Dr. VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, stressed the need for digital healthcare solutions to be accessible to people in rural, remote, and hilly areas, stating that a robust primary healthcare system can significantly ease the burden in later stages of life. Speaking at a conference, Dr. Paul highlighted the transformative developments occurring in India's healthcare sector

"We should create new technologies such as robotics and AI, but ensure that they do not widen the digital divide and can be easily utilized by those who are not digitally literate," Dr. Paul said. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that digital solutions are inclusive, respect human rights, and protect beneficiaries from cyber fraud.

Dr. Paul urged that digital healthcare solutions should simplify people's lives, improving their overall quality of life while incorporating traditional knowledge and supporting healthcare advancements. “Digital solutions must create an ecosystem that promotes ease of living, rather than adding complexity”, he added.

Health Secretary Apurva Chandra echoed these sentiments, stating that the National Digital Health Mission aims to expand healthcare access and reduce disparities between rural and urban areas. He pointed to the success of digital platforms like CoWIN and Aarogya Setu, which facilitated the administration of over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccinations across India.

Chandra also mentioned the government's plan to replicate this success through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. He announced the upcoming launch of the U-Win portal, which will maintain a digital record of vaccinations and medications for over 3 crore pregnant women, mothers, and nearly 2.7 crore children born annually.

Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), highlighted that healthcare is a fundamental human right. He stressed that without good health, individuals cannot realize their full potential. Lal also noted that the NHRC has expanded its focus from economic matters to socio-cultural sectors, with healthcare being a key area of engagement due to its impact on everyone.

The conference underscored the critical role of digital solutions in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality across India.