Digital Health and Telemedicine in India


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.


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