5G – Promising to transform the landscape of MedTech

The advent of 5G technology is ushering in a wireless revolution that is poised to bring transformational change to nearly every aspect of healthcare.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, a wireless revolution is quietly unfolding – one powered by the promising and transformative capabilities of 5G technology. As the world embarks on a journey to redefine the boundaries of medical technology and healthcare services, the arrival of 5G stands as a beacon of innovation and efficiency. This fifth-generation wireless network, with its unparalleled speed, low latency, and immense data-carrying capacity, is set to redefine the very fabric of the healthcare sector.

The Indian mobile network landscape has experienced rapid evolution recently. In about a year since their commercial 5G launches, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio achieved a significant milestone, each garnering over 50 million 5G subscriptions. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) has projected that there will be four 5G networks in India by end-2025, accounting for an additional 145 million users.

RJio is targeting pan-India coverage by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Airtel is targeting to cover the entire country by March 2024. Even as both Airtel and RJio are expanding 5G networks at breakneck speed, they continue to offer unlimited 5G at 4G rates. So, users that have 5G-enabled devices can use the 5G network at 4G rates.

As of August 28, 2023, 338,000 5G base stations have been deployed in the country, with the most number of deployments in Uttar Pradesh (35,916), Maharashtra (34,779), and Tamil Nadu (28,307).

RJio has deployed over 115,000 5G sites and nearly 690,000 5G cells pan-India and the network now covers over 90 percent of census towns. Airtel 5G Plus is available across all the 28 states and 8 union territories.

RJio is planning to launch 5G-enabled competitively priced mobile devices soon. RJio has in the past launched heavily subsidized 4G devices to make it easier for 2G users to move to 4G, and is likely to follow a similar strategy for 5G.

Vodafone Idea is yet to announce a timeline for the availability of its 5G network though the telco has successfully tested 5G services across both 26 GHz mmWave and 3.3 GHz mid-bands at Ghole Road, Pune, to meet the minimum rollout obligations mandated by the telecom department.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is also in the running with the Union Cabinet having approved its third revival package with a total outlay of ₹89,047 crore, which also includes the allotment of 4G/5G spectrum for the telecom PSU through equity infusion.

5G fixed-wireless access (FWA). FWA is among the first use cases of 5G that will help with monetization. India has limited fiber connectivity and, as of June 2023, only 35.1 million wired broadband subscribers. As the dependency on digital infrastructure increases, there is a growing need for high-speed broadband, which the telcos believe can be addressed with FWA.

RJio and Airtel have both commercially launched their 5G FWA services – JioAirFiber and Xstream AirFiber, respectively.

Planned CapEx. RJio and Bharti Airtel are expected to invest about ₹75,000 crore in the current financial year to strengthen their networks. RJio may invest around ₹42,000 crore and Bharti Airtel around ₹33,000 crore in FY24, but the investment will taper down after their 5G network rollout target is met.

India is preparing for the arrival of 6G wireless broadband technology, with commercial deployment expected around 2030. 6G networks will offer data speeds up to 100 Gbps, almost 100 times faster than 5G, and improved network connectivity. 6G is slated to pave the way for fast broadband networks powered by artificial intelligence, allowing automated infrastructure optimization. With data speeds potentially hitting 100 Gbps, it is estimated to be almost 100 times faster than 5G mobile broadband. 6G also promises improvements in network connectivity over 5G.

The implications of 5G in healthcare are profound, resonating with far-reaching significance. Beyond the limitations of previous wireless technologies, 5G offers a revolutionary potential to transform the delivery of healthcare, bridge geographical gaps, and enhance patient experiences. From telehealth and telemedicine to the development of cutting-edge medical devices and wearables, 5G is catalyzing change across every facet of healthcare, setting the stage for unparalleled advancements.

The global 5G market in healthcare is estimated by Precedence Research at USD 38 billion in 2022, projected to hit USD 626.63 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 32.4 percent during 2023–2032. The healthcare industry is positioned as the second-largest market for adopting 5G technology.

The implementation of 5G technology holds great benefits for all stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Its application in telehealth, remote robotic surgery, home healthcare, hospital-at-home models, and patient and asset tracking represents only a few potential use cases. Research conducted by Accenture says that companies that invest in 5G capabilities over the next three years will grow revenue 2.5 times faster.

The integration of 5G technology into the healthcare sector is propelling the industry into a new era of accelerated innovation. It becomes abundantly clear that 5G is not merely a technological upgrade but a catalyst for transformative change in healthcare.

The speed and efficiency of 5G networks are redefining healthcare delivery. Telehealth, a concept that has gained remarkable momentum, is experiencing a surge in effectiveness and accessibility. Remote consultations, monitoring, and even surgeries are becoming not just possible but efficient, thanks to the low latency and high bandwidth that 5G offers. The ability to transmit vast amounts of data quickly is instrumental in providing real-time insights to healthcare providers, ensuring that medical decisions are swift and well-informed.

The impact of 5G on healthcare is more profound than merely connecting doctors and patients; it extends to the devices that are integral to medical care. Advanced medical devices and wearables are undergoing a revolution. Linking directly to the cloud, these devices can transmit critical data, enabling continuous monitoring of patient’s health. Smart watches can now monitor vital signs, detect anomalies, and alert healthcare professionals in real time. This interconnected ecosystem fosters proactive healthcare management, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Beyond telehealth and wearables, the implementation of 5G in healthcare goes further. In this era, 5G is transforming the entire healthcare industry, catalyzing a shift from reactive healthcare to a proactive and predictive model. The ability to collect, process, and analyze data in real time is a game changer. Healthcare providers can now harness the power of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize treatment plans, predict disease outbreaks, and optimize resource allocation. Hospitals are adopting advanced self-serve kiosks that streamline patient check-in processes, reducing waiting times and enhancing patient experiences. In addition, 5G supports augmented and virtual reality applications that enable remote training for medical professionals and even remote surgery.

Moreover, there is a multi-dimensional impact. 5G is not only making healthcare accessible and efficient but also ensuring healthcare reaches underserved and remote areas. The intersection of 5G technology and healthcare has set the stage for a profound transformation. It is evident that 5G is ushering in a revolutionary era for healthcare, redefining the landscape of telehealth and telemedicine.

Telemedicine is breaking geographical barriers, connecting patients in remote villages to specialized healthcare providers in urban centers. This fosters equity in healthcare, ensuring that no one is left behind.

At the heart of this transformative impact is its ability to deliver high-speed, low-latency connections, and this technological prowess translates into real-time, high-definition video consultations between patients and healthcare providers. The clarity and immediacy of such interactions enable medical professionals to make accurate assessments and recommendations, even in remote and underserved areas.

With 5G, patients are no longer bound by geographical constraints, as virtual consultations bridge the gap between them and their healthcare providers. As a result, telehealth becomes a more accessible and viable option for patients, ensuring they receive timely and quality healthcare services. Telehealth and telemedicine are now accessible to millions, medical devices are more advanced and interconnected than ever, and healthcare institutions are adopting smart technologies to improve patient care. With 5G, the healthcare sector is not just keeping pace with technological advancements, it is leading the charge, ensuring a healthier, more connected world for all. The days of waiting for medical care are diminishing, replaced by the era of instantaneous and efficient healthcare made possible by the wireless revolution of 5G technology.

The integration of 5G technology is not a mere technological upgrade; it’s a healthcare revolution.

5G and cloud computing technology are two significant advancements, emphasizing their transformative impact on the future of healthcare systems. The integration of 5G facilitates the seamless transfer of vast amounts of healthcare data to cloud-based platforms. This data, whether it is patient records, diagnostic images, or treatment plans, can be accessed instantaneously by healthcare providers. It allows for the efficient sharing of information, promoting collaboration among specialists regardless of their physical locations. As a result, the traditional barriers of time and distance are shattered.

The new 5G labs are beneficial for MedTech, telemedicine, and digital health. These labs serve as crucibles for innovation, fostering the development of cutting-edge telemedicine technologies. Through the convergence of 5G and MedTech, medical devices are becoming smarter and more interconnected. They can collect and transmit critical patient data in real time, enabling continuous monitoring and remote consultations. This integration is particularly valuable in chronic disease management, where patients can benefit from consistent monitoring without the need for frequent in-person visits.

Wearable devices, powered by 5G, have the capability to revolutionize personal health monitoring. This empowers individuals to take proactive measures in managing their health while enabling healthcare professionals to provide remote monitoring and diagnosis with unmatched accuracy and efficiency Patients can seamlessly collect and transmit data, facilitating real-time tracking of vital signs and health metrics. The low latency of 5G ensures that this data is transmitted almost instantaneously, allowing for prompt analysis and intervention. However, the transition to these advanced wearables may be gradual, as individuals acclimatize to the concept of their health being comprehensively monitored in real time. Nevertheless, as consumers progressively embrace these innovations, the influence of 5G on wearable medical devices is poised to be profound, offering personalized healthcare management like never before.

The advent of 5G amplifies the scope and volume of healthcare data transmission. As 5G technology continues to shape the future of healthcare, the sector is confronted with a set of intricate cyber-security challenges. With vast amounts of medical information traversing the digital realm, the potential attack surface for cyber threats expands considerably. This amplification of data traffic demands robust cybersecurity measures, which must encompass end-to-end encryption, real-time threat detection, and stringent access controls. From medical devices and wearables to telehealth platforms, each component in the healthcare ecosystem represents a potential entry point for malicious actors.

Consequently, healthcare providers must navigate the complex task of ensuring the security and integrity of their interconnected systems, a task made more challenging by the need to balance data accessibility with data protection.

Moreover, the proliferation of electronic health records (EHRs) and cloud-based storage, made more prevalent by 5G’s high-speed data transfer capabilities, heightens the stakes. Protected health information (PHI) stored in these digital repositories becomes a prized target for cybercriminals. Ensuring compliance with stringent healthcare data protection regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States, while maintaining seamless data access, is a delicate and ongoing challenge.

Therefore, protecting patient data, maintaining the integrity of interconnected systems, and adhering to regulatory requirements are vital considerations in preserving the trust and security of healthcare in the 5G era. Healthcare providers, organizations, and policymakers must collaborate to implement comprehensive cyber-security strategies that mitigate risks while harnessing the immense benefits offered by 5G technology.

Climate change
The implementation of 5G technology is projected to reduce carbon emissions significantly. As healthcare increasingly relies on 5G for remote monitoring, telemedicine, and data transmission, this reduction in energy consumption extends to the healthcare industry, indirectly contributing to a more environmentally sustainable healthcare system.

Moreover, 5G enables the development of smart healthcare solutions that can enhance resource allocation, reduce waste, and optimize healthcare delivery. By facilitating real-time data collection and analysis, 5G empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions, thus minimizing inefficiencies and their associated carbon footprint.

Therefore, the adoption of 5G technology in healthcare not only promises ground-breaking advancements in medical care but also carries the potential to reduce the healthcare industry’s environmental impact, ultimately contributing to the broader global effort to combat climate change.

Rapid deployment offers new capabilities and potential
The rapid deployment of 5G technology has initiated a profound transformation within the healthcare sector, offering new capabilities and potential.

One notable example is the utilization of 5G for remote surgeries. With minimal latency and high data transfer rates, surgeons can now perform intricate procedures from a distance, assisted by robotic instruments connected via 5G. This has proven to be a lifesaver in critical situations where immediate medical attention is required but the specialist is geographically distant. The case of a patient receiving critical surgery by a surgeon miles away demonstrates the transformative power of 5G in improving healthcare accessibility.

The case study of a connected ambulance equipped with 5G technology is particularly striking. These ambulances feature high-definition video streaming, allowing paramedics to consult specialists in real time during emergencies. Additionally, the ambulances can transmit critical patient data directly to the receiving hospital, enabling healthcare providers to prepare and allocate resources efficiently. This real-world example demonstrates how 5G is not just a concept but a technology that is actively saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

Moreover, the integration of 5G and AI is enabling predictive analytics and personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.

Private 5G in healthcare highlights the growing importance of private 5G networks within the healthcare settings. Institutions, healthcare providers, and technology companies are coming together to establish private 5G networks, tailored to the unique needs of healthcare facilities. Partnerships with academic institutions provide insights into optimizing network configurations, ensuring seamless connectivity for critical healthcare applications, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and augmented reality-assisted surgery. These collaborations result in tailored, high-performance 5G networks that support cutting-edge healthcare services, emphasizing the convergence of academia and industry to drive innovation.

In the field of drug development, digital twins – virtual models of physical drugs or medical devices – are becoming increasingly valuable. These digital twins allow for simulations, testing, and monitoring of real-world drug responses. Academic institutions are collaborating with the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry to create and refine these digital twins, optimizing the development process. The integration of 5G technology further enhances this collaboration. Such collaborative efforts expedite drug development, improving the efficacy and safety of new medications and medical devices.

The fusion of 5G technology and healthcare is catalyzing innovation at an unprecedented pace, with academia and industry uniting to advance medical technology and propel progress in the pharma and medical devices industry.

Research initiatives in the 5G healthcare domain are wide ranging and ambitious. One such initiative involves the development of smart hospitals and healthcare facilities, equipped with 5G connectivity, to support a multitude of healthcare applications. Academic institutions partner with technology companies to design and implement these smart facilities, which can provide remote consultations, real-time patient monitoring, and even robotic-assisted surgeries.

Research collaborations are enabling the creation of specialized robots that can be controlled by surgeon’s located miles away, ensuring that even the most remote regions have access to advanced medical expertise.

Collaborative efforts between academia and telecommunication companies have yielded robust telehealth platforms that offer high-quality video consultations and real-time patient data transmission.

In essence, 5G technology is not merely an upgrade; it is a powerful catalyst for transformative change in healthcare. The wireless revolution it brings is propelling the sector into an era of unprecedented advancements, where the boundaries of medical technology and healthcare services are being redrawn, ensuring a healthier, more connected world.