The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights to every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition — WHO
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO). As we celebrate this milestone, it’s time to reflect on its ramification on the world over the past three-quarters of a century highlighting efforts to promote health equity.
Through Health for All, WHO strives to proffer healthcare to those with the most needs all over the world. It believes profoundly that all humans, regardless of their socioeconomic status, demographics, or location, should have access to quality healthcare.
Technology can play a key role in reinforcing the goal of WHO, by increasing access to quality health services, improving health outcomes, and reducing costs. Technological innovations have transfigured the way healthcare is delivered and accessed. One of the most remarkable developments is the development of digital applications.
With this blog, let’s explore the ways in which technology has helped achieve Health for All by transmogrifying healthcare delivery and making it easier for patients to access it anytime and anywhere.
Since we are conferring about Health and Technology together, the first very common yet impactful term that comes to mind is Telemedicine.
Telemedicine: It’s a superlative example of how technology is supporting to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially in remote areas. It has not only improved access to healthcare but has also made healthcare delivery more efficient and cost-effective. Through telemedicine, patients can communicate with medical professionals, and receive diagnoses, and treatment.
With the hike in demand for a comfort zone and addiction to digital devices, the inclination towards digital application has emerged as a boon to the health industry.
Web and Mobile Applications: With the rise of smartphones and other devices, people are turning to digital solutions to manage their health and wellness. These innovative tools offer a range of features, from tracking vital signs and medication schedules to providing personalized health support. These applications can be an important tool in equalizing access to healthcare, as it is accessible by anyone with smart devices, regardless of their location or other socioeconomic factors.
It is undeniable that artificial intelligence has been a game changer in the healthcare industry, the power of AI in healthcare is limitless, and the possibilities are endless.
Artificial Intelligence: The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has opened up new doors and opportunities for medical professionals to provide better patient care. AI can sift a vast amount of medical data, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. This technology can identify patterns in medical imaging and by detecting potential abnormalities earlier AI can help in the early detection of diseases like cancer and improve outcomes.
The benefits of Electronic Health Records are vast, and many healthcare providers are turning to this technology to improve patient outcomes.
Electronic Health Record: With EHRs, are providing medical professionals with an efficient and secure way to access patient information. It allows medical staff to retrieve patient records electronically, making it easier to provide accurate and timely treatment. EHRs are changing the game by improving the accuracy and completeness of patient information, enabling medical professionals to make informed decisions on real-time data.
The above technological ways might seem to be just some Hypotheses to few but these have already been utilized to empower the healthcare industry of various countries. It is truly inspiring to see countries like Canada, Denmark, and Sweden have prioritized the health and well-being for their populations by adopting innovative technologies in healthcare. Conversely, it is disheartening to know that many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia in places like Nigeria, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen among many others, are still struggling to provide basic healthcare services to their citizens.
The goal of achieving Health for All requires intersectoral collaboration by stakeholders to ensure the necessary enabling environment and technological advancements to strengthen existing healthcare capacities for all.
With the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and cloud computing, we can create systems that can help us identify and address health disparities in a timely manner and revamp the healthcare landscape.
