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A recent report unveiled by Practo, a leading digital healthcare platform, has illuminated the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the landscape of healthcare delivery in India, showcasing a staggering four-fold increase in online doctor consultations since the onset of the global health crisis.
The report, released on Monday, highlights the seismic shift towards virtual healthcare services, with Tier 1 cities emerging as the epicenter of this digital healthcare revolution. According to the findings, Tier 1 cities account for a substantial 72 percent of online consultations, marking a remarkable six-fold surge since 2019. Tier 2 cities, while contributing 12 percent, and the remaining 16 percent hailing from other regions across India, collectively underscore the nationwide embrace of telemedicine.
Video consultations have emerged as the preferred mode of engagement, witnessing an unprecedented surge from a modest 20 percent in 2019 to a staggering 90 percent in 2023. Dr. Alexander Kuruvilla, Chief Health Strategy Officer at Practo, attributes this exponential growth to the increasing proliferation of smartphones and declining data costs, which have democratized access to healthcare services.
“With the increasing penetration of smartphones and declining data prices, digital platforms have become instrumental in bridging existing gaps in the healthcare ecosystem. And we have seen growing acceptance for online consultations from patients and healthcare professionals,” remarked Dr. Kuruvilla, highlighting the pivotal role of technology in augmenting healthcare accessibility and affordability.
The report also sheds light on the evolving landscape of medical specialties sought by patients through online consultations. General physicians, dermatologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists emerge as the top specialties, reflecting the diverse healthcare needs of the populace.
Furthermore, the report delves into the surge in consultations across specific medical domains, revealing astronomical spikes in demand for certain specialties. Eye care consultations, for instance, witnessed an astounding surge of 1332 percent, followed closely by pediatrics with a remarkable increase of 1203 percent. Orthopedics also experienced a notable upswing, with consultations soaring by 896 percent.
The findings underscore the growing reliance on virtual healthcare solutions to address a myriad of medical concerns amidst the pandemic-induced disruptions to traditional healthcare delivery models. As online doctor consultations continue to gain traction, practitioners and patients alike are embracing the convenience, accessibility, and efficiency offered by telemedicine, paving the way for a transformative era in healthcare delivery in India.
This seismic shift towards digital healthcare solutions not only signifies the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare ecosystem but also holds the promise of democratizing access to quality healthcare services for millions across the country.
