Pandemic expedites transition towards digital health

WITH THE PANDEMIC HIGHLIGHTING HOW DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CAN BOOST ACCESS TO QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE, IFC IS JOINING FORCES WITH PRIVATE SECTOR PLAYERS STARTING IN SRI LANKA TO CREATE A TRANSFORMATIVE AND REPLICABLE MODEL FOR A NEW HEALTHCARE ECOSYSTEM

- Dr. HECTOR GOMEZ ANG

Blurring the line between physical and virtual, technology has revolutionized the way we receive services. Over the last decade, many economies have used technology to improve access to a range of quality and affordable facilities. With the COVID-19 pandemic upending lives and economies globally, the spotlight is once again on digital services.

Digital health, which was already gaining momentum in several parts of the world, has seen accelerated adoption because of the pandemic.

This marriage between technology and healthcare will continue to gain traction even after the pandemic—resulting in an integrated health care delivery system—akin to what fintech has become in the financial sector.

Digital health can help address issues of accessibility, timely care, remote care, and out-of-hospital services, while preventing human error in medication and optimizing resource management through information and data management.

Growth and efficiency opportunities

For emerging economies like Sri Lanka, digital health solutions present tremendous growth and efficiency opportunities. For example, in more rural areas where there is a lack of healthcare facilities or professionals or there is an emergency in the middle of the night when the local doctor is not available, telemedicine services can allow specialists in faraway urban centers to serve patients virtually, and immediately. Digital health is also ideal for patients who have chronic diseases—with doctors already familiar with their medical history—or elderly patients who find it challenging to go to a clinic or hospital to replenish their prescriptions.