Cognizant of the fact that telehealth is poised to revolutionize the delivery of medical services in the coming years, Apollo TeleHealth has undertaken several innovative initiatives aimed at redefining healthcare delivery in India, said Vikram Thaploo, CEO, Telehealth, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited. In an interview with Bizz Buzz, he said that his company has the target of a revenue turnover of Rs 2,030 crore and over 2,000 operational centres across the country

A Deliotte report said in December 2023 that “telemedicine needs to reinvent itself to be able to sustain and scale the business.” What are you doing to reinvent your company?

To address the evolving landscape of telemedicine and meet the growing demands of our stakeholders, Apollo TeleHealth (ATH), along with HealthNet Global, has undertaken several innovative initiatives aimed at redefining healthcare delivery in India. These initiatives, spearheaded by Apollo Telehealth and HealthNet Global, include:

TeleEmergency and TeleICU Services: ATH’s Ground-breaking TeleEmergency and TeleICU services have been deployed across India. By bringing advanced medical care closer to the industrial workforce, Apollo Telehealth ensures enhanced safety and timely intervention in emergencies.

Infinite-My6Senses: HealthNet Global’s transformative sensory retail initiative has revolutionized healthcare accessibility by providing comprehensive services such as eye testing, eyewear options, ear care, nasal care, oral care, and skincare treatments. With over 150,000 individuals benefited and 350,000 screenings conducted, this initiative combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to offer convenient healthcare experiences. The platform seamlessly incorporates Sixth Sense-AI technology, offering tailored, convenient, and easily accessible healthcare experiences.

5G-Connected Ambulances: HealthNet Global’s state-of-the-art 5G-Connected Ambulances have been introduced across Apollo Hospitals across multiple locations in India. These ambulances facilitate the swift transmission of vital patient data to emergency room doctors, enabling real-time monitoring of vital signs and informed decision-making before reaching the hospital.

Digital Dispensary Programme: ATH, with a vision to make healthcare accessible to everyone, has established five digital dispensaries in Meghalaya in partnership with the state government. On October 13, 2021, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Apollo TeleHealth Centre as part of the Smart Village Movement at Rongjeng, East Garo Hills.

ATH also signed an agreement with the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer, Keonjhar, Odisha, for the establishment and operation of 100 digital dispensaries under the District Mineral Foundation, Keonjhar. Currently, 100 Digital Dispensaries are operational.

Meghalaya Cancer Project: In partnership with the Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation and the World Economic Forum, the Meghalaya government has initiated the Meghalaya Cancer Care project. This project is designed to streamline cancer screening and early detection efforts across Meghalaya.

Reactivation of PHC in Borobeka, Manipur: Recently, ATH was chosen to spearhead the reactivation of the Borobeka primary health centre (PHC) in Manipur through a public-private partnership (PPP) programme with the state government. In response to the recent conflicts in Manipur, which led to the displacement of thousands of people, including healthcare professionals, Honorable Justice Gita Mittal identified the urgent need to ensure ongoing access to healthcare services in affected regions.

Public-Private Partnerships: Through strategic PPPs, ATH has significantly impacted primary healthcare across India, touching the lives of over 20 million individuals. As the largest provider of comprehensive telemedicine services in the nation, ATH operates in more than 500 public health centers, 100 franchised teleclinics, and is accessible through 350,000 digital service centers. Collaborations with state governments have facilitated vital services like tele-ophthalmology in Andhra Pradesh, tele-radiology in Uttar Pradesh, and the establishment of Digital Dispensaries in Jharkhand and Meghalaya.

Furthermore, the Himachal Pradesh Tele Health Program delivers critical emergency, specialty, and super-specialty consultations to remote areas nestled within the Himalayan mountain range.

How do you foresee the future of telehealth with the development of healthcare services?

With the latest advancements in healthcare technology, telehealth is poised to revolutionize the delivery of medical services in the coming years. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, remote monitoring devices, and telemedicine platforms are transforming how patients access and receive healthcare. These technologies enable healthcare providers to remotely diagnose, monitor, and treat patients, improving access to care, particularly in underserved areas.

Moreover, the integration of telehealth into healthcare systems is expected to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. Patients can benefit from timely consultations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring of their health conditions from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, telehealth enables healthcare providers to collaborate more effectively, share expertise, and deliver specialized care to patients regardless of geographical constraints.

As telehealth continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it has the potential to address longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery, such as limited access to specialists, long wait times for appointments, and disparities in healthcare access. By leveraging the latest advancements in technology, telehealth is poised to transform the future of healthcare, making quality medical care more accessible, convenient, and patient-centered.

What strategies do you intend to adopt for new developments and programmes?

In our pursuit of new developments and programs, we are dedicated to adopting innovative strategies that prioritize patient-centric care and address the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural and hard-to-reach areas. Our approach encompasses several key initiatives:

Firstly, we recognize the importance of research and development in driving healthcare innovation. By investing in R&D, we aim to develop tailored solutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of underserved communities, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bridge gaps in healthcare access and delivery.

Secondly, collaborations and partnerships play a pivotal role in our strategy. We actively seek out collaborations with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to co-create sustainable healthcare solutions that are sensitive to the cultural, social, and economic realities of rural areas.

Thirdly, digital transformation is central to our efforts to improve healthcare access and delivery in remote regions. We are expanding our telehealth infrastructure, implementing mobile health initiatives, and leveraging telemedicine platforms to connect patients in rural areas with healthcare providers, enabling timely access to essential healthcare services.

Lastly, continuous quality improvement remains a cornerstone of our approach. We are committed to implementing robust quality assurance mechanisms and conducting regular performance evaluations to ensure that the healthcare services we provide meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

By embracing these strategies, we are confident that we can make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and quality improvement underscores our dedication to advancing healthcare equity and accessibility for all.

How do you customize your strategies for urban and rural areas?

In tailoring our strategies for urban and rural areas, we recognize the distinct healthcare needs and challenges faced by each setting and adopt a nuanced approach to address them effectively.

For urban areas, characterized by higher population density and greater infrastructure, our strategies often focus on leveraging technology and digital solutions to enhance healthcare access and delivery. We prioritize initiatives such as strengthening existing healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing digital health platforms to streamline healthcare processes and improve efficiency. Additionally, we may collaborate with urban healthcare providers to expand their services and reach, ensuring comprehensive care for urban populations.

In contrast, for rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure may be limited and access to services is often challenging, our strategies prioritize strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure such as PHCs, to provide essential healthcare services closer to rural communities. We may invest in upgrading PHCs, equipping them with necessary medical equipment and technology, and training healthcare personnel to deliver quality care.

Moreover, community-based approaches, including health education programmes and outreach initiatives, are essential in empowering rural communities to take charge of their health and well-being.

Collaborations with local governments, non-profit organizations (NGOs), and community leaders are also integral to our efforts in rural areas, facilitating sustainable healthcare delivery models that are responsive to the unique socio-economic contexts of rural communities.

Overall, by customizing our strategies to the specific characteristics and requirements of urban and rural areas, we aim to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic status.

What investment plans do you have to upscale the healthcare infrastructure in India?

We operate as a B2B/B2G telehealth service provider, engaging in projects through partners who make the necessary investments. Our strategic investments focus on developing in-house technology platforms, solutions, and innovation hubs to offer a comprehensive service portfolio to our valued customers.

What kind of interface does your PPP mode have with CSCs?

Our PPP mode facilitates teleconsultation services for all common service centre (CSC) users.

What kind of financial and physical targets have you set for 2030?

By 2030, we aim to achieve a revenue turnover of Rs 2,030 crore and establish over 2,000 operational centers across the nation.