The Indian healthcare landscape has long been recognised for its conventional delivery models and value chain. However, in recent years, it has undergone a tremendous change with a growing consciousness about wellness among Indian consumers. As compared to other nations like the US and Canada, Indian consumers are likely to increase their wellness spending by 2-3 times. This growth is highly driven by a significant rise in disposable income, urbanization and increased awareness about preventive and out-of-hospital care models.
Innovative healthcare delivery formats, spanning primary, secondary, remote health, and homecare, are transforming the way healthcare is being accessed and consumed. This evolution ensures improved accessibility, operational efficiency, and personalised care for patients.
In a fast-paced world, changing patient behavior and preferences play an instrumental role in driving transformation in the industry. Today’s patients are more active stakeholders than passive recipients of care with limited awareness. For instance, patients demand out-of-hospital care models for their post-surgery recovery and better quality of care. Similarly, India has the opportunity to address persistent gaps in the supply chain through proven and patient-centric models to ensure efficient care delivery.
Self-Care Models
There is a steep surge in lifestyle i.e. non-communicable diseases which accounts for 63per cent of all deaths in the country. As per a recent study, India is expected to record 134 million diabetic patients by 2045 which makes the consumers more health conscious. As a preventive step, the self-care model enables them with early detection and encourages healthy lifestyle choices to reduce significant burdens on traditional healthcare systems.
With the advent of AI-driven solutions, the implementation of self-care models can become more effective and efficient. However, it remains crucial to develop these models using contextual Indian data to ensure maximum impact and adaptability. Mobile apps and wearable devices now monitor vital signs, track fitness goals, and provide access to virtual health consulting. This proactive approach can impact the healthcare system positively as self-care models encourage improvement in wellness and the overall well-being of the community
Primary Care and Pre-Hospitalization
Bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and communities can be daunting. In India, many health issues escalate due to delayed treatment due to overcrowding emergencies, high patient volume, lack of insurance coverage and administrative efficiencies which impede medical attention and increase dependency on hospitals. According to a 2022, around 60per cent of patients delay their treatments due to lack of health coverage while 67per cent who have medical insurance find it difficult to understand their policy.
This concern requires a strategic approach to strengthen primary care services and pre-hospitalization processes. Hence, accessibility to primary care clinics, diagnostic centres and specialised care is critical for early intervention. Community health centres equipped with telemedicine facilities can connect patients to specialists that can improve health outcomes and also optimize healthcare costs for both patients and providers.
Hospital Care Models
In the tertiary care scenario, the Indian healthcare landscape bears the brunt of patient overflow. Focusing on hospital care models that deliver specialised and multi-disciplinary care within advanced healthcare facilities can handle complex medical cases without burdening the existing infrastructure.
With several interventions, hospitals can adopt a multi-component approach in proper patient assessment, medication reconciliation, arranging timely outpatient appointments and providing telephone follow-ups. This can significantly reduce readmission rates for patients discharged to home. By focusing on comprehensive care within hospitals, this model addresses both immediate and long-term patient needs.
Post-Hospitalization Care
Post any operative or critical procedure, continuity in recovery and rehabilitation becomes critical. As per National Health Accounts estimates for 2019-2020, out-of-pocket expenses made up 47.1per cent of overall healthcare costs borne by a family which affects their affordability and accessibility to significant healthcare services.
On the other hand, India’s home healthcare market is projected to reach $21.3 bn by 2027 from $6.2 Bn in 2020, as per NITI Aayog’s 2021 report. This surge is fueled by the growing demand for home healthcare, where patients receive personalized in-person medical services alongside digital health monitoring. These technologies help track patient progress, enhance the efficiency of care delivery, and support quicker recovery.
As part of home healthcare, care providers use remote monitoring technologies to track patient’s progress and intervene when necessary, expediting recovery and overcoming outcomes. As a result, this model reduces the strain on hospitals while ensuring patients receive the care they need in a comfortable and familiar environment.
Final Thoughts
India’s healthcare system is standing at a pivotal juncture that requires a strategic approach to redefine its future. By integrating technology and leveraging innovative patient-centric models, the Indian healthcare system can overcome supply chain challenges, empowering patients to take charge of their health. Hence, embracing innovative models can transform accessibility and affordability for patients while also paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive healthcare ecosystem in India.
This article is written by Vishal Lathwal, CEO, Apollo Home Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals.
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
