A recent report by Practo, a leading digital healthcare platform, unveiled a striking surge in online doctor consultations in India, attributed largely to the Covid-19 pandemic. The report highlighted a remarkable four-fold increase in such consultations since the onset of the pandemic.

Tier 1 cities emerged as the frontrunners, constituting a substantial 72 percent of online consultations, with a staggering six-fold rise in appointments since 2019. Meanwhile, Tier 2 cities contributed 12 percent, with the remaining 16 percent coming from other regions of the country.

Video consultations, a burgeoning trend, skyrocketed from a mere 20 percent in 2019 to an overwhelming 90 percent by 2023, underscoring the growing acceptance of digital healthcare solutions.

Dr. Alexander Kuruvilla, Practo's Chief Health Strategy Officer, attributed this surge to the increasing smartphone penetration and declining data costs, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in bridging healthcare gaps.

Among the top specialties sought after for consultation were general physicians, dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, and ENT. Eye care witnessed the most significant spike in consultations, soaring by 1332 percent, followed by paediatrics at 1203 percent and orthopaedics at 896 percent, as per the report's findings.