The first edition of India’s Future Health Index (FHI) was launched by Royal Philips last week Friday. The index has been conceptualized as a research-based platform for helping in the assessment of readiness of countries in addressing pressing global health challenges. The data lays stress on determining the role of technologies in healthcare, access to healthcare and the efficiency levels of healthcare systems for the purpose of developing a sustainable roadmap for robust and efficient national health systems.

The FHI study unmasked the fact that a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and reduced number of hospital beds marred the competencies of the Indian healthcare system. The study also provides crucial insights into awareness levels possessed by healthcare practitioners and the general population on the role of technologies in aiding healthcare delivery. Technology adoption can prove to be a key trigger in the delivery of treatment of patients in tier-II and III cities in India. Given the increased focus of the government on providing universal healthcare access will provide an additional impetus to Phillips in providing innovative solutions for delivering connected healthcare.

Key findings of the FHI 2018 allude to the lack of access on account of low skilled physician density and a low number of hospital beds. The study also highlighted the fact that semi-urban and rural areas are yet to leverage the advancements of digital healthcare. It also stated that healthcare professionals in the country were open to the deployment of futuristic technology such as AI and virtual reality in healthcare as compared to the general population.