Public Health in India: Leveraging Technology for a Brighter Future

Abstract

The dawn of the digital age has rapidly transformed India’s public health landscape. Understanding the limitations and challenges associated with technology integration in public health is critical to the future implications of these technologies and how it shapes public Health in India. We conducted a comprehensive review to investigate the current usage and explore the potential of diverse technological innovations in the field of Public Health in the Indian context. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and grey literature (including relevant web pages) were reviewed and synthesized to identify themes and trends of key technologies reshaping public Health in India. These technologies ranged from digital tools for effective public Health data use to specialized fields such as translational genomics and public health data science. Digital health innovations such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and Health ID highlight India’s initiatives to embrace technology for public health. However, despite the considerable advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, its applications in public Health in India have been limited. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access, cultural barriers, privacy concerns, and the lack of capacity further complicate the issue. This review analyzes these barriers and explores the potential of academia and indigenous systems of medicine in creating a culturally rich healthcare ecosystem. The future of public Health in India holds immense potential for transformative advancement, leading to improved healthcare access and outcomes for the population.