Digital Transformation in Healthcare: A Double-Edged Sword

Healthcare, traditionally a sector dominated by physical records and manual interventions, is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by the potential of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and patient engagement tools. This transformation is being spearheaded by the government’s Headquarters for Medical Digital Transformation Promotion, which aims to achieve universal adoption of electronic records in nearly all medical institutions by 2030. Benefits and Challenges of Digital Transformation The shift towards digitization promises a plethora of benefits. Improved patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and administrative efficiency are among the most significant advantages. Instant access to patient data, streamlined operations, and reduced storage and management costs are also tangible benefits. Moreover, data consolidation and analysis could pave the way for the development of new treatments and the identification of side effects. Despite these benefits, the transition towards digital health records has been slow, particularly among smaller clinics. Concerns about the complexity of the transition, a lack of trust in new systems, and fears about cybersecurity risks have hindered progress. There are valid concerns about privacy and the need for patient consent, which need to be addressed. Current Legal Framework and its Implications Under the current Medical Practitioners’ Law, records are […]

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