The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly shaken healthcare systems around the world, many of which have already been struggling since pre-pandemic times. This is no different in Canada. The World Health Organization argues that digital healthcare has the potential to improve medical diagnoses, data-based treatment decisions, digital therapeutics, clinical trials, among other benefits. Notwithstanding these promises, there are concerns surrounding privacy, accessibility, and scalability. Fabian talks to Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya from the Women’s College Hospital about digital healthcare trends, implementation challenges, as well as policy recommendations. Yashree then talks to Dr. Sacha Bhatia about the future of digital healthcare and public trust in the existing system. 

Guest:

Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya - Women’s College Hospital

Producers:

Anukriti Randev - Junior Producer

Yashree Sharma - Junior Producer

Fabian Siau - Junior Producer

Suggested Readings:

World Health Organization. Global strategy on digital health 2020-2025. (https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/gs4dhdaa2a9f352b0445bafbc79ca799dce4d.pdf)

Policy Options. Enabling digital health care solutions in Canada. (https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/january-2019/enabling-digital-health-care-solutions-canada/ )