New Delhi, December 27, 2024: India’s double disease burden calls for unique solutions. Over the years the country has witnessed remarkable progress in improving infrastructure, capacity building, accessibility and enhancing quality of care. The year 2024 was remarkable in several ways for the healthcare sector. Experts and healthcare leaders primarily give credit to technologies and innovations.  Experts have hailed the year as a turning point for innovation and inclusivity, emphasizing the need for further technological integration across the care

It is very promising to note that in June 2024 itself nearly 55 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) cards were created. The ABHA card is a digital repository that provides a unique 14-digit identification number and a dedicated email address for accessing health records. It is widely admitted that technologies play a role of power catalyst in the sector. According to experts, 2024 also realized the significance of data interoperability in increasing efficiency in health insurance claims management.

Penetration of technologies and innovations into every segment of care delivery was clearly visible in 2024. Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, said, “For healthcare sector the year 2024 has been a landmark year because of innovation. We witnessed further integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics into diagnostics and treatment. These new technologies are all set to  revolutionize  patient care. Transformation can be seen from early detection of neurological disorders to personalized therapies. These advancements are improving clinical outcomes and saves precious human lives."

Yet another positive policy intervention was the inclusion of senior citizens over 70 in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).  Experts recommend expanding this coverage further to individuals over 60 years of age, acknowledging the growing elderly population, projected to reach 173 million by 2026.

Another critical milestone was the scaling up of the ABDM, aiming to digitize healthcare delivery. Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director at Aakash Healthcare, said, "The ABDM has simplified access to medical records and bridged gaps in care coordination. As we move toward universal health coverage, digital tools are empowering both patients and healthcare providers, making care more efficient and effective."

Notwithstanding these developments, India still has a big problem with a lack of healthcare professionals. The country has to significantly raise the proportion of doctors and nurses to the population in accordance with WHO guidelines.

According to Dr. Kulvinder Singh Kochhar – ADMS – PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, "Building capacity is essential to maintaining healthcare advancements. To overcome the existing shortage of healthcare personnel, funding for medical education, nurse training, and rural healthcare projects must be given top priority.”

eSanjeevani - National Telemedicine Service has made enormous contribution in 2024.  It has evolved into the world’s largest documented telemedicine implementation in the primary healthcare. As per Union Health Ministry data, as on December 8, 2024, the National Telemedicine Service of India served over 321,997,230 patients at over 130,110 Health & Wellness Centers through 16,627 hubs and over 677 online OPDs serviced by more than 227,575 doctors, medical specialists, super-specialists and health workers as telemedicine practitioners.

Dr Rajendra Patankar, Chief Executive Officer at Jupiter Hospital, Pune observed, "Telemedicine has evolved beyond consultations to include AI-assisted diagnostics and remote monitoring, ensuring that quality care reaches even the remotest areas. The synergy of technology and medicine is reshaping healthcare delivery in India."

In addition to technology, equity in healthcare remains a pressing concern. Experts emphasize the need for policies that address the middle-class population often left out of current insurance schemes.

Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO of City Imaging & Clinical Labs pointed out a major pain point that was not addressed in 2024 and said, “Middle-class families often fall through the cracks, unable to afford private healthcare while being ineligible for government programs. Subsidized insurance for this segment can bridge the gap and ensure inclusive healthcare for all."

Looking to the future, experts predict continued innovation in digital health, robotics, and genomics, fostering a more patient-centric and personalized healthcare system. Experts are of the view that India must prepare itself for emerging challenges such as rising burden of obesity and diabetes and an aging population. They added that key pillars to healthcare transformation as - robust infrastructure, skilled professionals, and transformative technologies like AI and ML.

Dr. Ajit Pratap Singh Director imaging and radiology, at Asian Medical Institute, said, “The future of healthcare lies in the seamless integration of technology and human expertise. AI, genomics, and advanced imaging will define the next decade, allowing for more precise, efficient, and accessible care."

As 2025 approaches, healthcare leaders urge a collaborative effort between the government and private sector to enhance infrastructure, build capacity, and promote innovative solutions. With these advancements, India is poised to redefine its healthcare landscape, ensuring better outcomes and equity for all.