Internet of Things (IoT) and smartphone app are seen to reinforce the developments in the areas of medical devices and teleradiology. This could strengthen the healthcare system particularly in the rural areas, according to industry experts.

Designing IoT devices is creating massive opportunities for existing businesses and giving rise to brand new markets and companies. Engineering simulation helps engineers develop the best possible in IoT. The engineering challenges of designing IoT devices have proven that the simulation-driven product development approach is even more applicable to designing the connected, low-power devices of tomorrow, whether they are wearable consumer devices, medical implants, connected cars or industrial turbines, said Shital Joshi, senior manager, ANSYS.

According to Amol Naikawadi, joint managing director, Indus Health Plus said that with the increase in technology adoption, expansion of hospitals and  specialized clinics, the preventive healthcare market has seen a sharp rise in tier II and III cities. The Union government and industry’s focus was on health assurance and making healthcare affordable, available and accessible, this focus will stay on for few more years.

Healthcare providers can leverage their IoT platforms to supplement other business units or external providers in their key services which will extend their offerings by increasing scope and scale. For instance the process of a hospital passing -on emergency service information to outsourced transportation services like ambulances and taxis, if a shortage arises with their own. Another option is automated data exchange between a healthcare facility and a lab or an ayurvedic resort where patients can receive additional treatments. These collaborative IoT ecosystems allow healthcare service providers to offer comprehensive healthcare services to the masses in a comprehensive manner and keep an eye on the care that is being provided, said Rahul Vanjare, senior lead business analyst, Altimetrik.

“Telemedicine entered the public eye in 2016, with the proliferation of smartphone-based apps that allow patients to connect with healthcare providers to obtain online consultations and enable personal health-tracking. This trend will continue into 2017, combined with increased corporate utilization of telemedicine and greater inclusion of analytics into telemedicine platforms, said Dr. Arjun Kalyanpur, CEO and founder of Teleradiology Solutions.

Medical device industry is focusing on innovation, novel technology and investing in research. The industry has shown adaptability and this has created an optimism for the future. Access to primary healthcare has been a major concern and development in the field of telemedicine has revolutionised the sector, this year having worked as an escalator in the remote connection technologies. Therefore IoT and smartphone-based apps set to bolster medical devices and teleradiology adoption, stated the industry experts.