ICT Based E-Health System in India - A Conceptual and Policy Framework

Electronic Health commonly referred to as the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in the health sector has rapidly developed around the world in the last few years. Increased use of ICT is stimulating the technology absorption in health sector and is thus enabling the effective functioning of public health systems. This research paper makes us critically aware of factors that driving electronic health (e-health) development in order to manage and promote it as a public good. The objectives include the promotion of greater use of information and communication technologies in health care systems to improve efficiency, access and accountability of health care services in India. Going through many case studies, the paper thoroughly explores various developments taking place in e-health sector with particular focus on India. It also looks at the initiatives and policies at national and regional level and sheds some light on the great potentials of e-health in improvising the delivery of health care services at local and global level. The purpose of this paper is to make us realise that only effective implementation of information and communication technologies can take health care services to the common man, helping national and state governments to align their e-health services with the needs of both citizens and stakeholders, as well as to develop the health economy.