Digital Literacy of the Indian Health Workforce: A Core Requirement for Healthcare Delivery in the 21st Century

Abstract Digital literacy among India’s health workforce is crucial for effective healthcare delivery amid rapid digitization. Professionals increasingly use electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health tools under initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. However, barriers such as inadequate formal training, generational gaps, redundant administrative tasks, poor rural infrastructure, and cybersecurity threats significantly hinder widespread adoption. To overcome these, structured training in digital tools must be integrated into healthcare curricula, accompanied by multilingual resources, improved rural infrastructure through public-private partnerships, and robust cybersecurity measures. Tailored mentorship programs can bridge generational divides, while policy-driven digital competency assessments and streamlined documentation processes further promote digital engagement. Addressing these areas comprehensively will enhance digital literacy across India’s healthcare workforce, leading to more efficient, integrated, and resilient health service delivery systems.