Lets Reimagine the e-Sanjeevani Telemedicine

Context: India must ensure that the digital public goods like telemedicine platform eSanjeevani created during the pandemic continue to gain traction once the threat subsides.

Issues with e-Sanjeevani Platform 

• Abuse: eSanjeevani requires no proof of identity makes it susceptible to similar abuse of doctor's identity as faced by private platforms 
  • E.g. sexual harassment of women doctors through lewd remarks on the pretext of seeking advice. 
  • Even the Adhaar based registration process is not feasible as many do not have their Aadhaar linked with their mobile numbers.

• Limited availability: in terms of shortage of doctors (due to the possibility of further decline in online consultations by doctors to avoid abuse) and long waits. 
  • Unsuccessful consultation due to unavailability of specialist consultation could discourage use.
• Limited accessibility:
  • Difficulty in accessing services: by the majority of digitally excluded Indian and those with less knowledge of English.
  • eSanjeevani platform is available only through video-based mobile and web application.

Way Forward

• Match doctors and patients algorithmically: (based on gender) using natural language processing to reduce attempts to abuse the platform and record experience of patients.
• Increase availability of doctors: apart from taking aboard more doctors, record patients symptoms or ailments when they first seek a consultation either by typing or recording voice message.
• Ensure universal accessibility: through asynchronous channels like functional teleconsultation helplines, auto-diallers, text messages and community-based local centres equipped with mobiles. 
• Integrate eSanjeevani with National Digital Health Mission: for connecting hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, diagnostic centres and doctors offering in-person consultations.