Digital Health and Telemedicine in India.pdf

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for India’s digital health ecosystem. With limited mobility and increasing pressure on healthcare services, virtual care solutions such as telemedicine, e-pharmacies, and app-based monitoring became important tools for ensuring continued access to care. Platforms like eSanjeevani saw rapid growth, supported by government initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission. The digital health sector also attracted increased investment, projected to rise from USD 2.6 billion in 2022 to USD 11.2 billion by 2027.

While the initial progress has been significant, the momentum around telemedicine has seen some variation in the post-pandemic period. Services such as remote diagnostics and e-pharmacies continue to find steady engagement, but the uptake of telemedicine has been less consistent across user groups and regions.

1. POSTED ON JULY 29, 2025
Author: Dr. Urvashi Prasad (Technical Advisor, Partnerships
for Impact (P4i) & Former Director, NITI Aayog)
The COVID-19 driven boom in digital health
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for India’s digital health ecosystem. With limited mobility and increasing pressure on healthcare services, virtual care solutions
such as telemedicine, e-pharmacies, and app-based monitoring became important tools for ensuring continued access to care. Platforms like eSanjeevani saw rapid growth,
supported by government initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission. The digital health sector also attracted increased investment, projected to rise from USD 2.6 billion in
2022 to USD 11.2 billion by 2027. 
While the initial progress has been significant, the momentum around telemedicine has seen some variation in the post-pandemic period. Services such as remote diagnostics and e-
pharmacies continue to find steady engagement, but the uptake of telemedicine has been less consistent across user groups and regions. 
The shifting trends in telemedicine
During the peak of COVID-19, telemedicine filled a critical gap in India’s healthcare delivery. As hospital visits dropped and routine services paused, online consultations became a
primary mode of care across both urban and rural areas. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines in March 2020, and the
government-supported eSanjeevani platform expanded rapidly, reaching patients even in remote districts. These guidelines permitted registered medical practitioners to conduct
audio, video, and text-based consultations, and clarified norms around prescriptions, patient consent, and data privacy. 
This shift to telemedicine was met with considerable acceptance from both providers and users. A systematic review found it effective in delivering non-emergency care during
the pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Another study noted that digital platforms such as eSanjeevani facilitated over 5 million consultations
within its first year (2020–2021), indicating early adoption and public trust. Urban populations adapted more swiftly due to higher smartphone penetration and internet access,
which created favourable conditions for virtual care expansion.
However, since the easing of pandemic restrictions, many patients have returned to in-person visits, particularly for cases requiring physical examination. Several concerns have
limited the continued use of telemedicine:
Diagnostic concerns: Many users reported doubts about the accuracy of virtual diagnoses, especially for conditions that typically require physical assessments.
Lack of personal connection: The absence of in-person interaction led to reduced trust and patient satisfaction, particularly for sensitive or chronic health issues.
Persistent tech barriers: Limited internet access and low digital literacy especially in semi-urban and rural areas continued to restrict usage among vulnerable groups.
While the initial surge in adoption was promising, sustaining momentum will require addressing these structural and behavioural challenges.
Who is using telemedicine post-pandemic?
A 2023 study by the Indian Journal of Public Health found that 59% of chronic care patients opted for teleconsultations to save time and reduce travel costs. Similarly, younger,
technologically adept users in urban areas, who are already comfortable with mobile banking and shopping, have integrated digital health into their routines. A 2022 study noted
that over 70% of Indians under 40 were willing to continue teleconsultations after COVID-19.
Mental health services have also retained users. According to a National Mental Health Survey brief by NIMHANS, nearly 35% of users continued tele-counselling after COVID
restrictions were lifted. Digital therapy apps have reported post-pandemic retention rates above 50 percent. These trends suggest that when care is consistent, convenient, and
stigma-free, virtual models can sustain user interest.
A significant drop-off was observed among patients who preferred in-person interactions with doctors for better diagnosis and trust. A 2022 study found that 71% of patients
favoured in-person consultations over telemedicine, citing the inability to conduct physical examinations as a key reason for discontinuation.
Elderly users and those from rural areas also dropped off due to digital exclusion. According to the India Ageing Report 2023, nearly 70% of older individuals faced challenges
using virtual health services without caregiver support. Additionally, a report by the Digital Empowerment Foundation highlighted that over 55% of rural users discontinued
telemedicine services due to low digital literacy, patchy internet, and privacy concerns. These gaps show that access to technology alone is not enough and usability and trust
matter just as much. 
Strengthening adoption through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Recognizing the limitations of early telemedicine models, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was launched in 2021 to address issues of integration, trust, and usability.
By March 2025, over 75 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs) had been created, enabling seamless access to over 50 crore health records during virtual
consultations. The Unified Health Interface (UHI), a digital gateway that enables interoperability between various digital health services, now integrates eSanjeevani with 1.9 lakh
facilities, enhancing care coordination. This connectivity is reducing drop-offs by aligning virtual care with in-person services, especially in urban centres.
Fragmented health records across platforms hindered telemedicine’s effectiveness, as doctors lacked access to comprehensive patient histories, complicating remote diagnoses
and follow-ups, especially for chronic conditions. Since June 2022, eSanjeevani’s integration with ABDM has allowed users to link health records, such as prescriptions and lab
reports, to their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), facilitating data sharing with doctors. By February 2025, 49,06,02,540 health records were linked to ABHA,
supporting over 34 crore eSanjeevani consultations. This ability to store and share records digitally reduces the risk of lost medical histories, making telemedicine a more
dependable option for a diverse population.
Additionally, the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in March 2020, complement ABDM’s objectives by establishing
standard protocols for digital consultations. These guidelines also support mental health tele-counselling, which has seen retention rates above 50% post-pandemic. By defining
how patient data is managed, how consultations are recorded, and how prescriptions are issued, the guidelines contribute to building both provider accountability and patient trust
in digital care.
However, while infrastructure and policy-level integration have advanced significantly, regional and social disparities continue to influence access to telemedicine across India.
Urban-rural divide in telemedicine adoption
Rural India faces significant barriers to telemedicine adoption due to limited access to high-speed internet and smartphones. About 28% of rural populations lack broadband
access, compared to much better connectivity in urban areas.  A 2020 study  found that rural residents were 4.2 times more likely to use telemedicine than urban residents,
though usage patterns and specialties differed. This reflects that while uptake occurred, access constraints remain a limiting factor. However, challenges such as digital literacy
and inadequate infrastructure still limit widespread adoption.  Given these regional differences, it is also important to examine how gender-related factors affect access and use of
telemedicine.
Data from India’s eSanjeevani platform shows that female patients actually outnumber male patients i.e., 54.66% vs. 45.34%, suggesting strong uptake among women in digital
consultations. However, there still are significant barriers to women’s access to telemedicine. Only about a third of internet users in India are women, and in rural areas, digital
access for women is even lower.
Factors such as lack of digital literacy, limited control over mobile devices, and cultural norms can restrict women’s ability to use telemedicine independently. Addressing these
layered challenges requires a forward-looking approach that supports inclusive, sustainable telemedicine adoption across user groups. 
The way forward for telemedicine in India
Telemedicine holds transformative potential for health care delivery in India, but its widespread adoption faces several hurdles. To ensure its sustainability and inclusivity, it is
important to address key issues related to accessibility, trust, and policy support. 
1. Expand digital access and bridge infrastructure gaps
Invest in broadband connectivity and affordable digital devices, especially in rural areas, to reduce access disparities. Public-private partnerships can support last-mile
delivery, with targeted efforts for digitally excluded groups such as women and low-income populations.
2. Build trust through awareness and provider capacity
Strengthen public confidence through user-centric awareness campaigns and relatable success stories. Simultaneously, train healthcare providers to ensure quality and
empathy in virtual consultations, fostering long-term trust and usage.
3. Enable inclusive and consistent policy frameworks
Harmonise telemedicine standards across states with clear guidelines on data privacy, remote prescriptions, and patient rights. Support inclusive platform design and
integration with in-person services to ensure continuity of care for underserved populations.
4. Integrate gender and mental health insights to shape adoption strategies
Women and mental health service users have shown sustained engagement with telemedicine post-pandemic. Leveraging this trend through targeted digital literacy efforts,
discreet mobile-based platforms, and community-based support can expand uptake, especially among women facing social or mobility barriers.
Telemedicine as a pillar of equitable health systems
Telemedicine has reshaped India’s healthcare landscape, offering solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and cost-effective. By improving infrastructure, educating both patients and
providers, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, India can ensure that telemedicine continues to thrive and becomes a foundation of an inclusive, accessible healthcare
system.
References:
1. Bestsennyy Oleg, Gilbert G, Harriss A, Rost J. Telehealth: A post-COVID-19 reality? | McKinsey [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2025 May 4]. Available from:
2. Sarwal R, Prasad U, Gopal KM, Kalal S, Kaur D, Kumar A, et al. Investment Opportunities in India’s Healthcare Sector [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2025 May 4]. Available from:
3. PIB. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. [cited 2025 May 5]. Update on Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts. Available from:
4. Rajkumar E, Gopi A, Joshi A, Thomas AE, Arunima NM, Ramya GS, et al. Applications, benefits and challenges of telehealth in India during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a
systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023 Jan 4;23(1):7.
5. Ashokan A. Telemedicine: Bridging the Gap in Providing Primary Care to Rural Area Patients Across India. Telehealth Med Today [Internet]. 2024 Oct 31 [cited 2025 May
5];9(5). Available from:
6. Prasad U. “Digital Health Success Hinges on Provider Adaptation and Integration” Exclusive Insights by Dr. Urvashi Prasad – Elets eHealth [Internet]. eHealth Magazine. 2025
[cited 2025 May 5]. Available from:
7. Amutha A, Reji S, Hema Aarthi R, Keertan Rao S, Ganesan S, Jebarani S, et al. Comparison of the Effect of Teleconsultations, Hybrid Visits, and In-Person Visits on Glycemic
and Metabolic Parameters Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes in India. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2025 Feb 19;19322968251319333.
8. Devi RS, Parvathi TN, Murugan RRB, Sagili H, Lakshminarayanan S, Priyadarshini T. Outcomes of Teleconsultation Services and Patient Satisfaction among Pregnant Women
Delivering at a Tertiary Care Center in South India during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Indian J Public Health. 2022 Jun;66(2):210.
9. NIMHANS. Mental Health in the Times of COVID-19 Pandemic Update [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from:
10. Iglesias M, Sinha C, Vempati R, Grace SE, Roy M, Chapman WC, et al. Evaluating a Digital Mental Health Intervention (Wysa) for Workers’ Compensation Claimants. J Occup
Environ Med. 2023 Feb;65(2):e93–9
11. Patient Preferences Regarding Telemedicine to In-person Consultation: A Questionnaire-Based Survey | Indian Journal of Orthopaedics [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 5].
Available from:
12. UNFPA. UNFPA India. 2023 [cited 2025 May 5]. India ageing report 2023 unveils insights into elderly care challenges and solutions. Available from:
13. UNFPA India | India Ageing Report 2023 Unveils Critical Insights into Elderly Care in India [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from:
14. National Health Authority. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission [Internet]. 2022. Available from:
15. Dr. Krishnaga. Medindia. 2023 [cited 2025 May 5]. Telemedicine Practice Guidelines in India: A Comprehensive Guide. Available from:
16. World Bank. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s Integrated Digital Health Ecosystem is the Foundation of Universal Citizen-centered Health Care in India [Internet]. [cited
2025 May 5]. Available from:
17. Rural Health Information Hub. RHIhub Toolkit. [cited 2025 May 5]. Barriers to Telehealth in Rural Areas – RHIhub Toolkit. Available from:
18. Kuznietsov Y. eSIMs: A Catalyst for Telehealth Services in Rural India [Internet]. Global YO. 2024 [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from:
19. Sheets LR, Wallach E, Khairat S, Mutrux R, Edison K, Becevic M. Similarities and Differences Between Rural and Urban Telemedicine Utilization. Perspect Health Inf Manag.
2020 Dec 7;18(1):1e.
20. Bhardwaj B, Paul A. Telemedicine and Its Adoption among Rural Women in India. Work Pap [Internet]. 2022 Nov [cited 2025 May 5]; Available from:
21. PIB. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 2021 [cited 2025 May 5]. Govt. of India’s telemedicine service completes 3 million consultations. Available from:
22. Rajan A. Healthcare Executive. 2023 [cited 2025 May 5]. The Gender APP Gap: How Indian Women are Left Behind in Digital Healthcare. Available from:
Share this Post:
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.
Post Comment
Related Blogs
Digital Health and Telemedicine in India
Adapting to a Post-Pandemic World
1
2
1,2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9
10
12
11
3
13
12
 
14
16
18
20
21
We'd love to hear from you
Reach out to us at
[email protected]
Partnerships for Impact
4th Floor, Shaheed Bhavan
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg
New Delhi
[phone]
Our Work
Team and Experts
Our Values
Blogs
Media
Careers
Follow us on


Copyrights Reserved 2024 PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPACT | Design with love by The Little Biggest Design Company (LBDC)
29
Jul
Our Work CareersOur ValuesTeam and Experts Voices for Impact Media