Healthcare and Lifesciences
Explore how EHRs are transforming India’s healthcare, boosting care and efficiency.
07 Jan 2025
WHO defines Electronic Health Records (EHRs) as real-time, patient-centred records that provide immediate and secure information to authorised users. EHRs typically contain a patient’s medical history, diagnoses and treatment, medications, allergies, immunizations, as well as radiology images and laboratory results.
Exhibit 1 highlights the critical factors driving the need for EHR implementation in India. With a vast population of ~1.4B, it is essential to efficiently manage patient records and reduce the burden on paper-based documentation. Public health challenges, shortage of healthcare staff, and geographical disparities in healthcare infrastructure further highlight the importance of EHR adoption across the country.
With
implementation of EHR, there is a great scope for population health management
and improvement in efficiency of diagnosis and treatment to prevent further
diseases and better prepare for treatment. More details on associated benefits
of EHR implementation are described in the exhibit below.
Information
and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure is the pre-requisite for
building an EHR system in a country, which can be done effectively aided by
government efforts. Along with setting up the infrastructure, there must be a
national health IT policy governing and regulating the operations of EHR
management. While the role of government in setting and scaling EHR is
monumental, the role of private players is indispensable in innovating and
driving patient awareness.
EHR
has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, offering significant
benefits in multiple ways.
From improving patient care and operational efficiency to enhancing data
management and fostering innovation, EHRs can transform how health information
is used and shared. This shift not only streamlines healthcare processes but
also empowers patients, supporting public health initiatives, and driving cost-
effectiveness in the healthcare sector. Refer to the following exhibit for
understanding the implications in further detail.
Leading private healthcare players
are adopting EHR swiftly
The transformation in
healthcare is evident with the strategic implementation of EHR systems by
leading healthcare providers in India. Apollo Hospitals, a prominent chain with
over 70 hospitals, and Max Healthcare, with 20 facilities in North India, serve
as exemplary case studies of successful EHR adoption. These institutions have
harnessed advanced technological solutions to elevate healthcare standards,
demonstrating the potential and impact of EHR systems in a rapidly evolving
medical landscape.
