Harnessing digital innovations to boost healthcare
Digital technology has the potential to bolster healthcare systems, enhance health financing and public health, and extend services to underserved populations, as highlighted in a recently launched World Bank report. This report emphasizes the benefits of digital technology and data in preventing and managing chronic diseases, addressing the needs of diverse age groups, and preparing for health emergencies stemming from climate change.
The report, titled “Digital-in-Health: Unlocking the Value for Everyone,” was unveiled during the G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Gandhinagar, India. It introduces a novel approach that goes beyond mere digitization of health data, advocating for the integration of digital technology throughout health systems. This approach involves incorporating digital tools into various aspects of healthcare, such as financing, service delivery, diagnostics, medical education, pandemic readiness, climate-related health efforts, nutrition, and elder care.
One of the central tenets of the report is the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that digital technology benefits all segments of the population. This involves providing access to digital infrastructure, modern technologies, and skills, particularly for vulnerable groups. Mamta Murthi, Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, underscores the potential for personalized health services, cost containment, equitable care, and improved healthcare provider experiences through people-centered digital technology.
The report underscores the pressing need for evidence-based digital investments to address healthcare challenges. It highlights that many countries underutilize health data, leading to policy decisions lacking data-driven insights. By integrating digital solutions, governments could potentially save up to 15% of health costs. The report offers practical recommendations for advancing digital-in-health strategies, irrespective of a country’s digital maturity. It emphasizes the value of enhanced data governance and interoperability to counter fragmented digital solutions.
To advance the adoption of a digital-in-health approach, the report outlines three key areas for investment: prioritizing solutions grounded in evidence, fostering transparent and secure data practices, and ensuring sustainable financing and capacity-building. It calls for comprehensive leadership at the global, regional, and country levels, involving collaboration among sectors and stakeholders, including civil society. The World Bank’s commitment to supporting low- and middle-income countries in realizing the potential of digital-in-health is evident through its substantial investments in digital health initiatives over the last decade.
Source: World Bank
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
