Harnessing digital tech to improve healthcare in weak countries

Digital technology can strengthen health systems, improve health financing and public health, and increase reach to underserved populations, according to the World Bank.Digital technology and data are especially helpful to prevent and manage chronic diseases, care for both young and ageing populations, and prepare for future health emergencies and health risks triggered by climate change, the World Bank said in a report launched recently.In particular, digital technology has the potential to significantly improve health systems in economically weak countries in various ways.Digital technology allows for telemedicine, where patients can consult with healthcare professionals remotely through video calls, chat platforms, or phone calls.This is particularly beneficial in countries with limited healthcare infrastructure, as it helps reach patients in remote areas, reducing travel time and costs.The report – ‘Digital-in-Health: Unlocking the Value for Everyone’, which was launched recently on the sidelines of the G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Gandhinagar, India, presented a new way of thinking from simple digitisation of health data to fully integrating digital technology in health systems:Digital-in-health means, for example, infusing digital technologies in health financing, service delivery, diagnostics, medical education, pandemic preparedness, climate and health efforts, nutrition, and ageing.The report also underscores that the successful use of digital technologies must be inclusive of all population groups, and ensure access to digital infrastructure, modern technologies, and skills, especially for vulnerable people."Designed with people at the centre, digital technology can make health services more personal, prevent healthcare costs from increasing, reduce differences in care, and make the job easier for those who provide health services,” said Mamta Murthi, vice-president (Human Development) at the World Bank."We hope that this report will give governments’ confidence and practical guidance, regardless of the country’s stage of digital maturity or fiscal challenges.”Improving health is getting harder, not easier. Health systems face serious and growing challenges and policy decisions are too often not based on reliable data.It is estimated that some countries use less than 5% of health data to improve health which means that decisions are not based on data or data is not used effectively to make improvements.Within challenging fiscal environments, people-centred and evidence-based digital investments can help governments save up to 15% of health costs.The report presents pragmatic, low-cost actions to improve digital-in-health, no matter the maturity of a country’s systems or digital infrastructure.For example, better health data governance and standards to ensure systems can readily connect and exchange information are not costly but will be game changing in reducing siloed digital solutions and fragmentation.However, it is important to note that implementing digital technology in economically weak countries comes with challenges. These challenges include limited Internet connectivity, technological infrastructure, digital literacy, data privacy concerns, and the need for substantial investments. Therefore, successful integration of digital technology into health systems requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account local contexts, infrastructure limitations, and the needs of the population.Collaborative efforts from governments, NGOs, private sectors, and international organisations are crucial to overcoming these challenges and harnessing the potential of digital technology for improving healthcare in economically weak countries.