GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON DIGITAL HEALTH

During India’s G20 presidency in 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) virtually during G20 Health Ministers meeting.

1. GIDH aims to assist countries by addressing their needs, coordinating resources, and offering quality-assured products.
2. GIDH will function as a WHO-managed network (“Network of Networks”) and platform supporting the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.

• The Global Strategy on Digital Health aims to leverage digital technologies for improving global health and healthcare systems.

3. GIDH aims to strengthen global digital health gains while enhancing mutual accountability and promote the utilization of digital tools for transformation.
4. Secretariat: at WHO Headquarters (Geneva)

Foundational Pillars of GIDH

1. Country Needs Tracker: Identifies and monitors digital health requirements of various countries.
2. Country Resource Portal: Identify traditional as well as innovative resource opportunities.
3. Transformation Toolbox: To strengthen country capacity to manage the national digital health transformation.
4. Knowledge Exchange: Facilitates knowledge sharing among participating nations.

India's Contribution to Digital Health

1. India played a vital role in establishing a digital health institutional framework during its G20 presidency.
2. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission was initiated in 2021.

• ABDM is a National Digital Health Ecosystem that aims to make healthcare services more accessible and digitize health records.
• Establishes an online platform for interoperability of health data.
• Components include Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Number, Health Facility Registry, Healthcare Professionals Registry, etc.
• ABHA number is a 14-digit number that identifies a person in India's digital healthcare system. It is linked to a person's Aadhaar or mobile number.
• Health Facility Registry (HFR) is a repository of health facilities in India. It includes both public and private facilities such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, imaging centers, and pharmacies.

About Digital Healthcare

1. Digital healthcare utilizes various digital technologies to improve the accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of medical care services.
2. Components of Digital Health: Includes mobile health (mHealth), health information technology (IT), wearable devices, telehealth, telemedicine, and personalised medicine.

• mHealth is the use of mobile devices to improve health outcomes, healthcare services, and research.
• Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely. It can include services such as clinical advice, consultation, education, and training.

India's Digital Health Initiatives

1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Aims to create a seamless electronic health record system.
2. e-Sanjeevani Teleconsultation Service: It facilitates quick and easy access to doctors and medical specialists from your smartphones.
3. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): A government scheme providing healthcare coverage to eligible citizens.
4. CoWIN App: Used for COVID-19 vaccination registration and management.