Role of ICT to improve Healthcare System in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The use of ICT/IT and its recent advances of technology could play important role in improving health systems in developing countries like India. Most of the hospitals in urban area are equipped with advanced tools using digitized analysis and embedded technology for operations but the use of ICT based administrative tools to coordinate activities and communicate knowledge in the area of health is limited. Combining a case study approach with a general discussion of the issues, this paper attempts to assess the potential benefits of a diverse range of ICT innovations and some of the constraints they will need to overcome. In this paper four broad areas are considered for the application of ICT in health system i.e. improvements in traditional health information systems, computer� aided diagnosis and treatment monitoring, a range of applications generically labeled �telemedicine� and the use of ICT to inform general population on health and healthcare. The final section speculates on the possible medium� term impacts of ICT in terms of improving the performance of existing systems, allowing scope for radical innovations or even changing basic assumptions about the service provider and patient relationship. In this paper an attempt has been made by the authors to assess the penetration of Information and Communication Technologies in present health care system in the State of Rajasthan in India. The impact of these technologies in health care system of the state has been studied in terms of various facilities existing in various hospitals established at the block, district and divisional level. The authors have tried to make an extensive study of various infrastructural facilities in these hospitals along with the use of ICT tools to make the best use of these facilities. The study of the existing healthcare system has been carried from the government. published available literature as well as by seeking public opinion through questionnaire and personal interviews. The data so obtained from the literature and through the questionnaires have been analyzed. Based on the observations made through the data analysis and by making a thorough investigations of the similar infrastructural facilities in the neighbouring states, the authors have proposed an ICT supported healthcare model for implementation in the state of Rajasthan with an objective to carry out the benefits of the facilities existing in district level hospitals and the village level hospitals as well.