Contextualizing transformation of healthcare sector in Asia-Pacific in the post-COVID-19 era

Abstract

The paper lays out a broad framework to reimagine healthcare systems using the digital technologies as one of the core pillars in the Asia-pacific countries. It argues that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed serious flaws in the design of traditional healthcare systems in both advanced and developing countries of the Asia Pacific. The experiences of the past two years with COVID-19 have proven that any highly infectious disease which make many people sick, will quickly overrun hospitals and lead to the collapse of the health system and economic ruin. Thus, it is clear that the healthcare systems in their present conditions are not able to withstand the pandemic. However, COVID-19 has also triggered a great pivot towards the use of digital technologies, AI, and big data in health industries across the Asia-Pacific region. The emergence such digital innovations have enabled policymakers and innovators to imagine the era of the “hybridtact” healthcare industry, where the traditional “contact” hospital and healthcare systems are “married” with digital and online systems (untact healthcare) to revolutionize how bio-health and healthcare services are delivered to millions of users. This paper lays out a strategic framework for stakeholders in healthcare, and highlights some of the key issues to consider in implementing hybridtact healthcare.