That millions of patients and their doctors did not have medical histories at their fingertips seemed like a clear problem statement not too long ago. However, with rapid technology advancements, many existing electronic medical record (EMR) systems may be equivalent to paper. Now with platforms that allow for comprehensive care – like in the case of specialised healthcare start-up Diabetacare – doctors can make faster and accurate decisions, even saving patients from medical emergencies. Operating out of the UK and India while growing its footprint in the UAE, Diabetacare’s clinico-technology solutions showcase possibilities for technology innovation in healthcare.

No longer static

Across the world, with Internet of Things rapidly finding multiple use cases, med-tech or health-tech will increasingly be about technology that talks to devices and doctors, and no longer about digital medical records alone. Sanjiv Agarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Diabetacare, says diabetes patients along with their doctors and care-givers now depend on the company’s flagship offering, DxNET, which is a dynamic electronic medical records system. “Our EMR system provides an output and information. Smart tools nudge doctors to give the right solutions to patients. Our platform can make a hospital’s endocrinology department or diabetes care paper-free. Our technology is used in outpatient and inpatient screening for diabetes, and helps remotely monitor patients,” says Agarwal.

Diabetacare’s platform reportedly integrates with more than 300 devices available in the open market, and these include smart glucometers and blood pressure monitors. Compatible glucometers can transmit data to DxNET in about 30 seconds. Because Diabetacare’s platform works with SIM-enabled devices too, users don’t have to be tech-savvy.

Conscious strategy

Diabetacare has 35 partners across India – hospitals, home care providers and new contracts the company has won. While its partnership with Columbia Asia hospitals gives it a somewhat countrywide presence, Diabetacare reportedly reaches more than 25 cities in partnership with Portea.

Agarwal is clear that it makes business sense to work with big names. “Without adoption of technology, this cannot work. Large hospitals, for example, are able to spend money on technology innovations,” he explains.

Diabetacare began showcasing its model in India in August 2013. Because technology waits for no one and solutions may easily become redundant, the combination of Diabetacare’s specialised knowledge of diabetes with innovative technology offerings will likely see the company through the longer term. Diabetacare's clinico-technology solutions business unit is profitable.

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