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GLOBAL HEALTHCARE SCENARIO

COVID-19 has had major global economic consequences and substantial burden on the healthcare

system. Exponential increase in terms of scale and pace of emerging digital healthcare innovations
and technologies seen for the past few years can help improve patient experience, quality and
accuracy of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. Investment in digitization has risen

along with online training programs for healthcare staff wherein the focus lies on patient-specific
activities, better data collection methods and usage, valuable support in research and increase in
personalized healthcare systems.

Global health demands

Infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics have become global threats with globalization,
urbanization and environmental change. The onslaught of COVID-19 exposed ingenuity in drug
design and vaccine development, uncovered widespread shortage in personal protective

equipment and overwhelmed the capacity of hospitals. Governments around the world failed to
adequately invest in epidemic preparedness and preventive measures to mitigate the risks of the
pandemic. A collective response and support will be necessary for strong real-time surveillance of

diseases that spread among humans and animals; better health management systems to prevent
infectious disease, improve public health capacity, workforce preparedness and strengthen
laboratory resources. International collaboration and national collective action among private

companies, government and non-government organizations around the world needs to be
advocated for building and financing technological platforms, accelerating research and
development responses to detect new pathogens with epidemic potential. Proper dissemination of

information on expected economic outcome and health related problems is also required during
infectious disease outbreaks.

Healthcare providers, clinics, hospitals, government agencies, organizations and companies are
struggling to solve health problems, manage operational and financial challenges; develop delivery

models aided by digital technologies; provide sustainable foundation for accessible, affordable and
high-quality healthcare system. Understanding current demands, trends and issues impacting all
stakeholders in healthcare sector like patients, private and government organizations is crucial.
Rising prevalence of chronic diseases and exposure to infections among youth and aging

population needs the focus to be directed on exponential advances in innovation, costly digital
technologies, healthcare demands and expenditures. Collaborative efforts can attain better

delivery of quality services with patient-centric focus, financial sustainability, digital
transformation and regulatory compliance within existing healthcare ecosystem for a sustainable
and healthy community.

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