Aster DM Healthcare Launches Tele-ICU Services To Enhance Critical Care Across India

Aster DM Healthcare, one of India’s largest integrated healthcare providers, has launched its Tele-ICU services under the Aster Connected Care arm. 

In a press statement on Thursday, the company said that this innovative service leverages advanced technology to provide comprehensive support to healthcare providers, particularly in remote areas, enhancing the quality of patient care across the country.

The Aster Connected Care Tele-ICU services offer critical care support, including access to expert intensivists, continuous ICU monitoring by qualified critical care staff, 24/7 audio-visual communication, rapid response alerts, and regular virtual rounds. Additionally, the service includes support and counselling for patients and their families. The data-driven clinical decision-making approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Harsha Rajaram, CEO of Aster Digital Health, commented on the launch, stating, “The potential of digital technology is boundless. Aster Tele-ICU brings global standards of critical care through its experienced intensivists and critical care nurses by leveraging technology. Our services span across various geographies and time zones, acting as a second eye to on-ground teams, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Our solution bridges the gap by making qualified intensivists available at the click of a button, ensuring high-quality patient care through evidence-based practices.”

The Tele-ICU services, which had a soft launch four months ago, have already assisted over 250 patients in remote villages across states like Bihar and Karnataka, demonstrating the effectiveness and significance of this service in delivering critical care to those in need. The service is supported by an intelligent and secure technology platform, a 24/7 command centre, and a well-qualified critical care team specialising in monitoring and intervention, particularly in rural areas where quality critical care is often lacking.

Looking ahead, Aster DM Healthcare plans to expand the Tele-ICU services by partnering with small and medium-sized hospitals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. The goal is to use Aster’s skilled manpower to deliver critical care services to regions that lack specialised expertise, employing a hub-and-spoke model.

Case Studies Highlight the Impact of Tele-ICU

One notable case involved a 62-year-old female patient in a remote village in Bihar who developed an altered sensorium and sudden hypertension while unattended due to an overwhelmed hospital staff. The Aster Tele-ICU team in Bengaluru, monitoring the patient 24/7, quickly identified the issue and directed the on-floor medical team to administer a 3% saline solution IV, closely monitoring the patient’s sodium levels. This intervention illustrates the critical role that an expert second eye can play in supporting busy remote centres.

In another instance, a hospital’s analysis of arterial blood gas revealed Type 1 Respiratory Failure while the ICU in-charge was away. The Aster Tele-ICU team assisted the on-ground medical officer with non-invasive breathing support and antibiotic treatment, leading to the patient’s significant recovery. This case demonstrates how timely assistance from a remote team can be pivotal in managing critical situations.

A third case involved a 16-year-old patient from Northeast India suffering from breathlessness and exhibiting tachypnea and desaturation. The Aster Tele-ICU team advised immediate non-invasive ventilation support based on SpO2 levels, alongside antibiotic therapy, leading to overnight improvement. This intervention highlights the Tele-ICU’s ability to enable rapid responses and expert guidance in critical situations.