Digital healthcare, and using an App to seek medical advice and treatment, is rapidly gaining momentum in India, triggered by the health related concerns and social distancing restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a research study conducted by Kantar, and commissioned by Medix Global.
Taken from a cross-section of the Indian population’s health insurance policy holders, over 90 per cent of the respondents claimed that the pandemic made them more likely to use digital health apps and tele-consultations in the future. When asked what the ‘must-have’ features for a digital app were, the top three features the respondents said they would definitely use on a digital health application were: 1. a video call with a dedicated doctor/nurse (66 per cent); 2. Assessing blood test results (65 per cent); 3. and uploading, managing and sharing medical records (62 per cent).
“Two in three Indians have been using digital health apps and 88 per cent of non-users are likely to use them in the future. That is a clear stamp of approval for digital health, and the future of healthcare,” said Ms. Sigal Atzmon, Founder & CEO, Medix Global. “With the rise of remote and digitally enhanced care, people are more open to trying new technologies. They want faster, safer and more affordable access to health services from the comfort of their own homes,” she added.
DIGITAL APP PRIORITY FEATURES
According to the study, three in five Indians are already using tele-consultation, while 93 per cent of non-participants will likely use it in the future.
“The survey found that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Indians’ view towards digital health apps and tele-consultations. There is enormous demand for digital healthcare services and the pandemic represents a significant inflection point in the healthcare industry, and the need to prioritise digitisation,” added Atzmon.
More than 50 per cent Indians are worried about themselves or family members being diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases or diabetes in the future. As a result, 82 per cent of the respondents have undergone regular check-ups for prevention and early detection of such diseases.
The study focuses on the insights of 1,000 Indian health insurance policy holders, aged between 30 to 59 years, during June 2021. The survey reflects their current sentiment, changing perceptions, and future outlook towards health concerns, available health care services and the increasing interest in digitized healthcare.
