Progress and Digital Transformation in Peruvian Healthcare: Technology at the Service of Well-Being
As we approach the bicentennial, it is imperative that healthcare managers in Peru embrace digital transformation in the sector. This will allow citizens to access better and broader health services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
eHealth or Telehealth is defined as the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the field of health, with telemedicine and the electronic health record being the best-known examples. Progress in its implementation in Peru over the past two decades has provided valuable lessons for improving both the population's access to care and the provision of health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.
Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are increasingly promoting the use of eHealth across countries, leveraging advances in Industry 4.0. In Latin America, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Chile have been pioneers in incorporating this concept into their healthcare delivery models.
Challenges facing the Peruvian health sector
Healthcare managers and other stakeholders face challenges related to population aging, with projections indicating that by 2050, 25% of the population will be over 60 years old. In addition, 86% of the population is expected to be concentrated in urban areas. These trends compound the rise in chronic non-communicable diseases and the increase in per capita health spending, which currently reaches 1,000 dollars.
The deployment of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network (Red Dorsal Nacional de Fibra Óptica) and the Regional Networks provides an opportunity to expand eHealth/Telehealth services nationwide.
These challenges call for greater empowerment and self-management among citizens in caring for their own health. At the same time, managers must substantially improve the coverage, quality and effectiveness of health services. For example, it is necessary to reduce waiting times for medical appointments and travel times to health facilities, as well as address the shortage of specialist physicians in the regions.
The main challenges consist of achieving:
a) Greater prevention of diseases and their complications.
b) Easy and timely access to health services, regardless of the service provider (Ministry of Health, Regional Government, social security or private providers).
c) Reduction in travel and unnecessary use of hospital services, which will also lower costs for society as a whole.
Current situation and regulatory framework
Although Peru's healthcare sector remains fragmented, its digital transformation can be achieved through the implementation of digital tools with broad reach that are efficient, effective, ubiquitous and available at all times. Initial progress confirms that we are already in the first of the three phases that this technological development encompasses.
Of the 11,000 health facilities across the country, less than 3% are part of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) telehealth network, though 10% is expected to be reached by year end. EsSalud, for its part, has its National Telemedicine Center for its service network. However, in the public sector only two centers operate under the Zero Paper Management model, while in the private sector significant progress stands out at several clinics.
In terms of costs, it has been shown since 2004 that eHealth can generate savings of up to 70% through electronic disease surveillance. In 2016, EsSalud recorded savings of 10.5 million soles thanks to the use of teleradiology, and savings from the intelligent management of medicine and supply inventories through information management are currently being documented.
Regarding regulations, Law 30421 (Telehealth Framework Law) was published in April 2016 and amended by Legislative Decree 1303 in December of the same year, although it has not yet been regulated. In August 2018, MINSA established its Digital Government Committee to lead the digital transformation process, and in September Legislative Decree 1412 (Digital Government Law) was published, promoting the cross-cutting use of digital technologies in processes and the provision of digital services by public entities at all three levels of government.
Challenges ahead
On the road to our bicentennial, the deployment of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network and the Regional Networks gives us the opportunity to expand eHealth/Telehealth services nationwide. In this way, we will increase the productivity, traceability and transparency of health services, consolidating a genuine integration of the Service Networks with citizens and their families in their communities, empowering them and placing them at the center of the health system.
The sector's digital transformation through the adoption of eHealth requires rethinking the model of care and management of health services in its operational, regulatory, financial, political, social and communicational aspects, among others. The result will be a hybrid scenario, combining in-person and digital or virtual health services, for health promotion, prevention, recovery and rehabilitation.
This change will only be possible through joint efforts with all human resources in the sector and other related stakeholders, under a digital citizenship approach. This means fostering learning in the use of digital tools and promoting the cultural readiness for their adoption, with universities playing a vital role in driving this process together with all those involved.
In conclusion, the deployment of the National Fiber Optic Backbone Network and the Regional Networks gives us a unique opportunity to expand eHealth/Telehealth services throughout the country. Through digital transformation, we will improve the efficiency, accessibility and quality of health services, placing citizens at the center of the system and promoting their well-being in empowered communities.