The mHealth Case in India

India’s healthcare system is ripe for innovation. The capacity of the healthcare system to deliver care is unlikely to meet both the demands of the growing urban middle and upper classes, or the needs of the urban and rural poor. The over 75% of healthcare costs paid out-of-pocket create a consumer-driven market capable of rapid change. Using technology to enable greater access to care at a lower price point is critical.

Telcos have a unique role to play in the delivery of healthcare in India. The vastly underserved healthcare market combined with high mobile phone penetration and rapidly growing smartphone adoption creates conditions that are ideal for mHealth adoption. This paper presents the opportunities for mHealth adoption in rural and urban markets, and explores the role that telcos can play in the delivery of mHealth services in India.