The healthcare sector has long been defined by its conventional delivery pathways and traditional value chain, and while it has steadily evolved over the years, the change has been gradual. However, the sector is presently undergoing a transformation at an unprecedented pace, and various key factors are at the helm of this ongoing metamorphosis. Technology has permeated every aspect of healthcare sector and is now being accepted, adopted, and leveraged by multiple stakeholders. This has resulted in a shift towards remote healthcare delivery, collection and utilisation of healthcare data, enhanced accessibility, operational efficiency, and personalised care. Another key factor driving the change in industry is the evolving role of patients in the healthcare ecosystem. From dormant participants with limited power and awareness, patients of today are active stakeholders who are driving the trends in the industry. In addition to these factors, the systemic issues prevalent in country continue to shape the trends of the industry. Some of these factors include demographic shifts, changes in disease burden, healthcare infrastructure, healthcare workforce availability, high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPEs), and rural-urban divide. While these variables continue to interact with each other, collectively, they are emerging as the guiding forces that are reshaping the healthcare industry and resulting in the emergence of new age delivery models. These models are revolutionising India's entire healthcare value chain, ushering in an era of innovative, patient centric, and accessible healthcare approach. This paper aims to understand the influence of changing healthcare determinants and related challenges which have paved the way for a blended healthcare industry. The report brings out how multiple enablers are laying the foundation for new-age healthcare delivery models to overcome the challenges and bring more resilience in the Indian health system. Multiple models related to self-care, primary care and pre-hospitalisation care, hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation care have been discussed in the paper, Collectively, these new age healthcare models have reshaped traditional healthcare practices in India, significantly impacting public health outcomes. They are improving healthcare access, increasing patient engagement, and elevating the overall quality of care.
The success of these new age healthcare models hinges on several fundamental factors/enablers like shift in consumer behavior towards self-care, growing awareness amongst individuals, community engagement, effective population health management, and a future ready healthcare workforce. The report highlights the mechanisms by which the new-age healthcare delivery models can alleviate the burden from the government, healthcare providers and caregivers by streamlining care delivery, leveraging technological integration, and offering tailored approach. It is also understood that the new-age healthcare models are not just about technology, but a paradigm shift in how healthcare is conceptualised, delivered, and experienced. At core of this shift lies the recognition that healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Individualised care, tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each patient, is the cornerstone. It is hoped that this report will open new avenues to strengthen the establishment of the technology infused healthcare delivery models in the country, offering concrete methodology with better access, delivery, and management of health.
