• Published on: Jul 10, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Raj Dwivedi

The Hybrid Way - Telehealth !

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Covid 19 has transformed our lives in so many ways. The reality is that most likely, the pandemic will not end suddenly, and we’ll be dealing with some version of it for years to come.

As we slowly adapt to our new normal, we’ll embrace some changes and reset our lives in many ways. We have noticed some of the shifts in our personal lives and the world around us.

Health care has gone through a complete digital revolution: As the pandemic intensified, more and more providers have switched from in-person visits to telehealth appointments over video chat. Globally in April 2020, telemedicine services increased by more than 35,00 percent, and nearly half of every consultation visit was delivered virtually. Of course, this was a welcome change. Virtual visits have prevented excess COVID-19 exposure and saved others—especially those in rural areas—from a long commute to the doctor’s office. 

The increase in remote and telehealth was driven by general fear of infection. Lot of telehealth consultation took place in areas of substance abuse recovery and mental health as well. 

What was meant to be a temporary solution worked surprisingly well, at least once they tackled tech barriers? Some clients relied on their own devices before the dedicated platforms and purpose-built suites were launched. For people without smartphones or data plans to support these services, virtual care was out of reach before the suites arrived.

Post-pandemic many clients will prefer to return to face-to-face services. Yet in most cases, virtual visits would make it easier for his clients to access health care. For instance, lack of transportation could stand in the way of someone making their appointment, but that concern goes away with virtual meetings. 

Appointment cancellations will be reduced. More Hybrid models will replace the existing singular OPD model. OPD will have two elements and one will be remote and then followed by in person. What happens in an actual scenario that a typical non-life-threatening issue comes up at work or home which needs medical attention. The appointment with the doctor and time off at work combined defers the visit most of the time to next week. This delay has its own downside and risk. In some instances, the problem sorts out by home remedies. Telehealth solves this problem and takes care of issues that never need to be treated and looked at in-person saving everyone financially.  

We have watched this play out during the early months of the pandemic. The pandemic has flipped the switch for patients who had grown accustomed to traditional doctors’ visits. But now that many people have tried out virtual care, some are reluctant to give it up. This will force providers to change the model and be ready to service the hybrid way.

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Community

Community Health Wellness Programs: Building Healthier Communities Together

Healthcare does not begin in hospitals—it begins within communities. Community health wellness programs play a vital role in strengthening preventive healthcare systems, improving early detection and reducing disease burden. In India, where both urban and rural populations face increasing lifestyle and infectious disease risks, community-level initiatives are essential.

According to the World Health Organization, preventive and primary healthcare services delivered at community level significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports also highlight the rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based interventions.

 

What Are Community Health Wellness Programs?

Community health wellness programs are organized efforts designed to:

  • promote preventive healthcare

  • increase health awareness

  • provide screening services

  • encourage healthy lifestyle adoption

These programs may be conducted by healthcare organizations, NGOs, corporate CSR initiatives or government agencies.

 

Why Community Programs Matter in India

India’s healthcare challenges include:

  • high population density

  • urban-rural disparities

  • limited early screening access

  • rising lifestyle diseases

NFHS-5 data shows increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity, especially in urban areas. Community-level screening improves early detection.

 

Key Components of Community Health Wellness Programs

1. Preventive Health Screening

Health camps often provide:

  • blood pressure checks

  • blood sugar testing

  • cholesterol screening

  • BMI measurement

Early detection prevents complications.

 

2. Health Education and Awareness

Workshops on:

  • balanced nutrition

  • physical activity

  • tobacco cessation

  • mental health

help individuals adopt healthier habits.

 

3. Vaccination Drives

Immunization programs reduce spread of infectious diseases.

Community outreach increases coverage.

 

4. Maternal and Child Health Services

Programs focus on:

  • prenatal care

  • nutrition guidance

  • child immunization

Protecting vulnerable populations strengthens long-term health.

 

5. Chronic Disease Management Support

Community programs support patients with:

  • diabetes

  • hypertension

  • asthma

Education improves medication adherence.

 

Benefits of Community Health Wellness Programs

Improved Early Detection

Screening identifies disease before symptoms worsen.

 

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive care is more affordable than emergency treatment.

 

Increased Public Awareness

Educated communities make informed health decisions.

 

Better Access for Underserved Populations

Rural and low-income groups benefit significantly.

 

Strengthened Public Health Systems

Community-level intervention reduces burden on tertiary hospitals.

 

Role of Technology in Community Health

Digital health platforms enable:

  • teleconsultations

  • electronic health records

  • AI-assisted risk assessment

Technology improves efficiency and outreach.

 

Corporate and CSR Involvement

Many organizations integrate community health programs into CSR initiatives.

Such programs:

  • enhance brand reputation

  • promote employee engagement

  • contribute to social impact

Corporate-community partnerships amplify reach.

 

Addressing Urban Health Challenges

Urban populations face:

  • pollution exposure

  • sedentary lifestyles

  • high stress

Community programs provide screening and awareness to mitigate risk.

 

Addressing Rural Health Gaps

Rural areas may lack access to:

  • specialists

  • diagnostic services

  • preventive screening

Mobile health camps bridge this gap.

 

Measuring Impact

Successful programs track:

  • number of screenings conducted

  • disease detection rates

  • follow-up adherence

  • reduction in risk factors

Data-driven evaluation improves sustainability.

 

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Community health wellness programs contribute to:

  • reduced chronic disease burden

  • improved life expectancy

  • stronger healthcare infrastructure

Preventive care at grassroots level creates systemic improvement.

 

Challenges in Implementation

Common challenges include:

  • limited funding

  • awareness barriers

  • logistical constraints

Collaboration between government, private sector and NGOs improves scalability.

 

The Future of Community Wellness in India

With rising lifestyle diseases and growing awareness, community wellness initiatives will become central to public health strategy.

Integration of digital tools, preventive screenings and education campaigns will enhance impact.

 

Conclusion

Community health wellness programs are essential for building resilient and healthier societies. By promoting preventive care, early screening and health education, these initiatives reduce disease burden and improve quality of life. In India’s diverse and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, community-based wellness efforts serve as a foundation for sustainable public health progress. Investing in community health today ensures stronger, healthier generations tomorrow.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Community Health and Preventive Care Reports

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Non-Communicable Disease Data

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Public Health Statistics

  • NITI Aayog – Primary and Preventive Healthcare Strategy

  • Lancet – Public Health and Community Intervention Research

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