Connecting the Dots

As the coronavirus pandemic rages across the globe, compounded by lockdowns, quarantine, and social distancing measures, many are turning to digital health.

- Nalin Amunugama

Aging populations, greater prevalence of chronic diseases, exponential advances in innovative, but costly, digital technologies – these developments continue to increase healthcare demand and expenditures. By 2050, the rising aging population in Asia Pacific will increase to 1.3 billion. Even more daunting is that twice as many to the elderly will suffer from at least three chronic illnesses, ranging from hypertension to coronary heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia.

As the demand for chronic care management outpaces that for acute care services, expenditures will grow at double the rate of the rest of the world. Patients are becoming frustrated with the long waiting times and high medical costs. Top of the mind are convenience, wellness and preventative services, and they want to have more control of their healthcare. Meanwhile, medical and healthcare professionals are constantly being challenged to deliver high quality care, despite a labour shortage.

As the coronavirus pandemic rages across the globe, compounded by lockdowns, quarantine, and social distancing measures, many are turning to digital health. Thanks to apps that facilitate live video, audio, and instant and cross-platform messaging, patients can easily interface with healthcare providers from the comfort of their own homes. This is especially beneficial for those living in rural communities, for example, in Indonesia, who otherwise would have to travel for miles to see a doctor or specialist.