By Sandeep Verma
In recent years, global health organisations like the WHO and the Global Self-Care Federation have underscored the significance of self-care as a strategic intervention to alleviate healthcare costs and ease the system’s burden. Particularly in India, where healthcare professional (HCP) interventions for minor ailments significantly impact the healthcare budget, the call for enhanced self-care practices has never been more urgent. Amidst this backdrop, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges not just as a technological marvel but as a pivotal force in democratising self-care, thereby reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Understanding Self-Care in the Indian Context
Self-care, as defined by the World Health Organization, is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote their own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.” This definition underscores the essence of self-care: empowerment through knowledge and responsible action. It’s about knowing when an over-the-counter product can address a minor ailment and recognising when professional medical advice is necessary.
Sounding the alarm on a silent epidemic
What nails tell you about your body
Heatwave in India: As temperature continues to soar, hospitals report spike in heat-related illnesses
India reports 324 COVID-19 cases so far: Signs and symptoms you should watch out for
In India where HCP interventions for minor ailments account for approximately Rs. 30,730 cr., self-care can become a crucial support lever for the overall healthcare system.
The Role of AI in Enhancing Self-Care
AI’s potential in transforming self-care is multifaceted, offering personalised solutions and bridging the accessibility gap across India’s diverse population. By analysing individual health data, AI algorithms can offer tailored insights and recommendations, facilitating a proactive rather than reactive approach to health management. For instance, conversational therapy bots and voice-based AI applications offer guidance for managing minor ailments, thereby reducing unnecessary HCP consultations.
AI-driven technologies also enable remote health monitoring, a boon for individuals in rural or underserved areas. Furthermore, AI can support lifestyle changes in chronic conditions, integrating personalised fitness and diet plans with medical advice to offer a holistic self-care regimen.
This empowerment extends to menstrual health apps that use AI for reproductive health monitoring, showcasing the breadth of AI’s application in self-care.
The Transformative Impact of AI
The advent of AI in self-care represents more than technological innovation; it signifies a paradigm shift towards personalised and informed health management. AI’s continuous learning and adaptation capabilities ensure that self-care evolves to meet the changing needs of individuals. This transformation lays the groundwork for a more sustainable healthcare system, where informed self-care can significantly reduce unnecessary medical interventions.
The Road Ahead
While the current applications of AI in self-care in India offer a glimpse into its potential, the journey ahead is promising and expansive. The full spectrum of AI’s capabilities in self-care is still unfolding, promising a future where every individual has the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage their health effectively. As we move forward, the integration of AI in self-care will not only support the healthcare system but will also champion the cause of personalised, accessible, and empowered health management for all.
Also read: Revolutionising Public Health Delivery through AI Use
In embracing AI, India takes a significant leap towards a future where healthcare is not just a service but a shared responsibility between individuals and the healthcare ecosystem. This synergy between technology and personal agency in health management heralds a new era of healthcare in India, making self-care an accessible and effective pillar of health and well-being.
By exploring and investing in AI-driven self-care initiatives, India can alleviate the strain on its healthcare system, paving the way for a healthier, more productive future.
(The author is the country head, Bayer Consumer Health Division India. Views expressed are personal and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com.)
