Transforming Care: Hospital Merger Pioneers Tele-ICU And Expands Capacity

Private hospital network Aster DM, in Hyderabad, has merged with Quality Care India, making it one of India's top three hospital chains.

Together Aster DM Quality Care Limited is out to set up around 38 hospitals with over 10,150 beds across 27 cities in India, making healthcare services accessible to people living in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and the Southern region.

The company plans to expand services like teleradiology and Tele-ICU to remote areas of the country.

We have witnessed disruptive technologies make widespread disruptions. Healthcare is no exception 3D printing, robotics, nanotechnology, and AI are digital technologies shaping the future. Aster DM Quality Care Limited paves for better diagnostic facilities in radiology. Radiological images like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be sent from one location to another, helping radiologists provide expertise remotely.

It is valuable when specialized radiologists, such as neuroradiologists or pediatric radiologists, are required but are not readily available in smaller or rural areas.

Tele-ICU is another facility they will provide to monitor patients. Doctors will use cameras to watch and help care for the sick in hospitals at distant locations. They can access patient information, talk to nurses, and ensure the best care is provided, even if doctors are unavailable nearby.

Aster Health app will be available to patients who can book appointments with doctors, and labs, view medical records, and order medicines online, among other services. This service is available in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The hospital will also focus on preventive care with newer technology like IOeRT, which is effective in radiation treatment for cancer patients.

Aster has plans to start medical and nursing education programs in these regions.

Currently, they have units operating independently with a mix of permanent doctors and visiting doctors who travel between locations. Internal movements within the merged entity will continue to maintain excellence.

They will leverage telemedicine and digital platforms with world-class oncology services to people, regardless of location.

Preventive care and early detection will address the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They intend to serve the average Indian with a comprehensive, integrated healthcare model, focused on lifestyle, screening, and chronic disease management. Aster DM and Quality Care Limited will open new doors for healthcare services for the underserved.

Sourcing renewable energy, optimizing water usage, and implementing waste management systems will make their business more sustainable.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)