MANILA, Philippines — The World Bank is urging countries to invest in digital technologies in health to accelerate improvements in the delivery of and access to health care services.
In its report titled Digital-in-Health: Unlocking the Value for Everyone, the World Bank said digital technology could help countries overcome challenges in the health sector, amid pressure to deliver new, higher quality and seamless services at a time many low- and middle-income countries are facing limited fiscal space.
“Digital technology and data can add immense value to health systems and to the health of the population in several ways,” the World Bank said.
In particular, the multilateral lender said digital technology can strengthen health systems, improve health financing and public health, and expand its reach to underserved populations.
“Designed with people at the center, digital technology can make health services more personal, prevent healthcare costs from increasing, reduce differences in care, and make the job easier for those who provide health services,” said Mamta Murthi, vice president for human development at the World Bank.
Use of digital technology and data is also seen to help prevent and manage chronic diseases, care for both young and aging populations, as well as prepare for future health emergencies and health risks due to climate change.
For the World Bank, the time is ripe for the health sector to unlock the value of digital technology and data as the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to accelerate the use of digital health solutions, and as health and health care data are growing but not being used to their maximum potential.
“We hope that this report will give governments confidence and practical guidance, regardless of the country’s stage of digital maturity or fiscal challenges,” Murthi said.
To help countries embrace a digital-in-health approach or fully integrate digital technology in health systems, the World Bank proposed three essential areas to guide investments.
It said countries need to prioritize evidence-based digital investments that address people’s health needs and improve availability of health care services to vulnerable and marginalized groups.
In addition, countries need to connect the regulatory, governance, information, and infrastructure dots so patients know the data is safe and health workers can use digital solutions transparently.
The World Bank said there is also a need to ensure equitable, replicable and sustainable access to health care for everyone.