Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) analyzed

Industry experts share their views on the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) in the backdrop of the recent extension given by NHA.

India's National Health Authority (NHA) announced an extension to the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) until December 31, 2023. The scheme encourages digital health adoption by hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, and health-tech companies. Industry experts are hailing this move as a positive development with profound implications for various stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

Sachidanand Upadhyay, Founder, Lord's Mark Industries, applauds this decision and says, "Under DHIS, financial incentives are provided to hospitals, diagnostic labs, and health-tech companies for embracing digital transformation under ABDM. It is a remarkable step by NHA to announce the extension of DHIS till December 31, 2023. This extension broadens the program's relevance, allowing a wider range of stakeholders to reap the benefits of digital incentives." Upadhyay believes that this initiative has spurred the adoption of digital health technology across India. It will ensure swift access to healthcare services and secure health data through digital transactions.

Dr Vigyan Mishra, Chief of Lab, Neuberg Diagnostics, says, "Hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and health-tech companies have greatly benefited from this initiative. By incentivizing the adoption of digital health technologies, DHIS has paved the way for efficient data management, improved patient care, and enhanced operational efficiency." He points out that this extension has empowered hospitals to transition to electronic health records, enabled labs to manage test results efficiently, allowed pharmacies to optimize inventory and prescriptions, and encouraged health-tech companies to innovate. The results are less paperwork, faster information exchange, and better healthcare outcomes.