Healthcare likely to get top priority: Assocham-Primus Partners’ survey

In a survey covering more than 550 participants, 39.7 respondents said healthcare would get the highest priority

The healthcare sector is likely to get all the attention in this year’s budget according to ASSOCHAM- PRIMUS Partners’ joint report. In a survey covering more than 550 participants, 39.7 respondents said healthcare would get the highest priority in resource allocation and policy support.

The report based on brainstorming of industry experts, health professionals and drug regulators, noted several unfolding consumption patterns which mostly point towards safety concerns, ease of living at home and workplaces even as the economy has mostly been opened.

It indicated that telemedicine had gained prominence. Telehealth is the delivery of health and related services such as medical care, patient education, and self-care through digital communication. The Central Government has introduced the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines since March 2020. 

”In recent months, large hospitals have moved towards telemedicine, which supports people in managing several of their health issues at home, easing overburdened hospitals,” said Deepak Sood, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM.

There would also be an emergence of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), wherein a patient’s vital signs would be monitored and stored on the cloud, allowing doctors to access his health statistics easily.

The report noted that given the rise in immunity consciousness, immune supplements are expected to witness an uptick. Consumers are now rethinking their health habits and prioritising vitamin products, including C, D, and multivitamins with immune support.