In recent years, there has been significant discussion about the need for the healthcare system to move from a reactive model, which focuses on treating illnesses as they occur, to a preventative model, where the focus is on early detection, management, and prevention of diseases. Despite the advantages of a preventative approach, this shift remains slow in India, and several challenges prevent its full adoption.
Reactive Nature of India’s Healthcare System
Historically, healthcare in India and all over the world has been reactive due to a variety of constraints. Infrastructure limitations, a lack of sufficient healthcare professionals, and high patient demand have led to an emphasis on acute care. This focus addresses immediate issues rather than long-term wellness, largely because resources are directed at managing acute and emergencies. Chronic conditions and lifestyle diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, contribute significantly to healthcare burdens, yet the majority of resources remain allocated to curative services rather than early intervention or monitoring to prevent these conditions from worsening.
Limited Public Awareness and Engagement in Preventive Care
Many people may not be fully aware of the benefits of preventive healthcare. Public health initiatives are often underfunded or inconsistently implemented, which means that many people may not fully understand the
In recent years, there has been significant discussion about the need for the healthcare system to move from a reactive model, which focuses on treating illnesses as they occur, to a preventative model, where the focus is on early detection, management, and prevention of diseases. Despite the advantages of a preventative approach, this shift remains slow in India, and several challenges prevent its full adoption.
Reactive Nature of India’s Healthcare System
Historically, healthcare in India and all over the world has been reactive due to a variety of constraints. Infrastructure limitations, a lack of sufficient healthcare professionals, and high patient demand have led to an emphasis on acute care. This focus addresses immediate issues rather than long-term wellness, largely because resources are directed at managing acute and emergencies. Chronic conditions and lifestyle diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, contribute significantly to healthcare burdens, yet the majority of resources remain allocated to curative services rather than early intervention or monitoring to prevent these conditions from worsening.
Limited Public Awareness and Engagement in Preventive Care
Many people may not be fully aware of the benefits of preventive healthcare. Public health initiatives are often underfunded or inconsistently implemented, which means that many people may not fully understand the long-term benefits of regular health screenings, lifestyle changes, and ongoing health monitoring. Additionally, preventive care requires a shift in mindset, which would entail prioritizing lifestyle management, diet, exercise, and regular check-ups over treating symptoms once they arise.
Digital health tools like wearable devices, mobile health apps, and telemedicine offer opportunities to support proactive healthcare by tracking vital signs, promoting healthy habits, and providing access to health information. However, these tools are underutilized in India, partly because of low public awareness and limited digital literacy in rural areas.
Financial Barriers and Limited Insurance Coverage
One of the primary reasons India hasn’t adopted preventive healthcare at scale is financial. Preventive care, particularly through digital health platforms, requires upfront investments. Many healthcare providers and patients alike are hesitant to make these investments without clear incentives. Health insurance coverage in India typically focuses on hospitalizations and acute treatments rather than preventive care services. This limitation discourages patients from investing in preventative measures, as these are often out-of-pocket expenses.
Without the support of insurance policies that cover preventive care, patients are more likely to delay healthcare visits until necessary. To facilitate the transition to a preventive model, insurance reforms that incentivize preventive care, along with subsidies for digital health tools, could be critical.
Challenges in Technology Adoption
While India has seen a rise in digital health tools, several challenges limit their widespread use for preventive care. Interoperability between various healthcare systems remains a barrier, preventing seamless sharing of patient data across healthcare providers. Additionally, privacy concerns around digital health data deter some individuals from embracing these tools.
The digital divide between urban and rural areas also complicates technology adoption. While urban populations may have access to digital health innovations, rural populations, where the need for preventive care is often highest due to limited healthcare facilities, may not have the same access. Many rural areas lack basic internet connectivity, and low digital literacy makes it difficult for individuals to use health-tracking apps, telemedicine services, or wearable devices.
The Role of Healthcare Policy and Government Initiatives
Government initiatives, like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), aim to bridge these gaps by creating a unified digital health ecosystem. The ABDM seeks to build a network where citizens can access healthcare services and store health data, supporting both treatment and preventive care. However, the implementation of such a vast initiative requires time, extensive resources, and robust coordination among states. India’s vast and diverse population complicates the rollout of such programs, leading to inconsistent adoption across different regions.
There are promising signs, however. The Indian government has recognized the value of digital health, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for resilient healthcare systems and digital solutions. The pandemic also accelerated telemedicine adoption, setting a foundation for future preventive care initiatives.
Societal Shifts and the Future of Preventive Care in India
A preventive care approach aligns with global healthcare trends and addresses the rising burden of chronic diseases. In India, the costs of managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are high, both financially and in terms of human impact. Preventive care can help curb these costs by detecting risks early and encouraging lifestyle modifications to mitigate disease progression.
Health tech startups in India are beginning to recognize this need and are innovating solutions tailored to preventive care, such as wearable devices for monitoring vital signs, predictive analytics platforms for risk assessment, and apps that encourage healthier lifestyles.
To sum it up
India’s journey from reactive to preventive care through digital health is challenging but necessary. Tackling barriers like limited public awareness, financial constraints, technology adoption issues, and policy implementation will require coordinated efforts from the government, healthcare providers, tech companies, and insurers. With a structured approach that includes digital literacy programs, increased insurance coverage for preventive care, and continued investments in digital health infrastructure, India has the potential to gradually embrace a proactive healthcare model that prioritizes wellness over intervention.
The contributor is the Founder & CEO of TrioTree Technologies.
