Banda, Uttar Pradesh: Khabar Lahariya, known as India’s only women-led, ethical rural news platform, recently hosted an important roundtable discussion on digitalization in healthcare. The discussion brought together experts from different sectors, including ASHA workers, doctors, and social activists, to address how digital tools have influenced healthcare in rural areas. The conversation highlighted key issues such as training needs, access challenges, and the social impact of technology on healthcare workers.
Role of Digital Tools in Healthcare
Shabina Mumtaz, a Senior Reference Group Member, shared insights into how ASHA workers in Banda face challenges due to a lack of digital skills. “When ASHAs do not have digital skills, they are left behind; this affects their self-esteem,” she noted. Her statement underscored the urgent need for training programs to empower healthcare workers and ensure they benefit from digital advancements.
Social worker Mahendra Kumar highlighted how social barriers persist even in the digital age. “Although we are in the digital age, social challenges remain. When ASHA workers talk to someone on the phone, men pass lewd comments,” he said. This comment shed light on the pressing issue of gender-based discrimination, which affects the confidence and safety of women using digital tools.
Digitalization’s Impact on Rural Healthcare
Dr. Bharti, a primary healthcare doctor and counsellor in Banda, emphasized the benefits of digital tools such as telemedicine. “When you give mobile phones to ASHA specialists, their work becomes easier,” she said, adding that it is essential for health departments to adopt modern technology. She called for continued efforts to keep healthcare systems updated alongside the training of workers.
ASHA worker Aarti shared her experience, revealing that training gaps remain a challenge. “Though the ASHA worker did not train us digitally, we went online for tutorials on our own,” she said. This showcased the resilience of ASHA workers but also highlighted the need for structured training to help them use digital tools effectively.
Call for Digital Support
Discussions revealed the importance of skilled support for ASHA workers. Shabina suggested, “When you need data and surveys, the health department should train skilled digital staff to work with ASHAs. They should train ASHAs as well as provide on-ground support.” This would enhance data collection and ensure efficient use of technology in healthcare.
Mahendra Kumar stressed the need for a more user-friendly approach in apps used by ASHA workers. He suggested adding a “problem-solving” feature. “Currently, there is no space for solutions in the ASHA app. We need to expand it from just data lists and digital objects to individual people,” he added, advocating for a digital approach that prioritizes user needs.
Tragic Personal Stories
The discussion ended with emotional stories, including a woman from Banda who shared her tragic experience of losing two children and a pregnancy due to inadequate healthcare. Such stories emphasized the urgent need for better healthcare services in rural areas.
The roundtable concluded that while digitalization has improved healthcare services and accessibility, it also exposed the need for training, social awareness, and safety measures. Addressing these gaps is essential for making digital advancements equitable and beneficial for all members of society.
