Digital Health Shortcomings: Expert Opinion
Digital health is pivotal for preventive healthcare, a critical insight shared by Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi, a leading preventive cardiologist, in a new expert opinion. Discover how digital tools can bridge healthcare access gaps and improve the management of chronic diseases, especially crucial in India where noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) cause 60% of deaths. Dr. Gandhi discusses how telemedicine and virtual programs,accelerated by the pandemic,are revolutionizing healthcare delivery. This article highlights the importance of prioritizing patient data privacy through strong regulations, balancing technological advancements with the human element of care, and the need for digital transformation. From News Directory 3’s viewpoint, the post also addresses challenges and opportunities within the evolving digital healthcare landscape. Learn how digital health is shaping the future of patient care. Discover what’s next in this space.
Digital Health Vital to Preventive Healthcare, Says Expert
updated June 12, 2025
Digital technology is crucial for accomplished preventive healthcare, especially for tracking healthy behaviors and managing chronic diseases, according to Dr. pratiksha Gandhi, a preventive cardiologist.
In India, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a important concern, accounting for approximately 5.87 million deaths annually, or 60% of all deaths, Gandhi noted.cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes contribute to 82% of NCD-related deaths, citing 2014 World Health Organization data.
gandhi emphasized teh importance of strengthening primary healthcare centers and utilizing village health guides to disseminate preventive healthcare knowledge. She believes digital tools can overcome barriers, making healthcare more accessible.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and virtual programs, revolutionizing healthcare, Gandhi said. Forced adoption has made people more receptive to digital technology, leading to successful virtual doctor visits.
She also noted India’s advancements in public healthcare facilities, including the advancement of a health portal. Public-private partnerships and digital tools can further improve healthcare delivery in remote areas.
While digital technologies can reduce healthcare costs by minimizing travel and resource use, Gandhi cautioned against compromising patient well-being in the pursuit of swift profits. Regulations are needed to ensure service quality.
Preventive healthcare can only be successful with the support of digital technology interventions as this is the era of digital tracking for healthy behaviors, wearables, apps to monitor various chronic diseases. Even the Arogya Setu app was a brilliant innovation in the pandemic as a public health tool.
Gandhi stressed the importance of balancing technology with the emotional aspect of the doctor-patient relationship, ensuring patient empathy remains a priority.
She also highlighted the need to reward doctors adequately to prevent brain drain, emphasizing that technology can definitely help reduce stress on caregivers.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Gandhi believes the healthcare industry is now better prepared for future crises, citing advancements in detection kits and vaccine production.
Gandhi acknowledged the value of patient data but stressed the need for strong regulations to protect privacy, given the country’s weak judiciary system.
What’s next
Gandhi advocates for continued digital transformation in healthcare, emphasizing the need for rules and regulations that protect the interests of all parties involved, ensuring better patient care without compromising ethical standards.