National, 23 May 2023: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, has observed a substantial rise in doctor consultations among younger individuals, particularly those in the age bracket of 25 to 35. With a sharp 44% increase, the platform has noticed a positive shift among young people towards adopting digital healthcare services.
The young age group is embracing a pre-emptive approach towards their well-being and making conscious choices to nurture their physical, mental, and emotional health. The tech savvy generation is leveraging technology to keep a track of their health progress and practise a healthy lifestyle. Their commitment to health sets a powerful example, inspiring others to embrace vitality and purpose in their lives.
Endocrinology consultations on the platform increased by 74.32% between 2022 and 2023. While this indicates a concerning trend of pre-diabetes amongst the younger population in India it also indicates a positive shift in the mindset of youth in India. This generation is increasingly aware of their health and are actively taking charge of it. Endocrinology, a vital branch of medicine focusing on hormonal imbalances, plays a crucial role in addressing various diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and genetic imbalances. The upward trend in endocrinology consultations reflects the growing awareness and prevalence of hormonal disorders, contributing to the overall well-being of the population.
Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, said, “It’s encouraging to see that younger individuals are taking charge of their health and seeking timely medical advice. Hormonal imbalances can often go unnoticed, leading to long-term health consequences. The rise in endocrinology consultations is a testament to the growing awareness of the importance of hormonal balance and its impact on overall health. It’s crucial that we continue to spread awareness about hormonal disorders and their symptoms, so that individuals can seek timely medical advice and treatment. With the right guidance, we can empower individuals to take control of their health and lead fulfilling lives.”
During the same time period, MediBuddy has seen an uptick in Pulmonology consultations, with a 58.87% increase in the number of consults. Asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung disorders, pneumonia, and other respiratory system diseases and disorders are all covered in the medical field of pulmonology. The surge in Pulmonology consultations can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses due to rising pollution levels, depleting Air Quality Index (AQI) in India’s urban areas, smoking and acute infections. Burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, construction activities, and traffic congestion are significant contributors to air pollution.
Additionally, MediBuddy’s data has demonstrated interesting trends in terms of gender distribution for consultations in the fields of Endocrinology and Pulmonology. The platform recorded a 98.46% increase in female patients seeking endocrinology consultations, compared to a 56.41% increase in male patients. This is because women are more likely to experience hormonal imbalances due to menstrual irregularities, pregnancy, and menopause. On the other hand, male consultations in Pulmonology increased by 74.19%, while female consultations increased by 36.90%. This may be due to severe climate change, excessive smoking, pollution leading to poor air quality putting everyone at a higher risk of respiratory illnesses.
City-wise Insights
The data brings the spotlight on Delhi that has witnessed the highest number of online consultations, followed by Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. Among the orders for home lab tests, Bengaluru recorded the highest numbers of tests taken followed by Hyderbad and Kolkata.
