Digitalization and the development of new devices have played a significant role in revolutionizing healthcare. These advancements have facilitated
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- Access to healthcare services
- improved patient outcomes, and
- enhanced the overall efficiency of healthcare systems
A few examples of devices already in use in healthcare in India are
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- Wearable fitness trackers
- Smart Glucometers
- Pulse Oximeters
- Sleep Monitors
- Digital Blood Pressure Monitors
- Portable ECG Devices
While digital transformations like
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- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Health Information Exchange (HIE)
- Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
- Remote Patient Monitoring Devices
- Telemedicine Platforms, and
- Smart Health Applications
The role of digitalization and new healthcare devices in transforming the healthcare landscape can be best understood through the perspectives of reputed doctors, cardiologists, and leading industry experts like the founders of Agatsa – a pioneer in developing Portable ECG Devices. On the occasion of Doctor’s Day, a thought-provoking panel discussion was organized by TV9 Bharatvarsh, shedding light on the transformative role of digitalization in shaping India’s healthcare infrastructure.
The event featured esteemed doctors, including a reputed cardiologist, alongside the founders of Agatsa – a leading Portable ECG device manufacturer. The anchor from TV9 Bharatvarsh posed insightful questions to the panel, delving into the impact of digitalization on physical connectivity, digital consultations, its effects on the common man, and the potential for cost-effectiveness through data and digitalization.
Exploring the Impact of Digitalization: Effectiveness of Digital Devices like Pocket ECG Devices
As the panel discussion began, the anchor addressed the concerns about the efficacy of digital consultations and the potential for accurate diagnoses. The panel unanimously agreed that digital consultations have proven to be immensely beneficial, especially in situations where physical access to healthcare is challenging. Dr. Vanita, the Interventional Cardiologist, emphasized that digital consultations can be effective when supported by appropriate diagnostic tools, such as portable ECG devices.
The accuracy of devices, in this case, a portable ECG device like SanketLife crucially depends upon the number of leads. So to ensure the accuracy of the ECG graph obtained even the cardiologist recommend the use of 12 Lead ECG Device which the SanketLife already is. The founders of Agatsa further elaborated on the accuracy and reliability of their pocket ECG device, ensuring that digital consultations are not compromised in terms of diagnostic precision.
“Artificial Intelligence used in devices like pocket ECG SanketLife can not only detect minute abnormalities in ECG( like ST elevation) but also gives co-relation like Myocardial Infraction and this is still just a small example like a Tip of The Iceberg of so many advantages of pocket ECG Device”
-Dr Vanita Arora
Simplifying the Lives of the Common Man through Digital Devices
During the panel discussion on “How digital devices have affected the common man?” Neha Rastogi, the founder of Agatsa, a medical device company known for developing the pocket ECG device called SanketLife, provided a practical and insightful response. She highlighted how digital devices have empowered individuals to take charge of their own health. Neha shared a practical example, explaining that if a patient experiences symptoms related to fever, blood pressure, or increased sugar levels, they can use home testing devices to obtain accurate reports.
These reports can then be presented to the doctor for a better understanding and diagnosis. Similarly, she emphasized that having a portable ECG device allows individuals to become stakeholders in their own health. They can present their ECG reports directly to cardiologists without the need to stand in long queues at diagnostic centers. Neha Rastogi also mentioned how compact ECG device has facilitated remote monitoring, citing her personal experience of helping her parents who reside outside of Noida by sharing their ECG reports with reputed cardiologists in Delhi NCR for expert opinions. Neha’s response highlighted the practical benefits of digital devices in empowering individuals and improving healthcare accessibility and convenience.
“Pita ji ko dil ka Daura pada hai”, as the Anchor quoted a popular movie dialogue from the 1960s, this used to be a strong reason to part ways, leaving the actress behind” …While everyone laughed at the funny comparison, Neha Rastogi – Founder & COO of Agatsa gladly answered the shift in scenario these days on how with the help of advanced technology an individual can keep track of their loved ones’ health from almost anywhere.
The Journey towards Better Patient Lives Through Record Keeping
During a panel discussion, the TV9 anchor posed a question about how digital record-keeping has transformed patient lives and outcomes. Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, a prominent medical professional, highlighted the enormous benefits of digital patient records. He emphasized that software for record keeping is crucial as patient history plays a pivotal role in providing accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans. Digital records save time, allow for cross-consultations and expert opinions, enable timely interventions, and facilitate monitoring of recovery progress.
Co-founder of Agatsa, Rahul Rastogi, added his insights by focusing on their work in the field of ECG. He mentioned that traditional ECG machines struggle to retain older reports beyond a few months. In contrast, pocket ECG devices like SanketLife not only provide the convenience of diagnosing at home but also offer necessary software to store ECG reports for extended periods, up to a year. This feature benefits both patients and consulting doctors by ensuring easy access to past ECG reports for comprehensive analysis and monitoring.
No Internet, No Problem: Navigating Digitalization Challenges
Rahul Rastogi, co-founder of Agatsa, had a remarkable personal experience while he was installing a SanketLife ECG machine in Tripura PHCS in 2016, a conflict zone where internet connectivity was disrupted. Despite the challenges, primary healthcare facilities were operational with government-appointed doctors and medical staff available to serve the community. It was during this time that the introduction of the SanketLife – a pocket ECG device proved invaluable.
With minimal training, the device could be utilized to facilitate ECG analysis for patients, allowing for the identification of heart rhythm patterns and the detection of potential complexities. The generated ECG reports could be stored within the device and shared with senior cardiologists for further review if required. This experience highlighted the importance of technology that could operate independently of internet connectivity, ensuring vital medical diagnoses and care could still be provided even in remote or challenging environments.
In-app ECG Reports, No Paperwork, Made in India and Affordable to All
When questioned about the affordability of the device, Dr. Vanita Arora wholeheartedly recommended the use of Pocket ECG SanketLife, emphasizing its pocket-friendliness. She expressed her support for the device, highlighting its accessibility to individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds. Dr. Vanita Arora explained using comparison:
| Medical Treatment of Heart Failure | Early Diagnosis Using Pocket ECG |
| · Average Expense in Heart Failure Condition is 1.5 Lakhs to 2 Lakhs
· Average number of Hospitalizations is 6-7 times · Expense with each Hospitalization · Yet lives are Lost
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· Early diagnosis to avoid an emergency situation
· Saves the need of Hospitalization · ECG analysis can be done multiple times · Affordable, Portable, Simplified, and accessible to all Socio-Economic Individuals |
Agatsa’s Wow Moment Takes Center Stage
The panel discussion concluded on a high note, receiving two big rounds of applause from the audience, mainly consisting of doctors, cardiologists, and individuals from medical backgrounds. The first round of applause was in response to the mention of the extraordinary features of the Pocket ECG machine, SanketLife. The portability, affordability, and accurate diagnosis it offers at a price of just Rs 3000 impressed the attendees.
The second round of applause was triggered by the announcement that SanketLife is a Made in India product developed by Agatsa. The doctors and panelists unanimously agreed that digitalization is undeniably transforming the healthcare infrastructure, and innovative solutions like SanketLife are revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered. The applause reflected the recognition of the significant impact digitalization and indigenous innovations are having on the healthcare industry.