care, out-of-hospital care is proving to be a vital tool in alleviating pressure on overstretched facilities. Quality care provided at home not only enhances the patient's recovery experience but also significantly reduces the risk of cross-infections that can be detrimental to patients with co-morbidities and low immunity.
The cost-effective nature of out-of-hospital care has proven its potential, especially for seniors who suffer from chronic diseases and face significant financial strain due to healthcare expenses. Technology is playing a pivotal role in streamlining these services, thus providing affordable care without compromising on quality.
Emphasizing the benefits of home-based care, experts point out that hospitals are not always an ideal setting for recovery due to emotional instability caused by the hospital environment. On the contrary, family support and familiarity can significantly boost recovery rates under home care settings.
As innovation takes center stage in revolutionalizing healthcare delivery models, solutions from technology, including AI-powered care planning, are becoming increasingly essential to meeting India's transforming healthcare needs.
With its growth potential and capacity for improving quality of care, out-of-hospital services must now overcome their fragmented state. Regulatory reforms, public-private collaborations, and targeted technological investments can all contribute towards scaling up the services to become a seamless integral part of an inclusive ecosystem.