The growth of telemedicine in India due to COVID has grown three times as per the survey conducted by DrOnA Health. There were close to 60 per cent of users who were highly satisfied through telemedicine consultation. Also, 54 per cent of them showed eagerness to follow it in the future as well.
The second wave of the pandemic was indeed unpredictable and the health infrastructure was not up to the mark. There were stories all over the news and social media of patients who could not consult doctors either telephonically or in person. As the cases spiked, many organizations and institutions contributed by sharing details of health care professionals who were ready to be consulted via telephone or video conference.
As the regulations were not clear, people had doubts in their minds in terms of the authenticity of telemedicine consultation. All states are gearing up and keeping the medical system in place for the upcoming waves related to COVID. Also, they are understanding the importance of promoting and regulating telemedicine to reduce the stress on medical infrastructure.
India is facing a great challenge to enhance the level of medical infrastructure specifically in rural locations. It is getting more difficult as 75 per cent of the health care professionals stay in towns and cities and 65 per cent of the population in India lives in rural areas. To find a solution to this issue, the Centre is giving importance and recognition to telemedicine as it is the ideal solution in the short and long term too.