WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

News: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), a platform for sharing knowledge and digital products among countries.

Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
• The GIDH will be a WHO Managed Network (“Network of Networks”) that will promote equitable access to digital health by addressing challenges such as duplication of efforts and “productsfocused” digital health transformation.

Aim:
o ALIGN efforts to support the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025;
o SUPPORT quality assured technical assistance to develop and strengthen standardsbased and interoperable systems aligned to global best practices, norms and standards;
o FACILITATE the deliberate use of quality assured digital transformation tools that enable governments to manage their digital health transformation journey.
• The GIDH will focus on following four foundational pillars:

Digital health in India
• Digital health refers to the utilization of digital technologies across the healthcare ecosystem, aiming to improve accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare services for individuals and healthcare providers.

Significance
• Improved Access: Digital tools can reach remote areas, connect patients to specialists, and enable virtual consultations, expanding healthcare access.
• Enhanced Affordability: Telemedicine, electronic prescribing, and data-driven resource allocation can potentially reduce healthcare costs.
• Personalized Care: Electronic health records (EHRs) and wearable devices facilitate personalized treatment plans and preventive care.
• Empowered Patients: Digital platforms can educate patients, enhance medication adherence, and promote self-management of chronic conditions.
• Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: Digitization empowers efficient data management, administrative processes, and resource optimization within healthcare systems.

Challenges
• Infrastructure Gaps: Unequal access to internet connectivity, electricity, and digital devices hinders widespread adoption.
• Data Privacy and Security: Concerns and regulations regarding patient data privacy and security require robust solutions.
• Digital Literacy: Bridging the digital divide through training and awareness programs is crucial for patient and provider involvement.
• Interoperability and Standards: Seamless integration and exchange of data across different healthcare IT systems is needed.
• Skilled Workforce: Building a workforce equipped to handle digital health technologies and data analysis is vital.

Government initiatives
• National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Aims to create a national digital health ecosystem with unique health IDs, EHRs, and a health data exchange platform.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Focuses on creating a digital infrastructure for ABHIM, with health registries, e-claim processing, and telemedicine.
• E Sanjeevani Telemedicine Platform: Facilitates virtual consultations between doctors and patients across the country.
• Jan Arogya Setu App and COWIN Platform: Provides access to health services, appointment booking, and COVID-19 information.
• Digital Aarogya Mitra (DAM): A community health worker program leveraging technology for data collection and community health interventions.

Way Ahead
• Digital health is a proven accelerator to advance health outcomes and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, it needs to be made integral to every health policy.
• As Deputy Secretary-General of ITU said recently that nearly half the world’s population might not have access to health services they need, but 90% have access to a 3G connection, showing the potential for digital health.
• By scaling up existing initiatives, collaborating across stakeholders, and fostering innovation, India can leverage digital health to achieve its goal of universal healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for all.