NEW DELHI: FICCI and KPMG have collaborated to release a knowledge paper on “New age healthcare delivery in India: Emerging healthcare delivery landscape in India”. The report covers multiple aspects of existing and new healthcare delivery models in India, which hold the potential to redefine the healthcare sector. The report brings out how multiple enablers are laying the foundation for new-age healthcare delivery models to overcome the challenges and bring more resilience to the industry.
The report highlights the continuously evolving Indian healthcare landscape, which has been challenging the conventional paradigms and established norms of the health industry. Technology integration and patient-centricity are crucial enablers for this transformation. The shifting focus of traditional healthcare models towards proactive patient care has fostered a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients, eventually making space for more personalized and effective care.
The report also emphasizes the importance of sectoral reforms in promoting the healthcare sector, which can lead to better healthcare service delivery by these new-age healthcare models. Quality and ease of doing business in the healthcare sector are crucial for promoting healthcare services that can reach a wider audience, making quality healthcare accessible to more people, especially those in remote or underserved areas.
The report suggests that incorporating emerging healthcare models and e-commerce practices is crucial for sector reforms. The report also highlights the need for a dedicated and comprehensive effort to drive the healthcare sector promotion agenda to ease the implementation of some of the new-age healthcare models. This task force can critically look into ways of increasing private sector participation, infrastructure development, investment, and promotion engagement at national and international platforms.
The report also emphasizes the need to strike a balance between healthcare advancements and environmental conservation, which is crucial for a sustainable future. The industry must focus on decarbonization through innovative supply chain management and green healthcare infrastructure.
The FICCI and KPMG knowledge paper on new-age healthcare delivery models in India provides valuable insights into the influence of changing healthcare determinants and related challenges, which have paved the way for a blended healthcare industry. The report highlights the need for comprehensive, technology and data-driven responses focused on people’s safety and well-being.
Commenting on the report, Lalit Mistry, Partner and Co-Head, Healthcare Sector, KPMG in India said, “In the dynamic landscape of Indian healthcare, a profound transformation is underway, driven by innovation and the pressing needs of a diverse population. This new era has revolutionized the approach to healthcare delivery on multiple fronts, building on present infrastructures and systems while introducing new models in the value chain. This FICCI- KPMG in India report has meticulously examined existing and emerging healthcare delivery models in a comprehensive knowledge paper. Through consultations with diverse stakeholders in both public and private sectors, insights were gained into innovative models that hold the potential to redefine India’s healthcare sector.”
Dr. Mahesh Joshi, Co-Chair, of the FICCI Health Services Committee and President & CEO, of Apollo Homecare, “FICCI’s Healthcare Service Committee has been working since 2006 in collaboration with various stakeholders to recommend policy reforms as well as suggestions on improving different aspects of healthcare determinants in the country. FICCI is cognisant of the changing healthcare scenario, the importance of the technology-driven new-age healthcare delivery models, and their amalgamation with the traditional models to cater to the need for a patient-centric approach. We sincerely hope that this report will open new avenues to strengthen the establishment of the technology-infused healthcare delivery models in the country, offering concrete solutions with better access, delivery, and management of health.”
New age healthcare delivery models – Transforming the healthcare ecosystem
The new-age healthcare delivery models in the coming decade will be a combination of the metamorphosis of existing and newer ones.
Self-care models: It is not a new term or concept to any one of us and it is part of the day-to-day life of every individual and family. Its scope includes health promotion; disease prevention and control; self-medication; providing care to dependent persons; seeking hospital/specialist/primary care if necessary; and rehabilitation, including palliative care. Self-care models help in making informed healthcare decisions. Some modes include Fitness and wellness, Health and wellness monitoring, Mental health well-being programs, Nutrition and diet planning, Health condition management, and Health screening and testing.
Primary care and pre-hospitalisation models: Primary care services in India have undergone a transformative evolution over the years, mirroring the changing healthcare landscape in the country. The amalgamation of traditional primary care centers and online primary care providers is shaping a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to healthcare delivery in India. Some primary care and referral management models include Primary care clinic, Specialised care clinics, Retail pharmacies, Diagnostics, Telehealth services, and Care coordination.
Hospital care models: Over the past decade, the landscape of healthcare institutions and hospitals in India has undergone a significant transformation, and the concept of wellness retreats has emerged, offering holistic well-being experiences that go beyond medical treatment. Some accepted hospital care models are a multi-specialty hospital, specialty hospital, specialty hospital, Surgical care management via network hospitals, Transition care facilities, Health and wellness centers and retreats, and small healthcare organizations (SHCOs).
Post-hospitalisation care models: Post-hospitalisation care plays a vital role in the healthcare journey by ensuring the continuity of care for patients following their hospital stay. Some of the post-hospitalization care models that will continue to be at the core of new-age healthcare delivery in India are home healthcare, Remote health management, Rehabilitation centers, and Long-term care centers.
Key enablers for these new-age healthcare models
The success of the Indian healthcare sector in the coming decade will depend on the alignment and collaboration of the government, payers, private health providers, and emerging new-age healthcare providers towards a common goal of “healthy India.” The report highlights the below 10 key enablers to foster new-age healthcare delivery models.
- Changing consumer behavior and self-care/on-demand care – The Indian consumer’s behavioral change has already passed a transition phase, and the coming decade will witness smart consumers. Indian Healthcare 3.0 will witness the emergence of the smart consumer.
- Community Engagement – Community engagement is crucial in healthcare service delivery because it involves actively involving patients, families, and communities in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare services.
- Population Health Management – The population health management approach enables healthcare providers to identify and address the health needs of the entire population rather than just individual patients.
- New avatars of providers – The emerging transformation in healthcare providers prioritizes patient-centric care, focusing on delivering personalized, at-home medical services that align with individual needs. Technology-enabled specialized care is at the forefront of this change.
- Digital technology and data-driven care – Digital tech and data-driven care transform healthcare with personalized, real-time, evidence-based services.
- Partnerships and collaborations across value chains – Collaborations among healthcare providers, payers, and tech firms enhance expertise and resource sharing boost patient outcomes, streamline services, and improve engagement.
- Healthcare financing – Healthcare financing norms, like subsidies, tax credits, and public insurance, ensure affordable, quality care regardless of income.
- Future healthcare workforce – We must bridge the current healthcare workforce gap and prepare for future demands in the expanding healthcare value chain.
- Sectoral reforms – Promotion of the healthcare sector can lead to better healthcare service delivery by new-age healthcare models by increasing awareness about various healthcare options, encouraging innovation and technological advancements, and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers.
- Data protection and data security – In the digital healthcare landscape, safeguarding personal and sensitive data is paramount.