Impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on health care

The importance of health care in modern day society can be gauged from the fact that good health is recognised as one of the fundamental rights of an individual. India’s Constitution guarantees free health care for all its citizens. Health care has become one of India’s largest sectors -both in terms of revenue and employment. Health care is the maintenance or improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in human beings. Health care has become one of India2019;s largest sectors-both in terms of revenue and employment. Health care comprises hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance and medical equipment. Almost 20% of the population in India is believed to be below the poverty line (Planning Commission of India, 2013); therefore, the cost of treatment is a major factor in utilization of health care services. The enormity of the health issues around the world especially in the developing and poor countries is well documented. A comparison of the basic health indicators clearly indicates that developed nations of the world, fare far better on the health care provision and utilisation, when compared to the developing nations. Hence, to improve the overall health scenario it becomes important to understand the part played by various providers of health care services in India. Today, the technology is changing the landscape of the world and leading us towards a sophisticated technical world. Health care has a great deal to benefit from Information and Communication Technology. The emerging role of Information and Communication Technology has created a huge impact on health care. It enhances the quality of care, increases the patient security and data protection and reduces operating and administrative cost. Information and Communication Technology is the thread that has the potential to connect everyone and everything important around the world, including the area of health. Therefore, this paper mainly discusses the impact of Information and Communication Technology on health care. It has the potential to impact almost every aspect of the health sector.