In India, Digital health is touted as the next big thing in revolutionizing healthcare. With so many app-based services coming post-pandemic and online consultations picking up pace, not to forget tracking of covid-19 through Arogya Setu app. It is difficult to point out one particular application. Everything works in synergy.
1. Tell us about your upbringing, background, and journey?
Hello, my name is Dr. Prateek Makwana, I am Consultant Embryologist practicing in Rajasthan. I am a second-generation doctor, both my parents are in this profession. I never really had any pressure to become a doctor but the field of medicine always intrigued me and as I grew up I became more and more inclined towards it. I was privileged in the sense that my parents, because of their experience, could guide me through any hurdle I ran into before and during my medical school.
2. Why did you choose to be a doctor and decide what you specifically want to do?
The field of medical science always fascinated me and it continues to. I used to read a lot of Scientific American during my high school days just to get a sneak peek at various advancements in this field even though there were a whole bunch of things that went over my head.
After, joining medical school, I became particularly interested in Obs and Gyne. Human reproduction is nothing short of a miracle. Ob/Gyn led me to study more comprehensively about IVF-ART (Assisted Reproduction Techniques). IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) is essentially a way for people who haven’t been able to conceive naturally to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Interesting, right? That’s when I decided that this is the field I want to get into.
Over years, I realized how a lot of people have so many misconceptions and myths or they are completely unaware that they have an option available if they haven’t been able to get pregnant. That was my thought process behind starting a page on social media, to reach as many people as I can, spread awareness, and amplify the resources which already exist.
3. We salute your work during the pandemic, where did you get the inspiration to work so hard?
That’s easy. My Parents, our team at the hospital, my colleagues, and the whole fraternity. This particular situation is very testing for all of us, medico or not. Everyone is trying to work towards overcoming this pandemic. Inspiration is everywhere.
4. How do you expect digital health to grow over the next 5 years?
Digital health has seen a boom, owing to the pandemic. Will it become a norm, even after the pandemic, I believe it will. Tele-health, remote monitoring of patients, and the capabilities of digital health have seen a jump, which we probably would not have seen for the next 5-10 years.
Wearable devices tracking vitals, bio-medical services, and devices, artificial intelligence, these advancements will the treatment protocols, the research and it’ll definitely help the healthcare community to provide better virtual care.
5. What are your concerns about Digital Health?
One major concern I believe that has to be addressed is accessibility. Setting up digital health on a scale where it reaches a majority of people won't be inexpensive. Upcoming clinical set-ups may not be able to afford it. The general population, people in rural areas, elderly people who aren’t tech-savvy, might not be able to access it.
6. Can you let us know anyone application of Digital Health in your country which has impressed you?
In India, Digital health is touted as the next big thing in revolutionizing healthcare. With so many app-based services coming post-pandemic and online consultations picking up pace, not to forget tracking of covid-19 through Arogya Setu app. It is difficult to point out one particular application. Everything works in synergy.
7. What is your message for aspiring doctors and the young generation? Which is the best medical college according to you?
The field of medicine is huge, find what you are passionate about and it’ll never seem like a job. The best medical college, is the one where you are studying, make the best use of resources available to you, and learn whatever you can.
What does your typical day look like and what do you like to do besides work?
Being an embryologist means a lot of my time is spent in the Dept of ART (Assisted Reproduction Techniques). Monitoring embryos which are essentially future babies, cryopreservation of male and female gametes, embryos, ovarian & testicular tissue (some real captain America-Esque stuff). With the covid pandemic limiting our outdoor activities, I have started to read more all over again.
Having a social media page, fertility_scribbles on Instagram, and a website that helps me to spread awareness on various topics related to fertility, human reproduction, and covid, among other issues.
Dr. Prateek Makwana - Consultant Embryologist in Rajasthan & A Second-Generation Doctor
Interviewed By: Farhana Khatoon
This interview is sponsored by Plus91 Technologies, a leading Digital Health firm.
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