Daily Current Affairs : 21-August-2023
In recent times, the world has witnessed a significant transformation in the way healthcare is delivered and managed, thanks to the rapid advancements in digital technology. Acknowledging the pivotal role that digital health plays in achieving global health objectives, the World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s G20 presidency have joined hands to introduce the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH). This collaborative effort seeks to revolutionize healthcare by harnessing the power of digital technology to provide equitable access to health services, optimize healthcare systems, and contribute to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Understanding the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
Bringing Digital Health to the Forefront
The GIDH, under the capable stewardship of WHO, is envisioned as a global network that will serve as a cornerstone in consolidating evidence and magnifying the positive impact of digital health on a global scale. To comprehend the significance of this initiative, let’s delve into its key components:
- Equitable Access to Digital Health: One of GIDH’s primary goals is to promote equitable access to digital health services. It seeks to eliminate disparities by addressing challenges such as duplication of efforts and a myopic focus on digital health products rather than holistic transformation.
- Co-Creation and Transparency: A distinctive feature of GIDH is its commitment to transparency and inclusivity. It is designed to be co-created through a transparent and inclusive process, ensuring that all stakeholders have a say in shaping the future of digital health.
- Alignment with Global Strategy: GIDH aligns its efforts with the ongoing WHO project, the ‘Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025’. This synchronization ensures that the initiative contributes effectively to the overarching global healthcare strategy.
- Technical Assistance: Quality-assured technical assistance is a crucial component of GIDH. It aims to assist nations in developing and strengthening standards-based and interoperable digital health systems, in line with global best practices.
- Transformation Tools: GIDH also seeks to facilitate the use of quality-assured digital transformation tools that empower governments to effectively manage digital health transformation. This includes everything from digital health records to telemedicine platforms.
Digital Health: A Catalyst for Progress
Unlocking the Potential of Digital Health
Digital health is a formidable force, propelling us towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. India, as a proponent of digital health, has launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, a comprehensive effort to establish a digital health ecosystem.
Here are some key ways in which digital health interventions are transforming healthcare:
- Empowering Individuals: Digital health empowers individuals to take charge of their health and wellness journeys. With access to health information and self-monitoring tools, people can make informed decisions about their health.
- Guiding Healthcare Providers: Healthcare professionals benefit from digital health by adhering to guidelines and providing high-quality care. Telemedicine, for example, allows doctors to consult with patients remotely, improving access to healthcare.
- Strengthening Health Systems: Digital health enhances healthcare systems by optimizing supply chains, managing healthcare workforce efficiently, and streamlining administrative processes. This leads to more effective and responsive healthcare delivery.
Important Points:
Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
- Collaborative effort by the WHO and India’s G20 presidency.
- Aims to consolidate evidence and amplify the impact of digital health globally.
- Key components include equitable access, co-creation, transparency, alignment with the Global Strategy on Digital Health, technical assistance, and transformation tools.
Digital Health’s Significance
- Digital health accelerates progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
- India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission exemplifies efforts to establish a comprehensive digital health ecosystem.
Digital Health Transformations
- Empowers individuals to manage their health and wellness.
- Assists healthcare providers in adhering to guidelines and providing high-quality care.
- Strengthens health systems by optimizing supply chains, workforce management, and administrative processes.
Why In News
The WHO, in partnership with India’s G20 presidency, launched the ambitious ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH), aimed at revolutionizing healthcare through digital innovation. This landmark initiative seeks to harness the power of technology to improve healthcare accessibility and quality on a global scale, marking a significant step towards a more interconnected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.
MCQs about Digital Health’s Global Impact
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The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) primarily aims to:
A. Develop digital health products
B. Consolidate evidence and enhance the impact of digital health globally
C. Promote exclusivity in digital health services
D. Prioritize profit over equitable access
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Which country has launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission as a comprehensive digital health initiative?
A. United States
B. India
C. China
D. Brazil
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What are the key components of the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)?
A. Quality assurance and profit generation
B. Exclusive access and non-transparent processes
C. Equitable access, co-creation, transparency, alignment with global strategy, technical assistance, and transformation tools
D. Duplication of efforts and isolation from global practices
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How does digital health benefit healthcare providers?
A. By increasing their workload
B. By isolating them from guidelines
C. By empowering them to adhere to guidelines and provide high-quality care
D. By discouraging their involvement in healthcare
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