India’s attempts at a complete shift from manual to technology-based healthcare services are being stymied by challenges ranging from a lack of funds to accessibility and quality assurance. “However, technology-based healthcare will cost more money and, therefore, both healthcare providers and other stakeholders should be prepared to balance this high cost as financial allocation would be much needed. Despite having mobile penetration in rural India, there is no internet and speed to run telemedicine services. As a result of little awareness, many people are unable to use several apps launched by the Union health ministry for health services," said a senior health ministry official who did not wish to be named. A report released by the Confederation of Indian Industry on artificial intelligence on Monday projects the healthcare sector to grow to $280 billion by 2020 but that technology-based healthcare is facing major challenges.

Source: Mint February 05, 2019 18:00 UTC