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A model for sustainable, partnership-based telehealth services in rural India: An early process evaluation from Tuver village, Gujarat

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  • Shoba Ramanadhan
  • Krishnan Ganapathy
  • Lovakanth Nukala
  • Subramaniya Rajagopalan
  • John C Camillus

Abstract

Background: Telehealth can improve access to high-quality healthcare for rural populations in India. However, rural communities often have other needs, such as sanitation or employment, to benefit fully from telehealth offerings, highlighting a need for systems-level solutions. A Business of Humanity approach argues that innovative solutions to wicked problems like these require strategic decision-making that attends to a) humaneness, e.g., equity and safety and b) humankind, or the needs and potential of large and growing markets comprised of marginalized and low-income individuals. The approach is expected to improve economic performance and long-term value creation for partners, thus supporting sustainability. Methods: A demonstration project was conducted in Tuver, a rural and tribal village in Gujarat, India. The project included seven components: a partnership that emphasized power-sharing and complementary contributions; telehealth services; health promotion; digital services; power infrastructure; water and sanitation; and agribusiness. Core partners included the academic partner, local village leadership, a local development foundation, a telehealth provider, and a design-build contractor. This early process evaluation relies on administrative data, field notes, and project documentation and was analyzed using a case study approach. Results: Findings highlight the importance of taking a systems perspective and engaging inter-sectoral partners through alignment of values and goals. Additionally, the creation of a synergistic, health-promoting ecosystem offers potential to support telehealth services in the long-term. At the same time, engaging rural, tribal communities in the use of technological advances posed a challenge, though local staff and intermediaries were effective in bridging disconnects. Conclusion: Overall, this early process evaluation highlights the promise and challenges of using a Business of Humanity approach for coordinated, sustainable community-level action to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Shoba Ramanadhan & Krishnan Ganapathy & Lovakanth Nukala & Subramaniya Rajagopalan & John C Camillus, 2022. "A model for sustainable, partnership-based telehealth services in rural India: An early process evaluation from Tuver village, Gujarat," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0261907
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261907
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nye, Joseph S., 2008. "Public Diplomacy and Soft Power," Scholarly Articles 11738397, Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
    2. Babiak, Kathy M., 2009. "Criteria of effectiveness in multiple cross-sectoral interorganizational relationships," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 1-12, February.
    3. Maity, Bipasha, 2017. "Comparing Health Outcomes Across Scheduled Tribes and Castes in India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 163-181.
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