By – Deva Narayan
12th August 2024: As India strides into the 21st century, the healthcare landscape is changing. Healthcare is one of India’s largest sectors, in terms of revenue and employment, and the sector is expanding rapidly.1-3 Technological developments; increasing demand for quality healthcare (driven by an increasing population with better health awareness); a shifting disease burden from communicable to non-communicable diseases; and a more engaged, informed patient population are all transforming healthcare delivery in India.
One of the biggest change agents in healthcare is technological progress. The advent and reach of telemedicine, AI, machine learning, and robotic surgery are changing the way medicine is practiced. Telemedicine has become all the more important during pandemics like COVID-19 by facilitating remote consultation and reducing travel requirements. Predictive analytics using AI & ML for early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
Technical skills alone aren’t enough for the future of healthcare. Communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence are essential for patient care and effective teamwork between healthcare professionals and departments within hospitals. Being able to explain complicated medical knowledge in a way patients can understand, relating to patients with compassion and empathy, and working well as part of a multidisciplinary team are increasingly important skills that are currently underdeveloped.
Stress is part and parcel of the healthcare profession. To survive, doctors need to develop coping mechanisms and find ways to manage the pressure. However, there are limits to how much pressure even the most experienced doctors can take before they break. It’s inhumane to expect doctors or any other human beings, for that matter, to work 30-hour shifts every other day of their lives and not make mistakes.
The more specialized medicine becomes, the greater the number of people we’ll require to be exposed to medical school for a doctor to become a specialist. He will first have had needed exposure across all specialties while at medical school. Future healthcare will see more specialization and interdisciplinary work. With so much development in medical research, new specialties and sub-specialties are coming up. Those who are ready to take up additional training and education in any specialty will have better scope in their career. For example, geriatric care, palliative care, genetic counseling, etc are some of the upcoming areas.
Interdisciplinary collaboration will be a hallmark of future healthcare systems. Professionals from various fields of practice will need to be prepared to work together in providing care for patients. This requires an attitude of collaboration, an appreciation for varied expertise, and the ability to communicate across disciplines.
Preventive care and public health will continue to gain prominence in healthcare. There is a growing emphasis on preventing chronic illnesses and improving population health. More healthcare workers will be needed to advocate healthy living, provide early intervention and detection of diseases, as well as apply knowledge in public health, epidemiology, and health education
Healthcare professionals must also be able to interact with communities, appreciate the social determinants of health, and develop successful programs for promoting health. Collaboration with public health agencies, grassroots organizations, and policy makers will become vital in addressing inequality issues thereby enhancing societal well-being.
The future of healthcare professions in India is bright and full of opportunities, but it also presents challenges that require adaptability and continuous learning. Embracing technological advancements, developing essential soft skills, pursuing specialization, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration are key strategies for success. By focusing on preventive care and public health, and ensuring that education and training keep pace with changes, healthcare professionals can provide high-quality care and improve health outcomes for the population. The future of healthcare in India depends on the preparedness and dedication of its healthcare professionals, who will play a crucial role in shaping a healthier nation.
