Indian healthcare sector’s adoption and implementation of information technology (IT) is not widespread and not moving at the required pace. But, this is expected to gain momentum within a decade, according to Shivinder Mohan Singh president, NATHEALTH and executive vice chairman, Fortis Healthcare Limited.

“Currently, the pace of IT implementation is muted. This is evident from data management where the process continues to be a cumbersome task even to access patient records,” NATHEALTH president told Pharmabiz during his Bengaluru visit.

Despite the importance of data management in the healthcare space, its acceptance and implementation is slow. It is high time the sector deployed IT as a critical priority to monitor complex functions and allow faster and easier diagnosis. The mobile phones are also vital components in the management of diseases as it enables seamless integration to allow healthcare accessibility said Singh who in Bengaluru for the NATHEALTH 3rd Governing Council Meeting.

Technology acceptance creates real time information and transparency. India’s strong IT skill base has seen increased investments across sectors. But in the healthcare, the IT adoption needs to be mobilised even further. The sector needs to also move aggressively to accept that technology could accelerate efficiency in patient care. “We need to see that IT is integrated across departments of hospitals because it is enables seamless connectivity and could also merges with the mobile technology. This will augment the quality of healthcare service and enhance patient experience with efficient and dependable systems. Therefore, we see use of IT in healthcare is beginning to take place but would gain momentum in a decade, said the NATHEALTH chief.

“The reality is that in healthcare, it is the patient who is facing a big challenge as compared with the tough issues that this industry needs to put up with. The main reason for the asymmetry of information put before the patient on disease, diagnosis and prognosis which is provided not just by the doctor but emanates from reports of the pathology lab and radiology departments. Healthcare is caring for the sick and there is need to simplify processes for patients. This is where IT would enable simplification of process and increase accountability.

Now NATH has devised a platform to shift healthcare from its compartmental approach model to partnership mode. Since healthcare is a complex industry it requires a unified interest of players covering hospitals, medical equipment sector and insurance industry to work together on a platform in the future. This will see IT increase at a dramatic pace in India, said Singh.