According to UNICEF Indias chief of health, Dr. Luigi dAquino, India has prioritized digital health as one of its top objectives and has established significant proficiency in setting up and implementing digital health projects.

Dr. Luigi, who is attending the second G20 Health Working Group conference in Goa, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped the globe appreciate the potential of digital services. He noted that digital services helped increase the availability, accessibility, and efficiency of numerous health programs through various apps and initiatives.

However, he also noted that evolving tools, visions, and strategies have made it easier for citizens to access digital health services. For instance, the COWIN app has enabled millions of people to access COVID-19 vaccines, while telemedicine has provided essential care to many citizens when access to healthcare facilities was constrained due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Therefore, he claimed that the agency is actively supporting and promoting digital health initiatives that can assist healthcare workers such as ASHAs, ANMs, and nurses. He explained that these programs can enable healthcare workers to provide real-time data about women and children, which can help in planning, decision-making, and tracking of the most marginalized or at-risk population.

The second meeting of the G20 health working group intends to use the forums lobbying capacity to consolidate all existing activities in health emergencies, prevention, and preparation. Apart from India, delegations from 19 G20 member nations, 10 countries, and 22 international organizations are attending the summit.

(Source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-identified-digital-health-as-top-priority-gained-expertise-unicef-indias-chief-of-health/article66750090.ece )