As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it is a moment of pride to reflect on the remarkable strides the nation has made in various sectors, particularly in healthcare and diagnostics. The Indian diagnostics industry, comprising 60 per cent pathology and 40 per cent radiology, is on the brink of transformative growth. It is projected to reach a market value of Rs 1,360 billion by FY2026, with a 14 per cent CAGR. This growth is driven by technological advancements, improved infrastructure, and rising health awareness.
However, along with the significant growth, the Indian diagnostic sector continues to face challenges. For instance, only 17 per cent of diagnostic services are organised, with the rest split between hospital-based and unorganised standalone labs. This imbalance is further complicated by inadequate regulatory oversight in a field where precision is crucial. To overcome these challenges, a transition to organised diagnostics with stringent quality standards and advanced technology is essential. This shift will not only ensure high-quality, consistent care but also enhance accessibility in underserved areas. It will also set a new benchmark for healthcare excellence in India.
Evolution of diagnostic landscape
For health diagnosis, microscopes and glass slides have long been essential tools for pathologists, but the innovation in the industry has further made the outcomes more reliable. Gone are the days of solely manual processes, which often resulted in delayed diagnoses and prolonged patient wait times. This, in turn, sometimes exacerbated health conditions. With the ongoing tech-enabled development, India's diagnostic industry has made tremendous strides by embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and patient care. From 32 years in 1947, India’s life expectancy has increased to 72.2 years, and diagnostics has played a crucial role in this.
Today, most diagnostic centres across India, particularly in urban areas, are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced automated analysers, molecular diagnostics, and specialised testing equipment. These cutting-edge technologies enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of a wide range of diseases, from genetic disorders to infectious diseases and even cancer.
Additionally, many centres have implemented digital pathology solutions, such as whole-slide imaging and artificial intelligence-powered diagnostic tools, further enhancing the precision and speed of diagnostic results. New-age diagnostics fitted with the latest technologies are enhancing the accuracy of diagnostics and making healthcare more accessible. For instance, home sample collection and walk-in facilities for various tests are gradually making it convenient for people to undergo health check-ups.
The diagnostic accessibility gap in tier 3 and beyond geographies
According to the Bharat Health Index (BHI) 2023 survey, only 25 per cent of people in semi-rural and rural areas have access to modern healthcare nearby. Despite the ongoing progress in diagnostics, India’s diagnostic industry still faces significant challenges, especially in making healthcare accessible to everyone. While urban areas have benefited from the technological advancements, tier 3 cities and rural areas remain largely underserved. Also, India's vast geographical diversity challenges the establishment of diagnostic facilities in remote regions. The absence of quality healthcare infrastructure in these areas means that residents often have to travel long distances to access diagnostic services, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
This disparity in healthcare accessibility is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention from the government and private sector to expand the reach of diagnostic services. Making diagnostics easily accessible in far-flung regions will also address the rising instances of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) early on. Interestingly, leading diagnostic players in the country have actively started extending their diagnostic services to underserved areas. By employing advanced technology and adapting innovative solutions, they strive to deliver high-quality diagnostics and enhance healthcare accessibility in rural regions.
Early detection through diagnostics to address the increasing NCDs
Over the past few decades, there has been a shift in the pattern of diseases affecting Indians. Lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions, once considered the affliction of older adults, are now increasingly affecting younger populations. According to a Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI) survey, NCDs become more common after age 18 and increase significantly after age 35. It also found that more than two-thirds of individuals suffering from NCDs are in the most productive age groups—between 26 and 59 years.
Since the instances of NCDs among younger populations are increasing, it is more important than ever to focus on detecting the diseases early and focus on preventive healthcare. Regular health check-ups are crucial, particularly in light of this trend. Early diagnosis through timely testing can help identify potential health risks before they become serious. Younger people can make lifestyle changes like improving their diet, exercising more, and managing stress to reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Particularly, preventive health checkups through tech-equipped diagnostics will pave the way for building a healthier society and reducing the long-term impact of lifestyle diseases.
How are tech-enabled diagnostics improving healthcare?
AI-powered diagnostic tools, telepathology, and at-home testing kits have made it easier for people to access healthcare services. Home sample collection services, for example, have gained popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling patients to get tested without stepping out of their homes. These tech-equipped diagnostic processes not only make healthcare more accessible but also improve the accuracy of diagnoses, leading to better health outcomes. For example, AI algorithms can accurately analyse medical images, helping doctors diagnose better. Telepathology allows pathologists to examine samples from far away. This makes it possible to provide diagnostic services in geographical areas where there aren't enough skilled professionals.
Moreover, digital diagnostics platforms allow patients to access their reports online, reducing the time spent in waiting rooms and enabling faster treatment initiation. These advancements play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of diseases, significantly improving health outcomes. These innovations are essential to addressing the challenges of accessibility and quality in India's diagnostic industry.
Way Forward
Increasing awareness about preventive care is needed for a healthier India. This, coupled with early diagnostics, can play a pivotal role in reducing the burden of diseases. Furthermore, the preventive healthcare market in India is expected to grow at 25 per cent+ CAGR for the next 5 years reflecting the growing demand for early diagnostics and wellness services. The diagnostic industry must continue to evolve to meet the healthcare needs of its diverse population. The future lies in making quality diagnostic services available to everyone across Bharat.
The author is the Founder and CEO, of Redcliffe Labs
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