The future of medicine: How telehealth is changing healthcare

By Rajneesh Bhandari

Yuval Noah Harari, author of the bestseller Sapiens, aptly noted, “Pandemics press the fast forward button.” The COVID-19 pandemic expedited the adoption of teleconsultation, transforming it from a novelty to a necessity. Pre-pandemic, online consultations were rare, reserved for situations where in-person visits were impossible. The pandemic also spurred regulatory changes worldwide, legitimizing teleconsultations that were once nearly illegal in many countries, including the USA.

Telemedicine has significantly enhanced access to mental health services, men’s health issues, paediatric consultations, etc. For mental health, it offers convenient and discreet access to therapy and counselling from home, crucial for those facing stigma. Men can address sexual health concerns in privacy, promoting early intervention. Paediatric telemedicine allows parents to seek expert advice around the clock. Telemedicine bridges gaps in healthcare, providing timely, personalized, and accessible solutions for various health needs. Additionally, it facilitates virtual second opinions, making expert advice more accessible.

The global telemedicine market, valued at nearly $115 billion in 2023, is expected to soar to $286 billion by 2030. Telemedicine’s potential to bring medical care to patients’ doorsteps, especially those hindered by distance or disability, is revolutionary. However, its future adoption will be driven by the inherent advantages of virtual health, not just its ability to overcome geographical and temporal barriers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and remote monitoring devices are set to enhance virtual care. 

Teleradiology, for instance, is transforming healthcare by allowing radiologists to interpret medical images remotely, improving accessibility and efficiency. Doctors in India read many MRI and CT scans from the USA. The global teleradiology market, estimated at USD 12.6 billion in 2023, is poised for significant growth, with AI integration enhancing diagnostic accuracy and speed and reducing cost.

Telepathology enables pathologists to examine tissue samples and slides remotely, improving diagnostic efficiency and access to expert opinions. Valued at around USD 656 million in 2022, the telepathology market is projected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2032, reflecting its rapid adoption.

Tele-ICU leverages technology for continuous real-time monitoring and remote patient care in intensive care units (ICUs). Many ICUs in the USA are monitored after working hours by board-certified doctors in India. Valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2023, the tele-ICU market is expanding rapidly. Companies like Cloudphysician, which recently raised USD 10.5 million, are driving innovation, reducing ICU complication rates, and enhancing care efficiency. Software platforms integrated with connected hardware for e-ICU, telepathology, teleradiology, etc., are tremendous opportunities for startups in India.

Telehealth enables collaboration among various specialties. One example is virtual cancer boards, where multidisciplinary teams of oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists collaborate seamlessly from different locations, significantly enhancing patient care.

Connected home healthcare is 40% less costly than hospital care and offers faster recovery due to a supportive home environment. In India, home healthcare represents a $12 billion opportunity, expected to reach 90 million households by 2025.

Instead of replicating the physical world, we should envision a future where healthcare moves from sickness to wellness, from reactive to proactive, preventive, personalized, and data-driven care. Telehealth is not just a response to a pandemic but a permanent evolution in healthcare delivery, promising a healthier, more connected future.