EVALUATING THE ADOPTION AND CHALLENGES OF TELEHEALTH IN ASSAM

Abstract

Telehealth has emerged as a crucial component of healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with limited access to medical facilities. This study examines the adoption and challenges of telehealth services in Assam, with a particular emphasis on the Kamrup and Cachar districts. Both primary and secondary data have been used in this study. The main objectives are firstly, to assess the usage patterns of telehealth services in Assam. Secondly, to examine the barriers faced by people in accessing telehealth services. The research is exploratory in nature. The methods of data collection include interviews and observations. The total number of respondents is 400. The findings reveal that the main factors influencing the adoption of telehealth include accessibility, digital literacy, and infrastructure limitations. While telehealth has improved healthcare access, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant barriers remain, such as a lack of awareness, technological constraints, and inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas.