Since the onset of Covid-19 healthcare industry around the world has tackled the pandemic with a combination of technological prowess and clinical expertise. Disrupted healthcare systems and the need for physical distancing further opened the window of opportunity for a broader implementation of healthtech solutions. During the first Covid wave our restriction measures required us to evaluate patient-doctor consultation and the need for alternate modes of access to care. This included balancing between delivering care and minimizing risk. One such measure was eliminating hospital visits of patients with milder symptoms to reduce transmission risk. Patients with milder symptoms could rely on home care through digital consultations and remote vital monitoring.
A Bluetooth-based technology was adopted, where critical vitals of asymptomatic and COVID-positive patients were monitored from home. The technology sends alerts to a centralized dashboard at the hospital, and the treating physician immediately consults the patient either through video conferencing or telephonic calls. This technology serves two important purposes: Patients could now see their real-time vitals on the device/app and ascertain the severity of their condition. Likewise, when there is a deterioration in respiratory functions, an algorithm triggers an immediate alert to the doctor and the patient. Non-critical patients can thus be safely managed at home, thanks to this innovative technology and our healthcare team.
While this was the scenario with the non-critical patients, a different approach was adopted for in-patient critical care as the nature of complication and severity were much higher. In a typical scenario, the transfer of patients from the ICU to the ward presents several challenges for the doctor and nurses. Such patients are at high risk of adverse outcomes, with increased risk for infection and rapid deterioration. Due to the nature of severity, the care team is required to be physically present in the room to regularly monitor the patient’s condition. Effective communication and patient management became vital to save lives, and address emergencies.
Remote monitoring vitals of patients in the wards, AI detection of sanitation, redirecting all non-medical patient requests to Dial 24/7 team and our step-down ICU implemented a wireless biosensor cardiac patch that measures vitals such as ECG, pulse rate, and respiratory. The patch sends alerts to a centralized dashboard, which enables the care team to assess the patient’s condition and take measures for a further treatment plan. Automation of asset tracking systems and ambulance processes led to higher organizational efficiency, improved patient flow management, better patient outcomes, and a shorter length of stay.
Soon, hospitals will be adopting an AI-based technology that can help predict abnormalities and future occurrences of certain vulnerabilities. The shift from ‘detecting’ to ‘predicting’ abnormalities will pan out in the next few years, changing critical care management.

Apart from the pandemic wave, the biggest strides are seen in geriatric care due to the aging population explosion in India. The country is expected to have 300Mn geriatric patients above 60 years by 2050. This implies that the healthcare system needs to be well equipped and streamlined to provide seamless care to an aging populace, with a focus on insurtech and healthtech synergy.
As awareness of co-morbidities increased during the pandemic, chronic disease management also become a key focus area in the last two years. The mortality rates of diabetes still stand significantly higher in India compared to COVID in the last 2 years. Data analysis of chronic illnesses has led to the adoption of innovations such as non-invasive glucometers, gluco-sensors, and smartwatches that help track vital levels on a real-time basis. Nevertheless, we encountered patient obstacles to usage concerning portability and ease of use. Thus, we upgraded to the most advanced, affordable, and portable remote monitors which are comfortable and pain-free.
Other Chronic conditions like Tuberculosis, Heart Diseases, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, have been on the rise, creating a demand in the IVD industry. The industry is shifting towards speed, accuracy, and reliability of diagnostic equipment where the manufacturers will look at a seamless report outcome through automation and digitization. Coupled with AI, this makes for a shorter turnaround time, improved accuracy in image analysis, and streamlined workflow in diagnostic labs.
Early adoption of healthcare technology was something that I became familiar with during my practice in England and Ireland. Championing the same, HCC was set up was to make great quality healthcare affordable and accessible for everyone. Technological infusion was key in transforming the vision into reality. As an extension of this vision, we set up an Innovations arm that would actively pursue startups to partner their solutions within our mainstream operations. As the ecosystem for startups in India is evolving, we have a moral responsibility to help them thrive through the infusion of capital, access to clinicians, and guidance in product development.
Studies indicate 80% of Med-tech in India is imported. With the National Digital Health Mission and Make in India, the onus is on reducing the dependency on imported healthcare solutions. Medical education in India also needs to update to the latest technological possibilities to improve ground-level adoption in the future. The startup ecosystems and the inclusion of digital solutions in medical education will be the game changers in the growth of Indian healthcare.
As early adopters of technology in healthcare, we are very excited about the future of patient centric healthtech in improving the clinical outcomes and the patient experience.