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KCDH - Digital Health in India

Equality Public Goods

Digital Equality & Public Goods

Section titled “Digital Equality & Public Goods”

A critical discussion point was the “ROI Gap”. Currently, digital transformation is primarily seen in Private Equity (PE) backed hospitals. To achieve Digital Equality and ensure health equity for marginalized populations, we must:

  • Acknowledge Non-linear ROI: Digital health does not have a linear Return on Investment. Unlike hardware investments (CT or MRI scanners) where financial recovery is predictable, the ROI for HIS is measured through improved health outcomes and clinical quality—factors that are harder to quantify in short-term financial balance sheets.
  • Equitable Access Strategies: Ensuring equitable access requires moving beyond “smartphone-only” models. Strategies must include Assisted Digital Interaction (via ASHAs or ANMs), Multi-lingual Interfaces, and Offline-first Architectures to reach populations with limited technological exposure or internet stability.
  • Address the Intent Gap: Identifying and supporting hospitals that show the active intent to digitize, particularly in specialized areas like cancer care planning.
  • Support the Koita Foundation: Ensuring funding and resources reach institutions with the highest potential for impact.
  • Bridge Infrastructure Gaps: Addressing the critical maintenance and hardware needs in public hospitals to ensure continuous digital functionality.