With all that happened over the past year, healthcare workers and organizations have felt the need for Information Technology like never before. The pandemic has emphasized the need for automation in a healthcare organization. There are many challenges faced by the Healthcare and IT industry. Many patients are not fully engaged in digital healthcare and remain unaware of the services and benefits. At Medicircle, we are presenting the Healthcare CIOs and IT Manager series with eminent IT personnel of healthcare to discuss the challenges and opportunities that healthcare shall bring about to the world post-COVID. 

Anil Sangalgikar is an IT manager at Haria LG Rotary Hospital Vapi. He has worked with eminent healthcare organizations like hospitals and research centers which are, KEM Hospital Research Center and Lokmanya Medical Research Center. He is a multi-certified professional with experience in managing the implementations of healthcare information and EMR systems. 

Challenges faced by the healthcare industry

Anil Sangalgikar says, “Bridging the gap between the software companies and management is the biggest challenge faced by the IT managers. Implementing a proper system with software companies and other management will help to roll out the project with efficiency to provide the best results to the organization.”

Explore the aspects of IT 

Anil informs, “Initially, It was believed that IT is a luxury for healthcare but now due to the pandemic, It is a necessity. The patient sitting at home can consult the doctor easily now. We can enter the prescription of the doctor and the pharmacy will provide medicine at the doorstep. Taking precautions during this pandemic is a necessity now. In the 2000 era, a radiologist was required to see the patient, and  DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) was very important and costly. But now, while doing the CT or MRI scan the images can be captured easily and can be sent to the patient on Whatsapp. With new advancements in Healthcare IT, we will be able to provide DICOM worldwide to patients. Such facilities will be provided by Healthcare IT. This is the best part of the patient services provided by the hospital. The patient’s time will be saved as well”

Focus on new advancements in Healthcare IT 

Robotic surgery

Anil emphasizes,” The new trend of Robotic Surgery which will be coming up where the doctor will enter the parameters and the surgery will be performed by the robots. This will be the achievement of IT healthcare. It will be helpful for patients for better results and early relief.” 

Achievement by the Healthcare IT

Anil states, “Cancer patients can now consult the end number of doctors for their opinion. Previously it was not possible. Earlier, the patients had to visit the Tata Research Center to consult doctors for their opinion. But now, they can consult doctors from their homes. This is an achievement of healthcare IT in 20 years.

Leap of Digitalization: A need for Digi-Lockers to store reports

Anil informs,” People are taking advantage of smartphones for digitization. Storage of reports is also now possible with digitalization. There is no need to carry case papers. The need for Digi-lockers has been very important in the last two years.”

A moment of pride: About his healthcare journey 

Anil Informs us about his healthcare journey,” I am proud to be a part of the healthcare IT team. When a doctor appreciates your work, it is a proud moment for us to be a part of the healthcare IT sector. I have continued in the same field for the past 20 years. The happiness on a patient's face gives me more courage to work in the healthcare field.”

(Edited by Dr. Rati Parwani)