Digital clinics enable patients to access care remotely

New Delhi: Amitoz Singh, Founder and CEO, Nirvasa, spoke to ETHealthworld's Prathiba Raju on how digital health clinics have proven to be more cost-effective in comparison with traditional clinics. Singh elucidated how digital health clinics can bridge the gaps in healthcare by providing timely consultations, personalised treatments, and ongoing care at every step.

Even though we are home to advanced innovations in healthcare delivery and technology, our public healthcare system is in a dismal state. How do you see the Indian healthcare system? How can digital health clinics help change this scenario?

India's healthcare system has been dealing with several problems, including patients' access to essential healthcare services and the quality of care one can receive, particularly in the public healthcare sector. In my opinion, digital health clinics play a crucial role in overcoming the current obstacles and transforming this scenario by improving accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services. By leveraging technology and integrating it with a comprehensive care approach, digital health clinics can bridge the gaps in healthcare by providing timely consultations, personalised treatments, and ongoing care at every step.

Please tell us about the benefits of digital health clinics over traditional healthcare models for an Indian set-up, particularly in rural areas or tough terrain?

Digital health clinics offer many advantages over traditional healthcare models, particularly in India's remote and challenging terrain. Primarily, they enhance healthcare accessibility by leveraging teleconsultation, allowing patients to overcome geographical barriers and connect with healthcare professionals easily. Furthermore, digital health clinics have proven to be more cost-effective in comparison with traditional clinics due to reduced travel costs and overhead expenses.
In times when everything is just a click away, these AI-powered digital health clinics have a clear edge in collecting and analysing health data, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses. Finally, apart from providing health education and raising awareness, digital health clinics enable patients to schedule follow-up consultations more easily, leading to better continuity of care.

What is the trend and scope you are seeing for digital health clinics post-pandemic? How will digital clinics help bring down healthcare costs?

The trend for digital health clinics post-pandemic is poised for continued growth and transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital healthcare solutions, and this momentum is expected to persist as people become more accustomed to teleconsultations and remote healthcare services. Digital clinics enable patients to access care remotely, which not only reduces travel expenses but also enhances preventive care and early intervention. Moreover, digital health clinics are focusing on providing results while maintaining high standards of care through personalised treatments and comprehensive care plans, enabling patients to make better healthcare decisions.

What kind of impact do you think the new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, will have on the healthcare space?

The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, is likely to have a significant impact on the healthcare space by ensuring the protection of patient data. It will establish guidelines for the collection, storage, and usage of healthcare data, promoting patient privacy and trust. Healthcare providers will need to comply with strict data protection regulations, which may lead to improved data security and ethical data handling practices in the industry.

Tell us about the long-term objectives and vision you have for the business?

We are clear with our vision of making high-quality healthcare affordable and accessible to millions of people with its unique outcome-driven approach.
Building upon the success achieved in sexual wellness and weight management, we are currently concentrating on venturing into newer categories. To drive this expansion and make our comprehensive care plan available across the country, we plan to raise funds.