The integration of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing India’s public health landscape, mainly primary health care. A significant driver of this transformation lies in the continuous integration of cutting-edge digital technologies and AI in public health. From advanced image recognition to strong predictive analytics, AI allows healthcare workers to make well-informed decisions. As a result, all are witnessing earlier disease detection, better treatments, and improved patient outcomes. Our unwavering commitment is to deliver innovative, comprehensive primary healthcare solutions, recognizing that digital innovation is crucial for fostering a healthier India.
Digital innovations are transforming not only clinical applications but also streamlining administrative processes making the whole healthcare experience more patient-centric. Mobile health apps and the government’s eSanjeevani – National Telemedicine Service have revolutionized access to health care, mostly in remote areas. Patients can presently get consultations and diagnostics without traveling long distances, significantly reducing barriers to care. Additionally, wearable devices and mobile health apps allow patients to actively manage their health. Vital signs can be monitored, track treatment adherence, and can give more attention to overall wellness. These tools promote preventive healthcare and also foster closer patient-provider relationships, encouraging people to take charge of their health.
The journey from Digitalized Health and Wellness Centers (DHWC) to Comprehensive Primary Healthcare (CPHC) exemplifies India’s commitment to changing primary care. Initiated by WISH in 2017, DHWC introduced a ‘3 Tab model’ (Nurse, Doctor, Pharmacist) across 1,000 centers in five states and two cities. Despite initial success, the model came across challenges stemming from the lack of National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB) standards, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) building blocks, and difficulties in adapting to fast technological shifts, especially evident during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
To address these issues, the Smart DHWC was developed, integrating NDHB standards, ABDM building blocks, AI capabilities, and a robust clinical knowledge base. This improved model prioritized preventive health measures, streamlined data management, and improved patient experiences through technologically advanced health centers.
Presently, aligned with the priorities of the government is Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Health and Wellness Centers (Ayushman Arogya Mandirs), we have developed an Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) compliant ‘CPHC platform’ to enable DHWCs. The CPHC platform is declared open-source as a Digital Public Good (DPG). This platform consists of two digital components-application for patients and, the Electronic Health Records (EHR) application at the clinics for registration, access to pharmacy, lab testing, doctor consultation, health vitals, and referrals. The CPHC platform has the capability of tagging/ tracking patients using RFID tags and monitoring vitals using IoT wearables. Advance healthcare plug-ins (Point of Care Devices) are combined into the EHR application for auto-populating health vitals.
A pilot implementation of the CPHC platform – eSwasthya Dham is being done for the Uttarakhand government. The platform allows monitoring of pilgrims undertaking pilgrimages (Chardham Yatra) in Uttarakhand. It explains three key stages, starting with at-home registration and health assessments, progressing to base location preparations, and continuous monitoring at checkpoints throughout the journey. Seamlessly integrated with the Char Dham Registration Portal, the eSwasthya Dham platform allows pilgrims to access conveniently their medical records using their ABHA ID, ensuring easy retrieval of vitalhealth information.
Additionally, an AI chatbot has also been developed as a plug-in to eSwasthya Dham to assist the paramedics in dealing with different medical conditions revealed by the pilgrims. It has the Non-Cloud Branch —successfully organized during the CharDham Yatra and the Cloud Branch designed for statewide implementation, which is flexible to any state. The other use cases encompass NCD management, immunization, and high-risk pregnancy care, highlighting the versatility and impact of the CPHC initiative.
By approving digital and AI solutions, we have the chance to redefine what’s likely in the primary healthcare space. As we continue this transformative journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to using technology to empower an innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem and make high-quality healthcare services available and affordable to all.
