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Nearly half the world has little or no access to diagnostics . This gap widens even further at the primary healthcare level in LMICs where 4 in 5 people don’t have access to the simplest diagnostic tests . Prompt and accurate diagnosis, especially at primary level, can save lives. From quickly clarifying disease etiology, to influencing treatment modalities, to cutting down disease transmission, to improving public health surveillance – accurate and timely diagnosis at point of care is key. Science- and tech-based screening and diagnostic innovations have an untapped potential to strengthen primary healthcare and improve health outcomes. Yet, healthcare workers struggle to make do with inadequate and antiquated testing technology for infectious diseases. If we are to control the world’s greatest infectious disease killers , it is imperative to invest in game-changing screening and diagnostic tools suited for primary care, that can ensure earlier treatments and improve patient outcomes. Moreover, lifesaving diagnostics, once developed must be available to everyone, everywhere — people at high-risk such as children, pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals, as well as marginalized, disadvantaged populations such as refugees or internally displaced persons. Plugging this need gap in screening and diagnostics & the focus on the underserved has been key to the theses of India Health Fund.
Digital technologies have become the drivers of increased productivity, economic growth, and innovation across sectors. The digitization of several sectors of the economy has led to a reduction in transaction costs, improved access to services across population segments and enabled the wider participation of these sectors and segments in economic activity. However, healthcare as a sector, has lagged when it comes to adoption of digital technologies. Challenges like limited resources and unequal coverage hinder disease management. With a projected global shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, digital innovations offer a solution to strengthen primary care delivery and data-driven decision support. India, with its diverse healthcare landscape, can benefit by leveraging digital tools for inclusive universal healthcare. WHO estimates a billion people could gain better healthcare access and protection through digital technologies. However, hurdles persist. Many digital health solutions don’t align with the needs of healthcare systems, leading to them not being adopted. Limited data access and funding hamper validation studies and evidence generation. Long validation timelines deter investors. Yet, the potential of digital tools in infectious and other diseases, especially at primary care, is significant. However, to harness this untapped potential of digital innovations, several challenges must be addressed. IHF’s work in digital health is focussing on design thinking and evidence generation including provider-defined use cases, solutions design, validation & evidence generation, community involvement & inclusion, investment cases, models for adoption and financing.
India Health Fund is registered as Confluence for Health Action and Transformation Foundation (CHATF), a Section 8
charitable company incorporated in India, supported by the Tata Trusts.