India is home to more than 1.4 billion people, but access to reliable health information varies across regions and communities. Challenges like limited healthcare infrastructure, geographical barriers, and social inequalities often affect the availability of health information, especially in rural and underserved areas. In recent years, technology has become a vital tool for tackling these issues. According to Manapurath et al. (2024), modern technologies like the internet and mobile phones are increasingly being used to bridge gaps in healthcare access and support the dissemination of health information among diverse populations.
The growing use of digital technologies has transformed the way health information is communicated. Manapurath et al. (2024) note that technologies such as SMS reminders, mass media campaigns, mobile health applications, and web-based platforms have expanded the reach of health communication efforts. These technologies allow information to be delivered quickly and to large audiences, making them valuable tools for public health awareness campaigns. At the population level, the authors categorize these technologies into communication technologies, data analysis technologies, and digital health technologies, all of which contribute to health promotion and awareness.
India’s expanding digital infrastructure has further supported these developments. Data cited by Manapurath et al. (2024) show that India had approximately 1.034 billion active wireless subscriptions as of March 2023. Maroju et al. (2023) also highlight that the rapid growth of smartphones, tablet technologies, wearable devices, and internet connectivity has accelerated the use of digital technologies within healthcare. Government initiatives such as the National Medical College Network, Digital Medical Library Network, National Cancer Network, and National Rural Telemedicine Network have been introduced to strengthen technology-enabled healthcare services and information systems (Maroju et al., 2023).
Digital health infrastructure has also expanded through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). As of June 2026, the ABDM dashboard reported more than 90 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA), over 100 crore linked health records, more than 5 lakh verified healthcare facilities, and over 9 lakh verified healthcare professionals. These figures reflect the increasing integration of digital technologies into India’s healthcare ecosystem and the growing availability of digital health services.
Table 1. Key Indicators Related to Digital Connectivity and Digital Health in India
| Indicator | Data | Source |
| Active wireless subscriptions (March 2023) | 1.034 billion | Manapurath et al., 2024 |
| Total internet subscribers (March 2024) | 954.4 million | tele.net, 2024 |
| Rural internet subscribers (March 2024) | 398.35 million | tele.net, 2024 |
| Villages with 3G/4G connectivity | 95.15% | tele.net, 2024 |
| Active internet users (2024) | 886 million | BestMediaInfo, 2025 |
| Active rural internet users (2024) | 488 million | BestMediaInfo, 2025 |
| ABHA IDs created | More than 90 crore | ABDM Dashboard (accessed June 2026) |
Beyond infrastructure, technology has also been used directly for health awareness interventions. A study conducted by Maitra and Rowley (2021) in Chowbaga village near Kolkata, West Bengal, explored the use of WhatsApp as a platform for eye-health awareness among women with low levels of education and high levels of unemployment. The intervention consisted of five educational sessions delivered through WhatsApp. Participants reported that the platform helped improve awareness about eye health and believed that access to mobile-based technologies could support better health-related decision-making for themselves and their families (Maitra & Rowley, 2021). The study demonstrates how commonly used digital platforms can be employed to communicate health information within underserved communities.
Despite these opportunities, important barriers continue to affect the effectiveness of technology-based public health awareness initiatives. According to Manapurath et al. (2024), challenges include technology gaps in resource-poor settings, financial constraints associated with accessing digital technologies, limited technology education among users, and concerns regarding the reliability of information delivered through digital channels. These challenges can influence the extent to which individuals are able to access and benefit from health information.
Digital health literacy represents another significant concern. Manapurath et al. (2024) define digital health literacy as the ability to seek, find, understand, and evaluate health information obtained from electronic sources. Individuals with limited digital health literacy may face difficulties in effectively using digital health information and services. The authors also note that internet connectivity remains a critical requirement for technology-based health promotion. Although digital connectivity has expanded considerably in India, populations living in areas with limited or unreliable internet access may not fully benefit from digital health initiatives.
Technology has expanded opportunities for public health awareness in India by enabling health information to reach larger populations through mobile phones, internet platforms, digital health systems, and social media-based communication. However, existing evidence suggests that access to these benefits remains uneven. While digital infrastructure and health technologies continue to grow, barriers related to digital literacy, affordability, connectivity, and social inequalities continue to influence who can access and use health information effectively. Therefore, improving public health awareness through technology will require not only technological expansion but also efforts to ensure that digital resources are accessible and usable for all sections of the population.
References
Manapurath, R., Veetil, D. R., & Kamath, M. S. (2024). Use of modern technologies for promoting health at the population level in India. The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10885787/
Maitra, C., & Rowley, J. (2021). Using a social media based intervention to enhance eye health awareness of members of a deprived community in India. Information Development. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02666669211013450
Maroju, N. K., et al. (2023). Role of Telemedicine and Digital Technology in Public Health in India: A Narrative Review. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10085457/
tele.net. (2024). The total rural internet subscribers in India stood at 398.35 million as of March 2024, 95.15 per cent villages have internet access. Available at: https://tele.net.in/the-total-rural-internet-subscribers-in-india-stood-at-398-35-million-as-of-march-2024-95-15-per-cent-villages-have-internet-access/
BestMediaInfo. (2025). Rural India makes up 55% of the 886 million internet users in 2024: Report. Available at: https://bestmediainfo.com/insights/rural-india-makes-up-55-of-the-886-million-internet-users-in-2024-report-8628510
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Dashboard. Available at: https://dashboard.abdm.gov.in/abdm/ (Accessed June 2026).