Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsCOVID-19 Digital Contact TracingICT in Developing Communities

Manoj Kumar Dahal, Gary L. Kreps

2026.1.16World Medical & Health Policy

DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.70057

tlooto Summary

The study identified the need for coordinated national strategies, clear legal frameworks, a people‐centered approach to designing digital health interventions, and promoting equitable healthcare access for improving digital health accessibility among marginalized and rural populations of Nepal.

Abstract

This systematic review examines the digital health interventions for inclusive and equitable solutions for transforming healthcare access and delivery in Nepal. The research focuses on improving digital health accessibility among marginalized and rural populations of Nepal. Drawing on 18 peer‐reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025, the review highlights the growing use of mobile health applications, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence tools, which are associated with progress in bridging the digital health divide and bringing the margins to the center in inclusive healthcare solutions. Searches were conducted in PubMed, WHO IRIS, Ministry of Health & Population (MoHP) portal, and Google scholar (first 200 results; all last searched January 30, 2025). We also conducted a bibliographic search of reference list. The search yielded 320 records; after screening and eligibility assessment, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Despite the availability of advanced digital health solutions, the review identifies significant barriers to widespread adoption, weak digital infrastructure, policy gaps, low digital literacy, and financial constraints on implementing inclusive digital health policy and programs. The study identified the need for coordinated national strategies, clear legal frameworks, a people‐centered approach to designing digital health interventions, and promoting equitable healthcare access.

Citation format

DAHAL, Manoj Kumar; KREPS, Gary L. Bridging the digital divide: Examining the role of digital health in nepal's healthcare transformation. World Medical & Health Policy, 2026, 18(1).