Not heart or diabetes, more Indians looked for help with gut health in 2024: Report

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Indian digital healthcare platform MediBuddy has revealed its latest insights through their latest report on how more Indians are shifting towards digital healthcare solutions. One of the many is that 40 per cent of health bookings through them were made for family and friends. More importantly, the type of bookings included not heart or diabetes health but gastroenterology, paediatrics and dermatology among others

The data reveals a striking portrait of family health dynamics in Indian households. Within this segment, 44 per cent of bookings were for parents, reflecting the younger generation's active role in their care. Spousal health accounted for 33 per cent, highlighting strong partner support, while children's health services comprised 11 per cent of these bookings.

One of the most prominent insights from 2024 is the significant shift in when people seek healthcare. 37 per cent of online consultations in 2024 occurred after 6 pm, highlighting a growing demand for high quality healthcare 24x7. This shift highlights the need for flexible, accessible care that aligns with modern, busy lifestyles, moving beyond traditional office hours.

Gastroenterology, paediatrics, and dermatology were the most frequently accessed specialities on the platform. With digestive health also a growing concern, many turned to gastroenterologists for support, highlighting the rising awareness around the importance of gut health. Paediatrics was a focal point for many families, with parents increasingly relying on paediatricians to help them navigate their children's growth and health. Meanwhile, dermatology emerged as a top speciality, with a significant increase in consultations for skin-related issues such as acne and overall skincare.

The health platform also looked at how its users are contributing to a more sustainable future. By switching to digital reports, the platform was able to save enough paper to preserve the equivalent of 1,195 trees, which can absorb approximately 30,000 kg of CO2 annually. The choice to move consultations online had an even greater environmental impact, preventing 2.75 million kg of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere from fuel burning. This shift not only highlights how digital healthcare is reshaping the patient experience but also how collective action can contribute to a healthier planet.

In 2024, the platform's phlebotomists travelled a staggering 80 lakh kilometres to deliver sample collection services at home. To put this in perspective, that's the distance it would take to travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari 2,192 times. Of particular note is that 25 per cent of the phlebotomists making these tireless journeys were women.