E-Governance in Government Health Sector specifically during Covid -19 in India: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions

Abstract

The Government health sector in India has witnessed a drastic change and development in the management and administration of its services in the last few years. There has been a booming efficiency and effectiveness of services with the advancement in technology and communication. Electronic governance plays a major role in the health sector in India. The Government of India has introduced several policies in the last decade such as e-hospital by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the digitization of Central Health Government Schemes, Online registration system using the AADHAAR card, National Health portal for health related information, and several state government programs that help in reaching out to the needs of the people. This research paper aims to highlight the advantages and challenges of digitization of the health service in India. It throws light on the significance of making technology based health care systems to counter pandemics and diseases.

There has never been better emphasis on Public Healthcare during the current COVID-19 situation.  There is a dire need to fulfil the growing needs of the public and the Government of India has been planning and implementing strategies to do the same with innovative ideas and better e-governance. With the help of the aadhaar card the programs for vaccination and tracking of COVID positive individuals (Geographical positioning) has become easier. E-governance has enabled in implementing better policies for health and welfare by keeping a check on the health services availed by the individual. The hospitals and the corporations keep track of the health of the people and the vaccination process. The study focuses on the need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public sector Healthcare the Government of India needs to formulate policies and strategies, thereby creating awareness of IT and e-governance amongst the people of the country. Continuous awareness programs on handling technology and systems are a prerequisite. The people need to be taught about the initiatives and policies in the regional or local languages. The basic necessities such as electricity need to be fulfilled before the introduction of e-governance systems. User-friendly processes need to be introduced to the people. Workshops need to be conducted to sensitize the people on the advantages of e-governance.  With effective partnership between the government and the people the Health sector can be made better and accessible to every citizen of the country.