Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

Context- The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), for sharing knowledge and digital products among countries.

Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

• • The GIDH will be a WHO Managed Network (“Network of Networks”) with a purpose to promote equitable access to digital health via addressing challenges such as duplication of efforts and “products-focused” digital health transformation.

• Aim:

• • ALIGN efforts to guide the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025;
  • SUPPORT fine confident technical assistance to increase and make stronger requirements-based totally and interoperable structures aligned to worldwide excellent practices, norms and requirements;
  • FACILITATE the deliberate use of best assured digital transformation tools that enable governments to control their digital health transformation journey.

Digital health in India

• • Digital health refers to the utilization of digital technologies across the healthcare ecosystem, aiming to improve accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare services for individuals and healthcare providers.

• Significance

• • • Improved Access: Digital equipment can attain remote areas, connect patients to specialists, and permit digital consultations, increasing healthcare access.
    • Enhanced Affordability: Telemedicine, electronic prescribing, and data-pushed aid allocation can probably reduce healthcare expenses.
    • Personalized Care: Electronic health records (EHRs) and wearable gadgets facilitate personalised remedy plans and preventive care.
    • Empowered Patients: Digital platforms can teach patients, decorate medication adherence, and promote self-control of chronic conditions.
    • Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: Digitization empowers green statistics control, administrative techniques, and useful resource optimization within healthcare systems.

• Challenges

• • Infrastructure Gaps: Unequal access to net connectivity, electricity, and digital devices hinders substantial adoption.
  • Data Privacy and Security: Concerns and rules regarding patient statistics privacy and protection require robust solutions.
  • Digital Literacy: Bridging the digital gap through schooling and attention programs is critical for patient and provider involvement.
  • Interoperability and Standards: Seamless integration and change of information across distinct healthcare IT systems is needed.
  • Skilled Workforce: Building a workforce equipped to handle digital health technologies and information analysis is critical.

Government initiatives

• National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Aims to create a country wide digital health ecosystem with unique health IDs, EHRs, and a health records exchange platform.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Focuses on growing a digital infrastructure for ABHIM, with health registries, e-declare processing, and telemedicine.
• E Sanjeevani Telemedicine Platform: Facilitates digital consultations between docs and patients throughout the usa.
• Jan Arogya Setu App and COWIN Platform: Provides access to health services, appointment booking, and COVID-19 information.
• Digital Aarogya Mitra (DAM): A network medical examiner program leveraging era for statistics collection and network health interventions.

Way Ahead

• Digital health is an established accelerator to advance health outcomes and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, it desires to be made vital to every health coverage.
• As Deputy Secretary-General of ITU said these days that nearly 1/2 the world’s population might not have the right of access to health services they want, but 90% have access to a 3G connection, showing the ability for digital health.
• By scaling up present initiatives, collaborating across stakeholders, and fostering innovation, India can leverage digital health to attain its aim of universal healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for all. 

Source: PIB

UPSC Mains Practice Questions:

Q.What is digital health? Discuss the initiatives of the government of India to promote digital health. (200 words)

Download as PDF