Exploring the evolution of advance technology in telemedicine to augment health care in rural areas and assessing the opportunities that opened due to COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study deep dives into the uses of telemedicine to bridge the gap in healthcare delivery system in India. With the limited doctors and healthcare service providers in India, technology can be a boon to Indian society, especially to the underprivileged section. The study findings were gathered from primary interviews with doctors, industry experts, and healthcare service providers. Furthermore, perusing various scientific literature and publications revealed current gaps, innovations, and initiatives in the industry. The study highlights the diverse uses cases of telemedicine in India and acknowledges notable examples of such incidences. An analysis of telemedicine technology in rural areas and how it acts as a vehicle to augment the capabilities of doctors in small towns and small hospitals manifests positive results. Telemedicine has undisputed importance in disaster management and pandemics, highlighted in the study with innovative approaches to treatment in the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted in the report. Initia. s from government, private players, standalone doctors, and even local administration have acted as a catalyst for the growth of this industry. Telemedicine is currently a lucrative industry. Various small, technologically superior enterprises and big players play a huge role in filling the gaps in the healthcare industry. Collaboration of these big players with small start-ups generates the synergy required to expand through the space. The study showcases and highlights the various use of technology in the start-up. Artificial intelligence and information technology have boosted technology. The study also delivers the prospects on how the inclusion of advanced technology such as AI, medical screening tools, and Sensors would digitally transform the telemedicine ecosystem.