Vscan Air CL, Wipro GE Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., No. 4 Kadugodi Industrial Area, Whitefield Bangalore Karnataka – 560067, Used for primary diagnosis in a hospital setting, its dual probe, ultrasound based whole body scanner. Ultrasound has no known side-effects. Only trained professionals should use the instrument. This material was created and reviewed on 26th Dec 2024. Additional information can be made available on request
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CONTENTS
PUBLIC HEALTH
Dr Shail Maingi
Dr Jyoti Bajpai
8 YOU NEED THE ENTIRE GLOBAL VILLAGE TO SUPPORTLGBTQ+ CANCER CARE
DIAGNOSTICS INTERVIEW
P11: INTERVIEW
DHRUBAAGHOSH Partner in Healthcare Management Consulting, BDO India
Express Healthcare®
P23: DR SHARAN SHIVRAJ PATIL Chairman and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sparsh Hospitals
25 BRIDGING CARE AND CURE: ADDRESSING PALLIATIVE CARE NEEDS IN INDIA STRATEGY
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Budget wishlists calls for more funds, better policies
The Reserve Bank’s annual publication “State Finances: A Study of Budgets” reveals that while the states’ expenditure on medical and public health, family welfare and water supply and sanitation has increased over the years, it has not moved much in terms of per cent of aggregate expenditure.
States and UTs collectively spent Rs 3,54,548.6 crore in 2022-23, Rs 4,81,831.9 crore in 2023-24 Revised Estimate (RE) and Rs 5,03,267.8 crore in 2024-25 Budget Estimate (BE) on medical and public health, family welfare and water supply and sanitation. However these huge sums translate to just 1.8 per cent, 2 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively as a per cent of GDP.
Expenditure on medical and public health and family welfare, as per cent of aggregate expenditure ranged from 5.6 per cent in 2020-21, rising to 5.9 per cent in 2021-22, dipping to 5.4per cent in 2022-23, with a marginal rise to 5.6per cent in 2023-24 (RE) and 5.6 per cent in 2024-25 (BE).
Given these statistics, it seems justified that this year's pre budget discussions between healthcare industry stalwarts and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are once again about increasing allocation to healthcare to over 2.5 per cent of of GDP. This has been a persistent demand, but allocation has not come near this figure so far.
While these are industry recommendations, what should citizens of India expect from such allocation of tax payer money? More affordable and accessible healthcare facilities? The deaths of patients in Gujarat, after unnecessary angioplasties post health camps under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme, prove that monitoring the efficient use of funds is as crucial as allocating funding for such schemes.
Gujarat’s health ministry has since debarred five private hospitals and suspended some of the doctors involved in organising these health camps, but this could be only the tip of the iceberg, not just in Gujarat but other states as well. The state’s investigations revealed “irregularities” like modified lab reports to claim benefits under the PMJAY.
Perhaps the tragic deaths in Gujarat and the investigations that followed will encourage a deeper dive into how PMJAY and other public health schemes are monitored and result in more efficient management of public health funding. Hopefully directives in the Union Budget for the 2025-26 financial year will address these concerns.
Industry associations have aired their wish lists of long standing demands, and many of them touch on these points. For instance, NATHEALTH's recommendations include making insurance reimbursement rates more viable, by indexing reimbursement rates under schemes such as CGHS, PMJAY, and ECHS to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure financial viability, given that many rates have remained unchanged for nearly a decade.
While making reimbursement rates more attractive might prevent or at least reduce future frauds, the government has to find the means to fund such strategies. Another of
The deaths of patients in Gujarat,after unnecessary angioplasties post health camps under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme,prove that monitoring the efficient use of funds is as crucial as allocating funding for such schemes
NATHEALTH's recommendations calls for redirecting public health revenues, by allocating proceeds from healthcare CESS and the proposed 35 per cent GST slab on tobacco and sugar products to strengthen public health programmes and advocates for a unified 5 per cent GST on all healthcare goods and services to reduce input costs.
The insurance sector is hoping that GST on health insurance premiums will be reduced or completely cut. This will make health insurance more affordable and hopefully help citizens meet the increasing costs of healthcare.
Industry is also asking for stronger policies. On the diagnostics side, Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare urges the government to implement a robust policy framework that standardises practices and mandates NABL accreditation for every laboratory operating in India. She also advocates for the introduction of 0 per cent GST on diagnostic services and refunds for GST paid on inputs. Additionally, increasing incentives for research and development in diagnostic technology will foster innovation and position India as a global leader in healthcare advancements. Other key measures include raising the tax exemption for preventive health check-ups from the current Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, extending this benefit to multiple family members, and incorporating reimbursements for outpatient diagnostic services within insurance packages. Simplifying regulatory processes and introducing a single-window clearance system will also improve the sector's business environment, as per Shah.
On the medical devices side, Himanshu Baid, Managing Director, Poly Medicure suggests that the government can consider standardising the GST rate of 12 per cent across all medical devices as it would simplify the tax structure, ensuring consistency and ease of doing business. Enhancing export incentives under RoDTEP to 2-2.5 per cent—from the current range of 0.6-0.9 per cent—will bolster the global competitiveness of Indian-made medical devices, enabling manufacturers to expand their reach in international markets.
Baid also advocates for implementing a policy that curtails the reuse of single-use medical devices, ensuring patient safety, minimising healthcare-associated risks, and maintaining high-quality standards across the industry. Additionally, extending the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme by 2-3 years would support local manufacturers in scaling production, reducing import dependence, and achieving long-term growth and sustainability.
While budget recommendations will keep rolling in, it's anyone’s guess on how many of them will actually be considered viable by the Finance Minister. The government will have to carefully craft policy changes and funding, to serve patients’ needs and address industry concerns more efficiently.
You need the entire global village to support LGBTQ+ cancer care
The fact that there is a cultural acceptance of the trans community in India and more recently,protection from the government,gives hope to clinicians like Dr Shail Maingi, Medical Oncologist,palliative care physician,and Cancer Care Equity Program Faculty at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,a global authority on LGBTQ+ cancers and health disparities and Dr Jyoti Bajpai, Lead Medical and Precision Oncologist,Apollo Cancer Centre, Maharashtra,that India is uniquely placed to develop a global model of care for gender minorities with cancer.On the sidelines of the Apollo Cancer Conclave,Dr Maingi and Dr Bajpai explain to Viveka Roychowdhury the challenges of caring for LGBTQ+ populations with cancer,the lack of data,and how India can take the best of global experiences and evolve India-specific empathetic care pathways to meet the needs of this community,which could serve as templates of compassionate care beyond India
Dr Shail Maingi, how much has been done for cancer patients/survivors in sexual minority communities in the US and globally? What are the challenges?
Dr Maingi: The challenges are that LGBTQ people are often invisible because they experience discrimination and violence so many choose not to disclose their identity in many settings. And so when people have to live with the stress of not being themselves and have to hide, there is minority stress. Coupled with this is there is actual discrimination, societal rejection and job loss. So, despite the stereotype of a rich gay man, there are actually higher levels of LGBTQ+ people living below the poverty line which creates its own barriers to having a healthy life.
And, there are specific cancer risks that can happen that are at an increased rate, like breast cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer, and HPVmediated oral, cervical and anal cancers. In the US it is documented that these cancers are experienced by LGBTQ people at higher rates.
In the US, there was some data and although the data wasn't perfect, it showed that LGBTQ Americans live 10 years less long. Based on that
and on other studies showing higher rates of LGBTQ people dying from HIV, higher rates of smoking and smoking related illness and several other health disparities, it became clear that sexual and gender minorities/LGBTQ people face unique health risks and poor health outcomes. In the US on a national level , we have health disparities groups so that people in need can't be excluded from research, so that the needs of certain people that maybe would not be included in a big study are looked at, and so that we elevate the health care
of everybody, and not leaving people behind.
And thus sexual gender minorities became a health disparities group in the National Health Institution (NHI) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 2016 the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) wrote a policy statement acknowledging there are real cancer-related disparities, and offering general approaches to improve things like including people in research, not leaving people behind, collecting sexual orientation, gender identity
(SOGI) data, changing policies to support patient rights and inclusive workplaces and things like that. Thus oncology and LGBTQ populations in the US became a thing in 2016. And since then there's been funding and research.
Communities have been observing that the lesbian women and bi women are dying of ovarian cancers, but the scientists couldn't see that because there was no data.
Now we have national databases that collect sexual orientation and gender identity data and we are able to
demonstrate large-scale disparities. And that is just one of the important findings that has been made.
Not every database or clinical record collects SOGI data and there is discrimination that's real. We know discrimination is happening in the US and around the world, and so that means in the US is that one state in may collect the information and one state may not. One hospital may collect and one hospital may not. regardless the professional society, ASCO, and national hospital accreditation
Dr Shail Maingi
Dr Jyoti Bajpai
recommendations to be a high quality hospital is you should be collecting this information.
But then there's the problem of how do you teach people to collect it and how do you teach people to collect it respectfully? And globally these issues are very similar with varying levels of commitment, knowledge and safety about collecting, storing and using SOGI data meaningfully. Therefore, the cancer efforts for LGBTQ health disparities is in some ways in its infancy.
Dr Jyoti Bajpai, where is India and the SAARC region on this challenge?
Dr Bajpai: I believe it's very relevant. The care for LGBTQ plus populations with cancer is really patchy world over and as we heard there are disparities globally but more in this part of the world I would say, because we are having challenges even with other populations with cancer. For instance, we have challenges with even our adolescent young adult population, geriatrics or people with special needs. So like any other challenging situations, this particular situation is extremely challenging.
We don't even have incidence data, there is a lot of stigma and people do not come forward. There is no system in oncology clinics to ask about gender orientation.
I conducted a large survey in the SAARC region before and I didn't find any information. When I came across a patient who had breast cancer and when she divulged that she is having a different orientation, that she was on hormone replacement therapy, I tried to look up the data and I practically found nothing.
Then I was a discussant in the European Society of Medical Oncology for a patient who was a transgender and developed prostate cancer. So these two opportunities made me read up and find something for this population. I became very interested and then I tried to connect with global experts to find out how I can intervene, do my bit to help the cause.
I did a large survey of the SAARC region.The data was
The care for LGBTQ plus populations with cancer is really patchy world over and as we heard there are disparities globally but more in this part of the world I would say,because we are having challenges even with other populations with cancer
really alarming because among the treating oncologists or treating physicians who are dealing with cancers, we found that only 19 per cent are comfortable in providing care to LGBTQ plus population with cancer, of whom only 5 per cent were confident that they can provide good care.
Only 1 per cent said that they are asking about gender orientation, their preferences etc. Hence I feel that what we are seeing is not even the tip of the iceberg. As people are now more comfortable, I have tried to reach out to many NGOs who are working in the space like Humsafar Trust , Kinnar Maa Trust, Indian Cancer Society, Nargis Dutt Foundation who came forward to help.
This started while I was affiliated with Tata Memorial Hospital where I was a professor for 15 plus years. I had a connection with the preventive oncology department, my collaborator Dr. Gauravi Mishra. When I discussed this thought process, she was interested, and she said we can work together on this.
Now I have joined the Apollo Group of Hospitals, and the Apollo management is also fully supporting this very important cause. Tata Memorial Hospital too is on board, with director Tata Memorial Dr. Sudeep Gupta, also supporting the cause
I think together we need to craft the path. This is unknown territory and we really need to take small steps. I am very glad that I am with Dr. Maingi who is the world leader, as well as other leaders like Dr. Alison Mayburner, Dr. Mariam Lasberg, Winette van der Graaf, medical oncologist, who leads research on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer in the Netherlands and is now President, European Organisation for Research and
Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).
They came forward, saying that in their way they can support the cause. With that kind of global collaboration, we can make progress in this field. I believe you need the entire (global) village to come forward to support the cause.
From a physiological/ medical/clinical perspective, how is the progress of cancer different in the sexual minority community?
Dr Maingi: Because LGBTQ+ populations are just now being studied, there is a lot more research and things that we have to do to truly understand the extent, causes and potential solutions for the gaps in cancer care. What we do know is that some cancers have an increased incidence and sometimes we understand why, for example, because of higher rates of obesity in the US as a minority stress coping mechanism for some trans people and also for lesbian and bisexual women.
We also know that smoking rates are higher, HPV mediated cancers like oropharyngeal, anal cancers, cervical cancers are higher based on behavior. We also know LGBTQ people may be reluctant to seek care because of previous bad experiences in medical settings based on their identity. Medical mistrust is real, impacts the clinical encounter once people do seek care. Research that I presented at ASCO last year showed that the majority of LGBTQ people with cancer are afraid of discrimination by their oncology team and that their loved ones and support networks are often excluded and even disrespected. This makes people feel more vulnerable and less supported as they face cancer. As far as prevention for HIV- and/or
HPV- related cancers, LGBTQ people may be having their first sexual encounters when they're young, without any peers and so they're not getting a lot of education and so they're more vulnerable to STIs. That's part of it how things are different.
Another part of it is that you're having people who come to you presenting with later stages because their doctors do not see them as different or aren't offering them the screening. So whatever discrimination is happening is also happening in the clinic space. And that's delaying care.
Once the cancer is found problems continue. If you have two people who have abnormal mammograms, both at the same stage but one cisgender and straight, heterosexual, when you compare the data, that person is cisgender and heterosexual is getting their cancer care sooner and having a better outcome within the same medical establishments. Part of it may be the impact of medical mistrust where people don't necessarily, automatically trust us or think that our advice includes LBT people so maybe they're not taking their endocrine therapy, their tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor, but right now, we don't really know. We do not understand why but need to in order to make cancer care more equitable.
Then there's fundamental clinical questions for screening. If somebody's trans, female, but they kept their prostate, because that would be the usual surgery, is that person excluded from insurance or able to be diagnosed with prostate cancer? In the US, a trans woman could be diagnosed with prostate cancer and the insurance wouldn't cover it. That has been addressed with the
Affordable Care Act, but who knows what will happen going forward? Because if they're living safely now, they're not presenting as male, it may not occur to their doctor to screen for prostate cancer. And since that person does not know about their risk of prostate cancer they may see no value in disclosing their transgender identity to a doctor or medical institution that never asks / acknowledges that trans people exist.
These are some of the clinical challenges. But there is also the fact that certain chemotherapy drugs are dosed based on someone's gender, a drug called carboplatin. So if someone's transgender, then what dose do you use? If someone has a cancer that is not hormone mediated, like for instance, lung cancer, do they need to stop their hormones? Is it right for us to always stop the gender-affirming hormones especially given the lack of evidence? Because it has been the practice of providers to stop hormones which often alienates patients.
Another example is if a nonbinary person or transgender male is facing breast cancer and wants a mastectomy, people think it's for gender affirming, not because of breast cancer, and they send the people to psychiatry and the patient's care gets delayed, or the patient feels stigmatised and doesn't come back. Thus there are multiple levels of problems, some of which is biology, but a lot of it is the clinical encounter and how we treat people.
What are the first steps any cancer care provider like Apollo or the other larger hospital groups in India, should take to meet the unmet cancer care needs of this community? If you were to lay out a roadmap?
Dr Maingi: I think there's so much that can be done. There's an existing curriculum, existing resources in the US and ESMO that can be shared. There can be training.
But visiting community sites that provide HIV care that have a large LGBTQ population, showing an interest in
PUBLIC HEALTH
expanding their services from doing HIV care to then mental health care, and now they're doing drug rehab. Now let's have them do cancer care as well because they're starting to be the primary care for people.
If we go to these centres, show interest and take responsibility to minimise delays in care and diagnosis for LGBTQ+ people it will make a huge difference. I am not sure cancer centers can wait until there is a diagnosis and that's when I'll see you, but instead partner with local LGBTQ+ community organisations and help people get the diagnosis because the government hospital, the primary care doctors are maybe distracted or feel unsafe and are delaying things. Treat people with respect. Maybe develop patient navigation.
Have policies against discrimination. Have policies
where patients can have visitors that are their family members, so some family member who's rejected them isn't being called to make a decision. Allow people, if they are dying from cancer, to have a dignified, safe place where they can be their true self. And ensure that trans people can be buried with the identity that they need, that feels right to them because it's a significant source of distress. There's so many things that can be done.
I think here there's an opportunity, one, to partner with communities here in India because the community organisations have done a wonderful job. Partner with Apollo, which can show what this model can look like. But also, there's unique things about India. And so partner with researchers and educators like me in the US but take the existing curriculums,
make them more cancerspecific, but make them Indiaspecific.
In America, they like to pretend that trans people don't exist. Here, there's a cultural heritage and you have 10 times more people reporting in. At least one study in 2021 studied identifying as trans in India versus in America. So 0.3% in America, 3% here. So because there's a cultural acceptance in history and then protection from the government, there's more opportunity to maybe do some of this research, figure out the right dose, advance care, come up with standards. India can be a world leader in this area.
Dr Bajpai, I think the Apollo Group is ready to take those first steps. Can you tell us some more about it?
Dr Bajpai: I believe that a good beginning is half done. I'm very
glad that at this juncture, I'm able to convince people that this is really a need. Initially, when I started talking about this with my colleagues, my friends, my different collaborators, they asked why? Is it really needed? That part is over.There is an elephant in the room whether we want to recognise it or not. We have successfully navigated that part.
And I believe, especially the way I'm seeing the leadership's interest, and this Apollo Cancer Conclave was a kind of milestone because everybody came together. We had a close group meeting wherein all the stakeholders from different NGOs, leadership, colleges, patients, government and patient survivors, were present. And that shows an intent that we will move together in this space and make a difference.
I think the future is looking bright. Apollo is all set to start this clinic. We want to give this loud and clear message to everyone that this will be a safe space. And because we don't want to discriminate in any way, this will not be a separate clinic. We are providing care under our own clinic, more empathetically. We are trying to develop cultural competence, taking lessons from the Western world, what is already being done. And my colleague and friend and collaborator, Dr Maingi will be pivotal to help on this. We want to be tailor-made to local needs. We don't need to reinvent the wheel for every aspect. We want to take the best of both and whatever is being already done, we will make our foundation on that.
viveka.r@expressindia.com
viveka.roy3@gmail.com
DIAGNOSTICS
INTERVIEW
Digital diagnostics will transform India's healthcare in the next five to ten years
Dhrubaa Ghosh ,Partner in Healthcare Management Consulting,BDO India,discusses with Kalyani Sharma the pivotal role digital diagnostics can play in enhancing accessibility and affordability in healthcare
How do you see digital diagnostics transforming India's healthcare in the next five to ten years?
Digital diagnostics will transform India's healthcare in the next five to ten years by improving accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. These will bridge the urban-rural divide through point-of-care devices for quick and efficient detection.
AI-powered tools, genomics, and wearable IoT devices like smartwatches and ECG patches will enable rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Integrated platforms consolidating data from wearables, diagnostics, and medical records will drive predictive analytics and foster preventive care.
What role can remote diagnostics play in bridging the urban-rural healthcare gap?
Remote diagnostics will improve accessibility through digital diagnostic tools including mobile health apps and portable devices, enabling remote screening and diagnostics for rural areas. Telemedicine platforms integrated with diagnostic services will help patients access care without the need to travel long distances.
The point-of-care diagnostics would include devices that will allow for rapid tests (e.g., blood glucose, ECG, or infectious diseases) at the local level, reducing reliance on centralised labs.
AI-powered diagnostics will help improve the early
detection of noncommunicable diseases and preventive care, while genomics will help in early management of diseases. Wearable devices will enable tracking of real-time health metrics. Finally, consolidation of patient data from wearables in a platform will enable predictive analysis.
What challenges remain in scaling remote diagnostic technologies like teleradiology and telepathology?
Infrastructure gaps include limited internet and electricity in rural areas which impedes transmission of diagnostic files like MRIs or pathology slides. Moreover, costly imaging devices and storage systems hinder accessibility. A significant challenge is the lack of trained workforce like radiologists, pathologists and technicians, and the training of the existing skilled workforce on usage of new diagnostic tools.
Regulatory and legal issues include licensing across regions, and accountability for errors is unclear. Data privacy laws require strict compliance with India’s Data Protection Act. Challenges around data security and standardisation like cybersecurity risks and lack of interoperability between systems limit scalability. Variability in image formats can impact diagnostic accuracy.
The cost and adoption barriers include high setup and maintenance costs for
telepathology systems and resistance from patients and providers unfamiliar with remote diagnostics.
Potential Solutions include investing in rural connectivity and affordable diagnostic tools; standardisation of AI algorithms, image formats, and data-sharing protocols; and training healthcare workers and ensuring clear regulations for liability and privacy.
By addressing these challenges, remote diagnostics can improve access, affordability, and healthcare outcomes, especially in underserved regions.
How can the regulatory framework be updated to integrate digital diagnostics seamlessly?
The regulatory framework must address:
◆ Standardisation: Establishing universal standards for data formats, AI algorithms, and interoperability to ensure consistency and accuracy.
◆ Data privacy and security: Enforcing robust
laws like India’s Data Protection Act to safeguard patient data and prevent breaches.
◆ Licensing and accreditation: Defining clear guidelines for licensing telemedicine practitioners, accrediting AI-based tools, and ensuring accountability for diagnostic errors.
◆ Ethical use of AI: Mandating validation and transparency of AI algorithms to prevent biases and ensure reliability.
◆ Ease of adoption: Simplifying compliance for startups and healthcare providers to encourage innovat ion while ensuring patient safety.
Proactive updates to regulations can drive trust, efficiency, and widespread adoption of digital diagnostics.
What infrastructure investments are needed to scale digital diagnostics in underserved areas?
The key infrastructure investments to scale digital diagnostics in underserved areas include:
◆ Improving connectivity through expanding broadband, 4G/5G, and mobile networks for reliable data transmission.
◆ Reliable power supply which will ensure reliable electricity and adopt solarpowered solutions for remote areas.
◆ Deploying affordable portable diagnostic tools, point-of-care devices and cloud-enabled imaging systems which are important for the purpose of rapid diagnosis.
◆ Investing in secure cloud storage and interoperable systems which is crucial for seamless data sharing.
◆ Building local capacity to operate diagnostic tools and provide technical support.
◆ Strengthening last-mile delivery of diagnostic kits and equipment, thereby strengthening the supply chain.
These investments will enhance access to quality diagnostics and bridge healthcare gaps.
What policy changes are necessary to accelerate digital diagnostic adoption in India?
There must be regulatory clarity by establishing clear guidelines for AI-based tools, telemedicine practices, and cross-border licensing. Data privacy should be managed through robust data protection laws to ensure patient confidentiality and have secure digital records. Incentives in the form of financial support for startups, rural clinics, and diagnostic equipment manufacturers would also encourage service providers in this sector.
It will be crucial to develop interoperability standards for diagnostic devices and platforms. It would be equally important to promote skill development. Therefore, proactive policy changes will foster innovation, improve accessibility, and ensure equitable healthcare delivery.
Experts explore trends which will drive a healthier future in 2025 and beyond
Existing units in metro cities are facing severe scarcityof talent
The stupendous growth of private healthcare in tier II and tier III cities have thrown the job market haywire. The entry of big groups in these cities have opened multiple options for healthcare workers, specially for doctors and nurses. The demand for superspecialists in these areas has grown many fold. As a result the existing units in metro cities are facing severe scarcity of talent. This trend has also disturbed the clinical hierarchy matrix, earlier a candidate with DM/MCh would have to slog for years to become head of department but now they ride the hierarchy ladder faster and become HoDs within a span of 3-5 years of passing out their superspecialty.
Same goes with the nursing, there's already a huge gap between demand and supply in the A class cities which has further worsened due to out flow of trained and experienced nurses to Europe, Canada and Middle East. The inflow to these cities earlier were from tier II and tier III cities which now provide them job opportunities within few KM from their residence.
Though government and private sector both have invested heavily on healthcare education by opening new medical,
nursing and healthcare management colleges and churning out thousands of healthcare professionals every year but the quality of education and training imparted have been heavily compromised. This, I think a phase and would take couple of years to stabilise.
Hospital HR departments must use innovative technology
Growth, staffing, and human capital management are all top considerations in every firm. However, in the healthcare business, patient outcomes add to the seriousness of the HR position. As a result, this industry is always under pressure. And, unlike other occupations, medical personnel are subjected to severe stress levels since they try to promote health and well-being.
As healthcare organisations traverse a fast changing landscape, human resource management (HRM) embraces technology advancements to solve new issues and increase staff efficiency. In healthcare, human resource activities are becoming increasingly important in balancing regulatory compliance, workforce management, and patient care. To remain competitive and effective, hospital HR departments must use innovative
Chandan Kr.Dwivedi,Dy.General Manager-HR,Asian Institute of Medical Sciences,Faridabad
technology capable of streamlining processes and improving both employee and patient results.
HR professionals will have to find
ways to manage the multi generation expectations
At many places in healthcare industry as many as three to four generations are working. HR professionals will have to find ways to manage the multi generation expectations, values, working styles. While this is challenging job for HR professionals but it is also an opportunity to tap the experienced workforce and use their skills to train new generation. The current trend of digitalisation is also going to influence different generations of employees in different ways. Different generations have different expectations at work place. HR needs to sit down and interact with different generations to understand the mind set and expectations. On the basis of this then draw a road map and policies to meet the expectations of different generations. The initiatives can include facilitating workshop and mutual learning by employees. The younger generation may give priority to career development whereas older will be interested for retirement planning and pension benefit. The HR professional will have to accordingly
adopt a path of developing policies which will benefit different generation needs.
HR professionals should move awayfrom the conventional ways of working
In the coming year we see technology as a key driver in strengthening HR processes. With AI gaining grounds, healthcare HR professionals should look into ways and means of implementing it in their day to day processes for improving efficiencies and outcomes. Data analytics has a whole new form with modelling and predictive capabilities. Ear to the ground has been the key to employee retention, this can now be validated for prompt decisions with analytics.
Coming days will see more and more mergers and acquisitions , HR professionals must be equipped to handle integrations smoothly keeping employee at the centre of the transition. With international integrations more and more Indian healthcare companies will become part
Ranjan Pandey,Chief Human Resources Officer,Fortis Healthcare
of global entities, this will necessitate engagement with multi-cultural teams. It will also bring in global perspectives and practices for which healthcare needs to be ready.
Sunil Karanjikar,Director-Employee Relations & Experience,JaslokHospital & Research Centre,Mumbai
Upskilling and professional development programs need to become a wayof life!
Dual demands of both technological proficiency and high-quality compassionate care; industrywide shortage of healthcare providers and migratory talent; shall continue to strain the healthcare professionals. Paradoxically, this dynamic may additionally widen the sector's current skill gap. An overhaul in the role of human resource professionals shall be imperative in leveraging technology and employing
START-UPS
An overhaul in the role of human resource professionals shall be imperative in leveraging
technology
creative methods to effectively acquire, train and retain talent in navigating the talent war sparked by both domestic and
international demand. Continuous upskilling and professional development programs need to become a way of life!
The healthcare sector is expected to experience significant transformations by 2025, driven largely by start-ups and advances in diagnostics. Emerging technology and novel business models will transform patient care, increase efficiency, and address current difficulties.Telehealth startups will play an important role in
boosting convenience, particularly for people with limited resources. Start-ups are also driving the development of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) technologies i.e. RPM, which use wearable gadgets to monitor patients' health in real time. This method improves patient
involvement while also lowering hospital readmissions by allowing healthcare practitioners to respond preemptively based on continuous data tracking. The RPM industry is expected to expand rapidly, driven by the desire for tailored treatment plans and better patient outcomes.AI integration in healthcare will continue to expand, with start-ups using machine learning algorithms for diagnoses and treatment strategy. AI's capacity to evaluate large datasets will allow for earlier and more accurate diagnoses, especially in domains such as radiology.
As healthcare becomes more digitalised, maintaining safe data sharing will be critical. Start-ups offering blockchain solutions for safe data exchange will solve patient privacy issues while improving accessibility across healthcare systems. This emphasis on cybersecurity is critical as healthcare institutions face increased dangers from cyberattacks.
As these trends converge, start-ups will play an important role in tackling healthcare concerns and generating innovation. The emphasis on individualised treatment and advanced diagnostics not only promises better patient experiences, but it also prepares the healthcare sector for long-term development and increased efficiency in the future years.
In 2025, the Indian startup ecosystem will continue its momentum in healthcare delivery, especially in
branded single-specialty clinics expanding deeper into India. Key trends include chronic disease management, preventive care, a shift towards branded healthcare, and increased adoption of AI. Alongside ongoing awareness around lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes, there will be growing focus on their second-order effects, such as the impact on vital organs like kidneys. This will drive greater awareness of chronic kidney disease and the urgent need for quality dialysis. The dialysis sector, which saw significant investments in 2024, will likely remain a key focus for investors in 2025, addressing India's
pressing demand for affordable, highquality solutions.
As India’s healthcare sector advances, start-ups, emerging therapies, and innovative financial models will play transformative roles. Addressing regulatory and funding challenges through collaboration
among policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs will unlock the sector’s potential. By fostering innovation and bridging gaps, Indian healthcare can become more accessible, affordable, and technologically advanced to meet diverse population needs.
Sahil Chopra,VP- Growth and Marketing, Inflection Point Ventures (IPV)
Growing synergybetween healthcare and finance is setting the stage for a healthier India by2025
The Indian healthcare industry is undergoing a major transformation, with the financial sector playing a crucial role in shaping its future growth by 2025. The country faces significant challenges, including high out-of-pocket expenses, low insurance coverage, and a large number of uninsured or underinsured individuals. All of this makes healthcare unaffordable for many. To overcome these barriers, the financial sector is stepping in with innovative solutions designed to make treatments more accessible. Medical loans with flexible repayment options, QRbased financing available at the point of care, and embedded financing models in hospitals and clinics, are helping more
INSURANCE
people access the care they need. The introduction of No-Cost EMIs is further reducing financial strain. It enables patients to seek timely treatment without worrying about immediate expenses. These financial solutions are particularly important for medical procedures that aren’t typically covered by traditional insurance, such as IVF, dental care, and elective treatments.In addition to making healthcare more affordable for individuals, the financial sector is also supporting the healthcare infrastructure. They provide business loans for small healthcare establishments and supply chain financing for pharma companies. These initiatives help ensure better inventory management, quicker ac-
NHCX: Agame changer for healthcare financing in 2025
The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) is set to redefine healthcare financing in India in 2025. As a centralised, single-window platform connecting hospitals and insurers, NHCX streamlines the health insurance claims process, making it more transparent, efficient, and patient-focused.
By simplifying claim submissions and accelerating reimbursements, NHCX addresses long-standing challenges in the sector. Hospitals benefit from faster cash flows and reduced administrative burdens, while insurers can leverage streamlined operations and improved fraud prevention mechanisms. Most importantly, patients will gain quicker access to quality healthcare, alleviating financial stress and ensuring timely treatment.
Beyond operational improvements, NHCX marks a transformative shift towards data-driven healthcare. Its focus on interoperability and real-time data exchange will enable stakeholders to derive actionable insights, shape innovative policies, and foster greater trust across the ecosystem. This evolution
Sahil Lakshmanan,Chief Business Officer, CarePal Money
not only enhances efficiency but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and resilient healthcare system.
cess to medicines, and, ultimately, improved health outcomes across the nation. While government programs like PM-JAY under Ayushman Bharat are expanding healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations, private financial solutions are filling critical gaps in affordability and accessibility. This ensures that more people get access to quality care.By fostering innovation, improving financial access, and supporting the growth of healthcare infrastructure, the financial sector is helping create a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare ecosystem. This growing synergy between healthcare and finance is setting the stage for a healthier and more resilient India by 2025.
Trend towards comprehensive health coverage is expected to accelerate
Group health insurance is increasingly becoming a vital aspect of employee benefits packages, with 2024 witnessing significant innovation in this sector. Companies are now prioritising holistic employee well-being, recognising the direct correlation between employee health and productivity. This has resulted in an e xpansion of coverage to include physical, mental, and emotional health support.
Technology has been instrumental in transforming how group health insurance operates. AI-driven tools are streamlining claim settlements, reducing processing time from weeks to mere days. Similarly, predictive analytics helps insurers design more effective policies by understanding workforce demographics and health trends.
As we approach 2025, this trend towards personalisation and compre-
hensive health coverage is expected to accelerate, benefiting both employees and employers.
Soumya Arora,Sr.Vice President, LoanTap
Sajja Praveen Chowdary,Director, Policybazaar for Business
Stronger regulatorysupport and an influxof newproducts and players
2024 has been a landmark year for the health insurance industry, marked by transformative regulatory reforms and a sharper focus on consumercentricity. From enabling ‘Cashless Anywhere’ and thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses to simplifying claims processes and enhancing transparency, these changes have significantly improved consumer trust in health insurance. The reduction in the moratorium period from 8 to 5 years and the pre-existing disease waiting period from 4 to 3 years has further strengthened the industry’s commitment to consumers. Initiatives like these continue to make health insurance more inclusive for the senior citizen segment. With more modular products entering the market, we can expect a similar pace of product innovation in 2025 too. As we step into the new year, we anticipate this momentum driven by stronger regula-
tory support and an influx of new products and players, all of which promise to make health insurance more accessible, affordable and transparent for every segment of society.
HOSPITALINFRASTRUCTURE
The healthcare industrywill continue to require infrastructure that is flexible
As 2025 approaches, the healthcare industry is going through a paradigm transition brought on by changing patient demands, technological breakthroughs, and an increased emphasis on sustainability. The real estate infrastructure at the center of this change is essential to the development of environments that improve patient comfort, foster medical innovation, and raise the standard of care.
The healthcare industry will continue to require infrastructure that is flexible, future-proof, and sensitive to issues in global health as we go forward. Real estate infrastructure can be a key component of a healthier, more just future by emphasising patient-centric design, adopting technology, and making a commitment to sustainability.
Health insurance landscape in India will be transformed by digitisation
In 2025, the health insurance landscape in India will be transformed by digitisation through initiatives like ABHA cards, the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), and seamless KYC integration. These technologies will streamline claims processing, drastically reduce turnaround times, and ensure greater transparency at every step. By empowering consumers with control over their health data and enabling real-time verification, these innovations will make health insurance not just more efficient, but also fairer and more trustworthy. This shift is poised to redefine consumer confidence, making health insurance a truly indispensable safety net for millions.
Growth driven byrising chronic diseases,incomes,and a growing middle class
The disparity in the distribution of healthcare facilities presents an opportunity for expansion and newer business models to evolve. Implementing technologies such as AI, genetic testing, robotic surgery, digital OPD, remote care solutions, smart labs, and 3D printing are crucial for enhancing patient care and driving revenue generation and operational efficiencies for hospitals. It is crucial to address barriers to technology adoption and resolve infrastructural gaps across the healthcare ecosystem. There is a need for innovative insurance models that can bridge the gap and provide health insurance coverage to the "missing middle". Looking ahead to 2025, India’s hospital infrastructure sector is set for growth, driven by rising chronic diseases, incomes, and a growing middle class. However, challenges like uneven facility distribution,
technology barriers, and financing issues persist. Embracing innovation and technology can address these gaps, enabling inclusive growth and better healthcare outcomes.
Pankaj Nawani,CEO,CarePal Secure
Garima Malhotra,Associate Partner, Healthcare and Lifesciences,Praxis Global Alliance
Revolutionising dialysis care with patient-centric infrastructure design
The landscape of dialysis treatment is undergoing a transformative shift, prioritising patient experience and technological innovation to create a more holistic, compassionate approach to dialysis care. This revolution is characterised by three key innovations that are reshaping how patients experience and interact with dialysis treatments.
Standalone dialysis centres are emerging as a game-changing model within patient care. Unlike traditional hospital-based settings that often evoke anxiety, these centres are designed to feel more like welcoming community spaces.
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising patient engagement and care management through intelligent query resolution systems.
The integration of patient-centric design, comfortable infrastructure, and cutting-edge AI technologies
HEALTHCARE IT
Vikram Vuppala,Founder and CEO, NephroPlus
Standalone
dialysis centres are emerging as a game-changing model within patient care.Unlike traditional hospital-based settings that often evoke anxiety,these centres are designed to feel more like welcoming community spaces
represents a holistic approach to dialysis care. By focusing on patient experience, comfort, and technological innovation, these developments are not just improving medical treatment but fundamentally reimagining how patients
perceive and interact with healthcare services.
This patient-first model promises to transform dialysis from a clinical necessity to a compassionate, personalised health management experience.
Integration will be the hallmarkof healthcare ITby2025
Unified digital platforms are emerging, combining diagnostics, teleconsultations, and pharmacy services to provide a seamless patient experience. This holistic approach simplifies care delivery, reduces redundancies, and fosters a connected healthcare ecosystem that prioritises efficiency and convenience. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, addressing challenges while leveraging innovations will be key to building a future that benefits patients, providers, and policymakers alike.
The digital transformation of healthcare continues to enhance its accessibility and inclusivity. Telemedicine has become a staple, integrating real-time diagnostics and wearable devices powered by the Internet of Things (IoT). Remote monitoring of chronic conditions and mobile health applications empower individuals to manage their physical and mental health independently.
As we step into 2025, the healthcare industry is undergoing unprecedented changes. The convergence of technology, innovation, and sustainability is shaping a future where healthcare is more personalised, efficient, and accessible. By embracing these trends, we are not only improving patient care but also redefining the very foundation of global health.
Vineet Mehta,Co-Founder & CTO, Alyve Health
Dr Simon Grant,Physician and Trustee, RubyHall Clinic,Pune
Health ITwill increasinglyfocus on patient-centric solutions
In 2025, the emphasis on using big data to predict, and prevent severe health conditions will become even more pronounced, enabling personalised and proactive care.
Interoperability will be a critical focus, allowing seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems. This will enhance coordination and continuity of care, reducing redundancies and improving patient outcomes. The aim is to bridge gaps in patient information, ensuring that vital health data is accessible across various platforms and care providers.
Governments will tighten compliance standards
Zero-trust frameworks, which require continuous verification of users and devices, will gain widespread adoption to mitigate insider threats and unauthorised access. Governments and healthcare regulators will tighten compliance standards like HIPAA and GDPR, emphasising proactive measures, incident response preparedness, and accountability for breaches. In 2025, more healthcare organisations will adopt quantum-safe cryptography to future-proof patient data and communications.
More companies investing in integrating the power of AI in their digital solutions
2025 will be an interesting year, as we see more companies investing in integrating the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their digital solutions. AI will also play a key role in data security, and this will be a key factor for compliance and adoption of the digital systems by consumers. In a study published by Deloitte in December 2024, Leaders in the US Healthcare industry indicated that the trends that would influence
AI will also play a key role in data security, and this will be a key factor for compliance and adoption of the digital systems by consumers
their actions in 2025 are digital transformation and investment in technologies like AI, unlimited reality and dig-
ital twins. Regulatory compliance strategies remain high on their list of priorities.
India’s medtech sector is poised for transformative growth in 2025 Integration of IoTand AI in health monitoring tools
India’s medtech and diagnostics sector is poised for transformative growth in 2025, driven by demand, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to accessibility. With advancements in AI, pointof-care testing, wearables, genomics, and digital health ecosystems, India is building a robust foundation for modern healthcare delivery. These technologies are enhancing early diagnosis and treatment while empowering patients through preventive care and real-time health monitoring, particularly in underserved areas.
India must prioritise investments in research, upskilling healthcare professionals, and creating an environment for public-private partnerships to thrive. Strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and the government will be critical to addressing healthcare challenges and ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge solutions. All solutions must be planned and rolled out with a focus on sustainability, technological integration, and equitable healthcare. The convergence of global best practices with local ingenuity will enable India to not only
TanazBuhariwalla,Director - South Asia, IDAIreland
address its healthcare needs but also set a global benchmark for emerging economies. By embracing innovation and collaboration, India has the potential to ensure a healthier, more accessible future for its 1.4 billion citizens while contributing to the global medtech ecosystem.
From smart blood pressure monitors to glucose trackers, these innovations are empowering consumers to take control of their health. Regulatory landscapes are also evolving, with a focus on patient safety and product efficacy.
Meeting stringent global quality standards has become paramount for companies to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and international markets. The path forward is not without hurdles. The pharmaceutical sector faces escalating raw material costs, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the need for continuous R&D investments to keep pace with emerging diseases.
For medical devices, ensuring affordability while adhering to highquality standards remains a key challenge. Additionally, the rapid technological evolution in devices necessitates continuous upskilling of healthcare professionals and endusers for effective adoption.
Future of healthcare lies not onlyin curing but in caring
The growing adoption of smart, connected, portable and wearables devices, combined with advancements in digital biomarkers, will empower patients and healthcare providers to monitor and manage conditions in real time.
This extends care beyond traditional settings and enables a mind shift toward p rev ention and more value-based healthcare.
With the rise in chronic diseases and aging populations worldwide, the global home medical devices market is likely to surpass approximately US$ 312 billion by 2032.
As we embrace these technological shifts, the healthcare industry's evolution from a product-focused to a service-centric value proposition is a testament to its commitment
Atul Kurani,VP,Global Health Medical Practice & IoT,Capgemini Engineering, India
As we embrace these technological shifts,the healthcare industry's evolution from a product-focused to a service-centric value proposition is a testament to its commitment to delivering better health outcomes
to delivering better health outcomes.
The future of healthcare lies not
only in curing but in caring, creating a sustainable, patient-centric ecosystem driven by innovat ion and compassion.
Sushil Siri,Chairman and Managing Director,Morepen Labs
Innovative government initiatives focused on qualityand accessibility
In 2024, India’s healthcare sector underwent a significant transformation, driven by innovative government initiatives focused on quality and accessibility. The expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY now extends coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above, ensuring inclusive healthcare access. Meanwhile, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) achieved remarkable milestones, gen-
DIAGNOSTICS
erating over 71 crore health accounts and linking 45.99 crore health records, thereby advancing healthcare delivery through digital integration.
The government’s emphasis on quality in healthcare has cultivated an ecosystem that prioritises patient safety, innovation, and efficiency.
By enhancing healthcare infrastructure and maintaining high stan-
dards, these initiatives have not only improved public health outcomes but also fostered sustainable growth in the healthcare sector, benefiting citizens and the economy alike.
As we move towards 2025, these efforts provide a robust foundation for India’s healthcare transformation, paving the way for unprecedented advancements in patient care and healthcare inn ovation.
In 2025,the industrywill witness innovations
genomics,multi-omics,and
Arise in specialised testing will tailor to emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, and cancer diagnostics. Procedures like next-generation sequencing (NGS), molecular profiling, and liquid biopsies will continue to revolutionise cancer care, facilitating early detection and personalised treatment plans. Community-based screening programs and targeted early detection initiatives will also expand, especially in addressing non-
like
molecular diagnostics
communicable diseases (NCDs). Additionally, digital solutions will transform diagnostics, turning operational data into actionable insights that enhance both business performance and patient outcomes.
As healthcare gaps continue, the expansion of high-quality and affordable diagnostics into tier 2 and tier 3 cities will be critical. Inn ovative business models focusing on value-based care, combined with deeper insurance integration, will play an important role in enhancing accessibility. The
sector will also see increased adoption of consolidated networks through mergers and acquisitions, addressing fragmentation and ensuring consistent quality.
The rise of advanced supply chain technologies, such as real-time tracking and smart consumables, will foster operational excellence. Moreover, policy interventions, such as rationalising import tariffs and reducing GST on diagnostic equipment, will fuel innovation and affordability.
Continued advancements in genetic research and population genomics
Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate continued advancements in genetic research and population genomics, with more nations prioritising the collection of genetic data to better understand health trends and develop personalised healthcare solutions.
In India, where the burden of can-
cer and Tuberculosis (TB) is rising, innovative technologies like liquid biopsy for cancer detection and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) based TB testing offer transformative potential for improving diagnosis and timely treatment. Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive alternative to traditional tumor biopsies, presents a groundbreaking
solution for early cancer detection and continuous monitoring. By detecting tumor-related genetic material in blood, it can enable earlier identification of cancers, even in high-risk or difficult-to-reach patients. This approach is particularly promising for cases where traditional biopsies may be challenging, risky, or impractical.
Mandeep Singh Kumar,Vice President & Managing Director,Medtronic India
Surajit Chakrabartty,CFO, MedGenome
Surendran Chemmenkotil,CEO, Metropolis Healthcare
Despite the progress,the sector faces hurdles that need to be tackled head-on
One of the primary challenges is ensuring data security in an era where diagnostics heavily depend on AI and data-driven systems. Protecting patient confidentiality while utilising anonymised data to refine algorithms is crucial to maintain trust and improve outcomes.Another challenge is the gap in skilled personnel capable of managing advanced diag-
nostic technologies and interpreting complex results. Bridging this gap requires collaboration between technology providers, healthcare institutions, and policymakers to develop training programs that empower medical professionals to fully harness the potential of these tools.Beyond addressing these challenges, the future of diagnostics lies in a shift from reactive to
preventive care. By focusing on early detection, the healthcare industry can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. Advanced diagnostic systems are already playing a pivotal role in identifying these conditions at their nascent stages, enabling timely intervention and better health outcomes.
Dr Bilal Thangal TM, Medical Lead,NURA
INTERVIEW
Data-driven healthcare can transform India’s medical landscape
Dr Sharan Shivraj Patil ,Chairman and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sparsh Hospitals sheds light on the benefits of 3D printing and robotic tech for orthopaedic surgeries,and his long-term visions for the healthcare sector in an interview with Kavita Jani
What are the current areas in healthcare that you think require focus?
At a larger level, preventive health care needs a lot of focus. A lot of what we see as doctors every day can be prevented. So preventive education, hygiene, and such bigger areas that can impact the health of the population need a huge amount of focus. In my view, the only people who can do this is the government. I think they are the only people who have the bandwidth and ability to address this situation so that we have healthier babies, a healthier control of infectious diseases and so many other things which are related to hygiene and the ecosystem we live in.
In lines of preventive health care, what are the long-term visions for the healthcare industry that you recommend?
Addressing what is obvious, clean drinking water and cleaning/draining stagnated water that prevents the seasonal breakouts of dengue, all such areas need immediate focus. Conditions are improving, but basic facilities like the availability of clean water and toilets still need improvement. Vaccination is another significant area through which we can implement preventative care. India is fantastic at doing this already, however, it needs to be more focused and at an addressable scale
Additionally, the Indian healthcare system must focus on capturing data. Currently, we cannot roll out precise
treatment programs because we lack data. A digital health invested India will be a great India as the data can be quite valuable given India’s population size, diversity and geographical and seasonal variations.
What are expansion plans for Sparsh hospitals if there are any and are there any plans exclusively for tier two or tier three cities?
We are expanding in Bengaluru city with tertiary care hospitals. We have two more tertiary care hospitals coming up soon. Secondly, we are also investing heavily in R&D to find solutions to larger problems with better intervention. We are focused on reaching out to tier two, and tier three through technology. We are going to do a lot of prototyping for that. We want to have a proof of concept of how we can reach these remote places through technology and give them the same quality of services as what’s given in hospitals. That's a work in progress. We need a certain scale and volume to be able to look into these things intensely and I believe the one-word answer for that is technology. Our final game is to have a more equitable healthcare delivery which is the same quality across the geographies.
What role will the integration of 3D printing and robotic tech play in the future of orthopaedic care and surgery?
3D printing is a great technology which has been around for a while. How well
3D printing improves our ability to strategise before we take patients up for surgery in an extremely precise manner.We can 3D print an orthopaedic situation to obtain a more defined model to see what is the best way to approach it
INTERVIEW
it's adapted in healthcare was the question but I think it's come of age now, and now we can use it in-house for the first time. 3D printing improves our ability to strategise before we take patients up for surgery in an extremely precise manner. We can 3D print an orthopaedic situation to obtain a more defined model to see what is the best way to approach it.
As a senior surgeon I can operate in one operation theatre at a time and it'll take an hour and a half for me before I go to my next case. On a good day, I could do about five surgeries, however, with robotic assistance, I can come up with a plan for three or five operation theatres to run simultaneously. Once the planning is done by a senior surgeon like me, the execution can be done by a robot hand held by a young surgeon or technician. Technology takes over the main role and takes away the stress of executing it precisely. As long as it consistently performs, there are always people who overlook the procedure.
What is very exciting for me is that this can allow younger people to execute the solutions as precisely as an experienced surgeon. Because the world has no time for people to have 30 years of experience before they can do a consistently good job. If the planning is done through consulting seniors, mid-level, and juniors, and execution is done by robots with technical inputs then we can give
I think the technology cost keeps on decreasing as the numbers increase and scale increases.When we started robotic surgery it was a huge capex investment now it's come down to opex so in every case you do it comes down
consistent results to the population in the community. Additionally, why should anybody be subjected to somebody's poor form of that day? I can guarantee you the same surgeon doesn't give you the same kind of precision across 10 surgeries.
This I think is a huge stride as medical errors take a big toll on the health of the community. Therefore, the switch between skilled execution and man-made experience-based execution to a robotic-based execution is the future. It's not a perfect science. Getting closer to perfection is the game.
How can the AR-VR data that's being collected right now aid and improve the scope of research in this field, especially for cancer treatments and any underresearched areas?
There are innumerable problems, several investigations and several solutions. So what data does is that it gives us the best possible outcomes for the best decisions made with the data presented. Over time, consistently gathering data
will develop algorithms that can provide better and unvarying outcomes, free from human bias or wavering thoughts.
Evidence-based solutions could be sponsored so for me, even that is a diluted strategy.
In Israel, a conference revealed advanced data collection on citizens' health, including DNA mapping. This data allows the prediction of health risks, such as heart attacks. For instance, an ambulance crew can inform you of a predicted heart attack based on comprehensive data analysis of your lifestyle and health history.
In robotic surgery, data from CT scans and outcomes are meticulously recorded, enabling scalable precision medicine across multiple hospitals. This extensive data collection allows algorithms to predict successful outcomes and can train AI to replicate experienced doctors' decisions, drastically increasing healthcare accessibility and lowering costs.
AI can encapsulate medical expertise, transforming traditional consultations into
efficient, affordable care, allowing more time for actual procedures while providing comprehensive advice for patients. This highlights the power of data and technology in revolutionising healthcare delivery.
How can such personalised medical solutions benefit the patient?
Personalised medical science is very important because every one of us has different needs and requirements. The surgery I perform on a labourer is very different from a surgery I do for a desk worker because the desk worker's lifestyle is different from a labourer's. In this way, there are many customisations by profession and physical stature, so the ‘one size fits all’ philosophy doesn't work here. An individual’s height, weight, lifestyle, DNA, general health and many other factors lead to the necessity of customisation. We cannot be dishing out the same solution for everybody. Through this difference, in the future, we aim to get the best outcomes of medical science.
What is the estimated cost of a robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery and how can it become more cost-effective to increase accessibility?
I think the technology cost keeps on decreasing as the numbers increase and scale increases. When we started robotic surgery it was a huge capex investment now it's come down to opex so in every case you do it comes down. The cost has now become onethird from when we started. More usage will make the technology cheaper with the added benefits of it being error-free, precise, and customised and result in fewer complications and that itself on a larger scale is a big saving.
Is the hospital planning to scale these innovations across other specialities? Fluorescent technology is hugely used in tumour and cancer science. All the technologies are agnostic to the speciality which is why I wanted to implement it inhouse allowing my clinicians across specialities to innovate. There are already use case scenarios in every speciality but it'll only get better and that's where we want to have leadership because we are going to do it in-house and marry technology to clinical science in a seamless way so that we can innovate every day.
kavita.jani@expressindia.com
STRATEGY
Bridging care and cure: Addressing palliative care needs in India
As chronic diseases rise and an ageing population reshapes India's healthcare needs,addressing gaps in palliative care access,awareness,and innovation is an urgent priority
Neha Aathavale Mumbai
India’s identity as a youthdriven nation is gradually giving way to a new reality.
Alongside a rising prevalence of advanced cancers—over 1 million new cases each year, with more than 80 per cent diagnosed at stages III and IV— United Nations Population Fund, India's 2023 India Ageing Report projected that the population of people aged 80+ years will grow at a rate of around 279 per cent between 2022 and 2050.These sobering statistics reveal a rising tide of vulnerability, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive palliative care.
As healthcare evolves, the critical question remains: Will India rise to ensure well-being that extends beyond the quest for cures, addressing the deeper, broader needs of an ageing population and those facing life-limiting conditions?
Arising need for palliative care
“With more and more people having longer life spans and younger families opting for limited family sizes with fewer children, India is headed towards an inverted population pyramid in the coming few decades,” highlights Dr Saipriya Tewari, ConsultantPain Medicine, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi.
The rising p revalence of chronic and life-limiting conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases has placed significant strain on India’s healthcare system.
Anurag Mishra, Head of Cipla Foundation, emphasises the critical gap between urban and rural regions in terms of palliative care access, stating,
“The challenges differ greatly between urban and rural regions, where disparities in access and resources remain evident, especially regarding palliative care services. Rural areas often lack access, awareness, and understanding of palliative care, besides limited facilities to cater to the needs of patients.”
Dr Parag Afuwale,Physician, Romila Palliative Center, SNEHA Foundation further paints the real picture of the current landscape, stating, “There is a skewed distribution of palliative care services between urban and rural areas of India. There are 847 palliative care centers in India, with 526
With more and more people having longer life spans and younger families opting for limited family sizes with fewer children,India is headed towards an inverted population pyramid in the coming few decades
Dr Saipriya Tewari Consultant - Pain Medicine, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi
India lacks palliative care services. Only 1 per cent of our population have access to palliative care.The rising prevalence of NCDs in India has led to a greater demand for palliative care and pain management
Dr Parag Afuwale Physician, Romila Palliative Center, SNEHAFoundation
of them active. This is about 4 centers per 10 million people in the country. There are very few centers available in rural areas, and the need is huge.”
"India lacks palliative care services. Only 1 per cent of our population have access to palliative care. The rising prevalence of NCDs in India has led to a greater demand for palliative care and pain management," he points.
In this backdrop, palliative care emerges not only as a necessity but as a vital component of the healthcare continuum. Dr Sonal Goyal, Consultant in Pain and Palliative Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai,
underscores the role of palliative care in India’s cultural context, “Palliative care prioritises enhancing the quality of life for individuals grappling with severe illnesses while also offering support to their families. In India, a nation marked by its rich cultural diversity, palliative care integrates international standards with approaches tailored to local practices. This includes recognising family dynamics, honoring cultural traditions, and valuing traditional healthcare modalities.”
The integration of palliative care into India’s healthcare landscape was given a significant boost through the Na-
tional Health Policy of 2017, which acknowledged its importance. Moreover, a pivotal amendment to the legal framework in 2014 facilitated greater access to essential pain-relief medications such as morphine, often seen as a cornerstone in managing severe pain.
Dr Goyal elaborates on the key aspects of palliative care that have evolved in India, stating, “Symptom management, holistic care, cultural competence, community engagement, cost-effective solutions, and compassionate end-of-life support have become essential components of our approach.”
Challenges in accessing pain management medications
However, despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in accessing pain management medications. Dr Goyal notes, “Doctors in India face several challenges in accessing pain-relief medications, especially opioids like morphine. These include regulatory barriers, limited accessibility, and sociocultural stigma surrounding opioid use.”
Regulatory complexity remains a major hurdle. Though, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was amended in 2014 to simplify opioid access, it still creates cumbersome paperwork and licensing norms, leaving many healthcare providers hesitant to stock or prescribe these essential medications.
Dr Goyal elaborates, “Many institutions refrain from maintaining stocks of opioids due to complicated paperwork requirements and licensing norms. Physicians and pharmacists exhibit reluctance toward prescribing or distributing opioids out of concern
STRATEGY
regarding potential legal repercussions.”
Adding onto it, Dr Tewari states, “Much needs to be done. Systemic barriers such as gaps in healthcare infrastructure, inadequate integration of pain management into primary care, supply chain issues, and fear of legal repercussions, combined with tedious recordkeeping and misconceptions about narcotic use, are a few of the challenges that prevent judicious usage of these medications."
Sociocultural stigma also continues to play a role. Dr Goyal explains, “Patients and their families fear addiction or dependence when they are given opioids, contributing to the reluctance in prescribing these medications.”
In addition to regulatory barriers, there is a lack of healthcare professionals trained in pain management.
Dr Goyal highlights the shortage of specialists qualified in pain relief, stating, “The healthcare system has few specialists who are qualified in pain management and authorised to prescribe opioids, leading to underutilisation of these critical medications.”
Bridging the gap with improved skills and training
Addressing these gaps requires a focus on enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals. Dr Goyal notes, “Many healthcare professionals face significant challenges in providing effective palliative care due to skill gaps. They often lack proper training to manage complex symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, breathlessness, and nausea. Effective use of opioids for pain relief is another challenge, as many professionals are unfamiliar with safe prescribing practices and fear addiction or legal issues.”
The need for improved communication skills is also evident. Dr Goyal adds, “Communication skills, such as breaking bad news and offering empathetic support to patients and families, are underdeveloped. Addressing psychological and emotional issues like anxiety, depression, is another area where expertise is often missing.”
“The shift from ‘cure’ to ‘care’ requires empathetic communication, holistic symptom management, judicious use of narcotics for pain management, end-of-life care expertise, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Extensive awareness and training programs are essential to effectively bridge these skill gaps,” highlights Tewari.
“The lack of trained professionals in palliative care is a big concern. Decentralised training facilities and incorporating this subject into medical education can assist in addressing this issue,” adds Dr Afuwale.
In addition to these, Dr Mishra highlights the role of cultural sensitivities and empathy, which remain largely underdeveloped, “Healthcare professionals need to be trained not only in advanced clinical skills like pain and symptom management but also in empathy, cultural sensitivities, and communication to offer comprehensive support, including counselling for caregivers and other protocols related to lifelimiting illnesses.”
Dr Goyal points out the
Doctors in India face several challenges in accessing pain-relief medications, especially opioids like morphine.These include regulatory barriers,limited accessibility,and sociocultural stigma surrounding opioid use
Dr Sonal Goyal
Consultant in Pain and Palliative Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital,Mumbai
Healthcare professionals need to be trained not only in advanced clinical skills like pain and symptom management but also in empathy, cultural sensitivities,and communication to offer comprehensive support, including counselling for caregivers and other protocols related to life-limiting illnesses
Anurag
Mishra Head of Cipla Foundation
need for more interdisciplinary collaboration, stating, “Very few professionals are trained in advance end-of-life care, which is essential for helping patients and families to make informed decisions. Collaboration within interdisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors is limited, as is knowledge of when to refer cases to other specialists like pain physicians.”
Dr Mishra further emphasises the importance of technical skills in advanced pain management and home-based care, which are crucial for palliative care, “Technical skills in advanced pain management and training for home-based care are rare, even though these are crucial for palliative care.”
The role of AI in palliative care
Amid these challenges, AI has emerged as a transformative tool in palliative care, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. Dr Goyal explains, “AI algorithms analyse patients’ data such as medical history, genetic information, symptoms, and treatment outcomes to
predict how diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or chronic illnesses may progress. This enables healthcare providers to anticipate disease trajectories and implement proactive interventions.”
On the other hand, Dr Afuwale opines, “In palliative care, the most important thing is communication. It is important that you not only see the patient but also have a person who talks to them. Empathy plays a key role in your communication, and I am unsure how empathetic AI can be.” “A doctor or a caretaker being physically present and supporting their patient makes a big difference in their health and care,” he adds.
Dr Tewari takes a balanced view, “AI may also help improve communication among healthcare teams and caregivers and enable remote monitoring for timely interventions. However, challenges related to data quality, privacy, ethics, and accessibility must be addressed for optimal implementation. In my experience, we have a long way to go before we can tap the power of AI for better palliative
care delivery and options.” AIpowered platforms collect realtime data on symptoms like pain, fatigue, or breathlessness, offering personalised recommendations to manage symptoms more effectively. Dr Goyal further highlights, “AI plays a crucial role in risk stratification by identifying patients at higher risk of rapid disease progression or complications, enabling timely interventions and reducing unnecessary hospital visits.”
Furthermore, AI enhances communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring that care goals align with patient preferences and offering better emotional support. Dr Goyal adds, “By integrating AI into palliative care, a more holistic approach is developed for managing chronic and life-limiting conditions, leading to improved patient outcomes.”
Public
vs.private healthcare facilities in palliative
care
Dr Afuwale explains, "In the public health sector, palliative care is provided as a service, but there are a large number of patients that come for these facilities. The public sector needs to ensure staffing, training, and a budget for the same. In a few states like Kerala, there is integration of these services. In the private sector, the model is mostly profit-oriented. If patients are willing to pay for palliative care, they are in a position to offer such services, but beds allocated for palliative care are difficult to come by. Integration of both public and private sectors can bridge gaps in palliative care services, and growing public-private partnership centers will ensure quality palliative care services."
Incentives for specialisation in palliative care
To encourage more healthcare professionals to specialise in palliative care, several incentives must be explored. Dr Goyal advocates for financial incentives, including loan forgiveness programs and scholarships, as well as competitive salaries to attract professionals to this field. “Implementing
STRATEGY
loan forgiveness programs or scholarships could alleviate financial obstacles, while offering competitive salaries for palliative care specialists may attract individuals to this field,” she says.
Dr Mishra emphasises the importance of career advancement pathways, “Establishing clear routes for career progression—such as leadership positions or specialisation certifications—can inspire more professionals to enter palliative care.”
Dr Goyal also stresses the role of specialised training and continuing medical education (CME), which ensures healthcare practitioners are wellequipped to manage complex cases proficiently. “Providing adequate training ensures that healthcare practitioners are well-equipped to manage intricate cases proficiently,” she says.
Dr Mishra further highlights the need for flexible work arrangements, emotional support, and government backing, including funds and grants, to enhance the viability of pursuing specialisations like palliative care.
Dr Tewari adds, “Palliative care is a philosophy that all practising medical profession-
als should imbibe. However, there is very limited structured training in palliative care in our country. A handful of esteemed healthcare institutions have only recently started structured MD programs in palliative care. Having more structured education and a greater number of seats would be a good starting point to motivate more students to opt for palliative medicine. Also, many doctors practising palliative care, especially at the grassroots level, often feel financially under-compensated. The psychological toll of dealing with death daily is also something that needs to be addressed.”
The Ayushman Bharat benefit
One of the positive developments in India’s healthcare landscape is the introduction of the Rs 5 lakh benefit under Ayushman Bharat, aimed at providing financial assistance for senior citizens.
Dr Mishra explains, “The Rs 5 lakh benefit can greatly improve access to essential palliative care, ensuring seniors receive compassionate and complete support as they age.”
He adds, “Financial assistance can help cover the costs
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of palliative care medications, consultations, therapies, and home-based care, which can be expensive. With this benefit, more senior citizens, especially those in rural and underserved areas, will have access to specialised palliative care, reducing financial barriers.”
Dr Goyal agrees, emphasising, “With financial assistance, seniors can receive comprehensive palliative care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being, enhancing their quality of life.”
Dr Tewari adds, “By alleviating some of these financial challenges, Ayushman Bharat empowers elderly individuals to seek the medical attention they need without worrying about the economic impact on their loved ones. However, palliative care is not a very expensive medical care. It just needs well-trained doctors, the availability of basic necessary medications, and guidance to patients in the right direction."
Assisted dying: Ethical debate
Amid these discussions, assisted dying remains a contentious issue. Dr Goyal acknowledges the challenges, stating, “Assisted dying, encom-
passing both physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia, remains a contentious issue across the globe. In India, several challenges hinder the adoption of such practices.”
Legal constraints, ethical dilemmas, cultural and religious values, and the risk of exploitation all contribute to the resistance surrounding assisted dying. Dr Goyal explains, “Currently, assisted dying is prohibited in India, with the exception of passive euthanasia allowed under strict guidelines established by the Supreme Court in 2018. Active euthanasia and assisted suicide are not sanctioned.”
She continues, “A significant number of healthcare professionals and policymakers advocate for the sanctity of life, considering any intentional act aimed at terminating life as ethically inappropriate. Additionally, there are valid concerns regarding possible exploitation or coercion in these scenarios.”
Cultural and religious values also play a significant role, with Dr Goyal noting, “India’s rich tapestry of cultural traditions elevates the value placed on life, rendering the concept of assisted dying morally indefensible to many.”
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Dr Mishra echoes these sentiments, emphasising, “In India, the cultural and religious significance of life can sometimes make assisted dying unpalatable. Religious beliefs, a sense of duty towards family members, and the collective ethos of caregiving often conflict with such practices.”
Apath forward
As India grapples with the rising burden of chronic illnesses and an ageing population, the need for palliative care becomes more pressing. While challenges remain, particularly in access, training, and societal acceptance, there is hope. Organisations like Cipla Foundation are leading efforts to bridge these gaps, and AI technology is emerging as a crucial tool to enhance care.
Dr Goyal concludes, “India is not a country without hope. The focus should instead be on improving palliative care to provide comfort to those at the end of life. With the right policies, training, and support, we can ensure that every individual receives the compassionate care they deserve.”
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HEALTHCARE TREND
Lupin acquires Huminsulin from Lillyto enhance diabetes portfolio
The Huminsulin range of products is indicated for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve blood sugar control in both adults and children
Lupin has announced has the acquisition of Huminsulin in India from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to further enhance its diabetes portfolio. Lupin has been marketing the Huminsulin range of products comprising of Insulin Human, including Huminsulin R, Huminsulin NPH, Huminsulin 50/50, and Huminsulin 30/70, through existing Distribution and Promotion Agreements with Lilly, India. The Huminsulin range of products is indicated for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve blood sugar control in both adults and children. Insulin treatment is the cornerstone of type 1 diabetes management and often becomes necessary over time in type 2 diabetes as the disease progresses.
There is a significant Indian population affected with diabetes for both type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,where insulin human is prescribed for management along with other concomitant therapies
There is a significant Indian population affected with diabetes for both type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, where insulin human is prescribed for management along with other concomitant therapies.
Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin said, “This acquisition is strategic to our ongoing efforts to expandour diabetes portfolioand provide high-quality, affordable health
care to our patients. It reinforces our unwavering commitment to combating diabetes and providing comprehensive care.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Rajeev Sibal, President –India Region Formulations, Lupin said, “Lupin has been at the forefront of providing holistic diabetes care to patients. This acquisition further strengthens our diabetes portfolio and enables us to offer a broad range of human insulin options to millions of patients, thereby helping them lead healthier lives.”
The ambition with AI innovation hub: For India,and the world
AIIMS
Delhi has signed an MoU with Wipro GE Healthcare to establish ‘AI Health Innovations Hub'
“The future of healthcare in India will be driven by technology with AI at the heart of innovation to enable predictive, personalised, and preventive care at scale,” said Chaitanya Sarawate, Managing Director, Wipro GE Healthcare South Asia in a recent statement announcing the MoU between All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and Wipro GE Healthcare to establish the AI Health Innovations Hub.
From augmenting basic human abilities to deciphering complex data, enabling personalised, ubiquitous, and preventive care, today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative force in healthcare. We are at a pivotal point in India’s healthcare system where medical breakthroughs and technological innovations are converging to enable access to quality care. And AI is leading this transformation.
The new hub will focus on the development of products and solutions that have potential to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes through more precise diagnosis, innovative treatment protocols, and real-time patient data tracking.
The new hub will focus on the development of products and solutions that have potential to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes through more precise diagnosis,innovative treatment protocols,and real-time patient data tracking
As clinical partner for the hub, AIIMS will provide multimodal clinical inputs, and function as a real-world clinical environment for evaluation, feedback, and deployment of GE HealthCare’s AI-enabled solutions. A joint working committee from both organisations will oversee the collaboration, which will include clinical research and academic engagement. As the technology partner, Wipro GE Healthcare will invest around $1 million over the next five years to co-develop, test, & deploy intelligent systems and workflow solutions in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
The partnership comes at a time when AI technology could potentially boost India’s healthcare GDP by $25–30 billion by 2025. AI Health Innovations hub is a strategic step in this direction.
“This partnership with Wipro GE Healthcare holds strategic value and is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat through advanced healthcare. As an institution, AIIMS has been committed to advancing healthcare through clinical research and practical applications to improve patient care. With its forward vision of precision care and proven expertise in the field of AI, Wipro GE Healthcare compliments our vision. We are optimistic that with this collaboration we will be able to accelerate the development and validation of advance
medtech and offer more effective care for patients,” said Dr M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi.
“With its transformative vision, diverse patient pool and scale, AIIMS has been at the forefront of redefining care. This collaboration is a strong step forward in developing foundation models for transformative clinical care and applications for India and the world,” said Chaitanya.
AI as catalyst for Indian healthcare: An insight India's healthcare sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, projected to reach an impressive US$ 193.59 billion by the end of 2032. Despite this robust growth trajectory, India’s public healthcare expenditure is only 1.9 per cent of GDP as of 2023-241. Add to this, the
rural-urban divide that stands in the way of accessible healthcare— only 4,413 specialist doctors are available to serve over 21,964 Community Health Centers (CHCs) across rural India. The percentage of elderly population in the country projected to double to over 20 per cent of total population by 2050.i
How will we solve for these challenges in a country home to the world’s largest population?
The answer in a few words –AI-led precision care.
With data-driven actionable insights, medical innovations are now transforming how we predict, diagnose, and treat patients. Using unique data, medtech is able to take a more personalised approach to deliver the right treatments to the right patients at the right time improving patient outcomes, lowering healthcare costs and
reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Into the future with AI AI in healthcare is projected to grow to USD 1.6 billion by 2025, achieving a staggering CAGR of 40.5 per cent from 2020 to 2025. AI-driven precision care integrates four essential components: intelligent workflows, intelligent reconstruction, clinical guidance, and precision care. These pillars enable automated scan planning, highquality imaging with low radiation doses, and advanced data visualisation to provide clinicians with actionable insights.
Supporting this are advanced technologies such as physics-guided deep learning, generative AI (GenAI), and large language models (LLMs) for clinical text analysis. These innovations enable high-resolution imaging, comprehensive data synthesis, and automated reporting, empowering clinicians to make better-informed decisions and reducing the need for repeat scans.
With the combined power of AI technology, clinical expertise, and government initiatives, India is poised to lead a new era of healthcare. One where technology not only bridges gaps but also sets a global benchmark for equitable care.
References
1 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2034937 i https://india.unfpa.org/en /news/india-ageing-report2023-unveils-insights-elderlycare-challenges-and-solutions
Disclaimer: This article is a promotional feature and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Express Healthcare. The content is for information purposes only. Readers must consult a registered medical practitioner.
WhyAmi Polymer Silicone Ophthalmic Products?
Atharwa Mishra,Officer,Ami Polymer Pvt Ltd explains the benefits of company;s Ophthalmic products range
OPHTHALMIC PRODUCTS
When it comes to eye surgeries and treatments, the quality of the materials used can make a significant difference in the outcome. Ophthalmic products such as Silicone Phaco Sleeves, Silicone Blue Tips, medicalgrade silicone tubes for aqueous fluid drainage & scleral buckles (silicone tires), are essential tools in modern eye care. Each of these products is designed to provide the highest level of precision, safety, and
ensures a better fit and seal, enhancing the overall efficiency of the procedure.
Available Size -19G/1.1MM, 20G/0.9MM/ 21G/0.8MM23G /0.8MM
Scleral buckles, commonly known as silicone tires, are used in retinal detachment surgeries. These devices are placed around the sclera (the white part of the eye) to push the detached retina back into place. The use of silicone in these buckles provides a com-
comfort, making them indispensable in ophthalmic procedures.
Silicone Phaco Sleeves are specialised tools used in phacoemulsification, a common procedure for cataract removal. These sleeves encase the phacoemulsification probe, ensuring efficient and smooth removal of the cataract-affected lens. The use of silicone in these sleeves offers numerous benefits, including flexibility,durability, and biocompatibility, which significantly reduces the risk of adverse reactions during surgery. The silicone material also
bination of strength and flexibility, allowing for effective repositioning of the retina without causing undue stress
and control. The blue color improves visibility in the surgical field, making it easier for surgeons to navigate delicate structures within the eye. This precision reduces the risk of complications and improves surgical outcomes.
Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Glaucoma tubes, made from silicone, are implanted to help drain excess
on the eye. The material's biocompatibility ensures minimal risk of inflammation or other complications post-surgery.
Available Size: 276, 277, 279
(Other Size customization also available)
Silicone Blue Tips are crucial in micro-incision surgeries, providing enhanced visibility and precision. These tips, often used in conjunction with other surgical instruments, are made from high-quality silicone, which offers superior flexibility
fluid from the eye, thereby reducing pressure. Silicone is the preferred material for these tubes due to its flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. It ensures that the tubes can function effectively for long periods, providing a reliable solution for managing glaucoma.
1. Biocompatibility Silicone is well-tolerated by human tissues, reducing the risk of inflammation or rejection, making it ideal for medical devices in contact with delicate eye tissues.
2. Precision and Safety: Silicone allows for highly precise instruments, essential in eye surgery, contributing to safer procedures and better outcomes.
3. Minimizing Patient Discomfort: Silicone’s softness and pliability decrease irritation and discomfort, crucial for devices in prolonged contact with eye tissues, like scleral buckles and drainage tubes.
4. Durability and Flexibility: Silicone’s strength and flexibility ensure ophthalmic products withstand surgery and long-term use, conforming to the eye’s shape for enhanced functionality.
Ami Polymer Opthalmic product ?
At Ami Polymer Pvt. Ltd, We are the manufacturer of silicone ophthalmic products. Our dedication to safety, quality, and performance is evident in every aspect of our product development and manufacturing process.
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Srinivas Naidu, Senior Product Manager-Coagulation Marketing,Sysmex talks about the technology,features,and clinical significance of Sysmex coagulation analyzers,highlighting their impact on laboratory medicine and patient care
Introduction
Coagulation testing is a cornerstone of hematology, essential for diagnosing bleeding disorders, monitoring anticoagulation therapy, and guiding surgical procedures. Sysmex Corporation, a global leader in laboratory diagnostics, has developed a range of state-of-the-art coagulation analyzers designed to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of hemostasis testing.
Overviewof Sysmex Corporation
Founded in 1968, Sysmex has established itself as a pioneer in the field of laboratory diagnostics, particularly in hematology and coagulation. The company is dedicated to innovation, focusing on advancing laboratory technologies to improve patient outcomes. Sysmex's coagulation analyzers are recognised for their precision, user-friendly interfaces, and ability to integrate seamlessly with laboratory information systems.
The importance of coagulation testing
Coagulation tests measure the blood's ability to clot, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and thrombosis. Accurate and timely testing is vital for:
1. Diagnosis: Identifying bleeding disorders and coagulopathies.
2. Monitoring therapy: Assessing patients on anticoagulants like warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
3. Surgical planning: Evaluating hemostatic function preand post-surgery. Traditional testing methods, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), can be time-consuming and may in-
volve manual processes that increase the risk of error. Sysmex's analyzers address these challenges by offering automated, efficient solutions.
Keyfeatures of Sysmex coagulation analyzers
Sysmex offers several models of coagulation analyzers, including the CN-3000, CN-6000, CS1600, CS-2400, and CS-2500. Each model incorporates advanced technologies that enhance the testing process:
1. Automation and efficiency: Sysmex analyzers are designed for high-throughput testing, allowing laboratories to process a large volume of samples quickly. Automated sample handling reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizing the risk of errors.
2. Advanced analytical techniques: These analyzers utilise various methodologies, including optical and mechanical detection, to accurately measure clot formation. This allows for precise quantification of clotting factors, leading to reliable test results.
3. User-friendly interface: The intuitive design of Sysmex analyzers enables easy operation, reducing the training time required for laboratory staff. The touchscreen interface and clear displays streamline workflow, making it easier to navigate through testing protocols.
4. Comprehensive testing menu: Sysmex coagulation analyzers can perform a wide range of tests, including PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, and thrombin time, as well as specialised assays for specific conditions. This versatility makes them suitable for diverse clinical settings.
5. Integration with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS): Sysmex analyzers can connect to existing LIS, facilitating seamless data manage-
ment and reporting. This integration enhances workflow efficiency and ensures that clinicians have access to real-time results.
Clinical applications
The clinical applications of Sysmex coagulation analyzers are extensive. They play a crucial role in:
1. Diagnosing coagulation disorders: The accurate measurement of clotting factors aids in diagnosing conditions such as hemophilia, which requires precise identification of factor deficiencies.
2. Monitoring anticoagulation therapy: Patients on anticoagulants must be monitored regularly to ensure therapeutic efficacy while minimising the risk of bleeding. Sysmex analyzers provide timely results, allowing healthcare providers to adjust dosages accordingly.
3. Preoperative assessment: Evaluating a patient’s coagulation status before surgery is essential for preventing perioperative complications. Sysmex analyzers offer rapid results, enabling timely decision-making.
4. Research and development: Sysmex analyzers are also employed in research settings,
where they contribute to studies investigating new therapies and understanding coagulation pathways.
Qualitycontrol and reliability
Quality control is critical in laboratory testing, especially in coagulation, where results can significantly impact patient management. Sysmex analyzers incorporate built-in quality control mechanisms to ensure accuracy:
1. Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring of analyzer performance allows for immediate identification of potential issues, ensuring that results remain reliable.
2. Automated calibration: Regular calibration processes minimise variations in test results, maintaining consistency across different testing sessions.
3. Standardisation: Sysmex adheres to international standards for coagulation testing, ensuring that results are comparable across different laboratories.
Advantages of Sysmex coagulation analyzers
1. Enhanced accuracy: The combination of advanced detection methods and automated processes leads to highly accurate test results, reducing the likelihood of false positives or negatives.
2. Increased efficiency: The high throughput capabilities of Sysmex analyzers enable laboratories to handle increased testing volumes without sacrificing quality.
3. Improved patient care: Rapid and reliable coagulation testing supports timely clinical decision-making, ultimately enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
4. Cost-effectiveness: By
streamlining laboratory processes and reducing errors, Sysmex analyzers can contribute to cost savings for healthcare facilities.
Future directions
The future of Sysmex coagulation analyzers looks promising, with ongoing advancements in technology and integration:
1. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Future analyzers may incorporate AI to enhance data interpretation, predict patient outcomes, and improve diagnostic accuracy.
2. Point-of-care testing: Expanding the capabilities of coagulation testing to point-ofcare settings could further improve patient management, particularly in emergency situations.
3. Expanded assay menu: Continuous research may lead to the development of new assays, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of hemostasis.
Conclusion
Sysmex coagulation analyzers are at the forefront of laboratory diagnostics, offering innovative solutions that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of coagulation testing.
With their advanced features, these analyzers not only improve patient care but also streamline laboratory workflows, ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, Sysmex remains committed to advancing coagulation testing, ensuring that clinicians have the tools necessary to provide optimal patient care. By continually investing in research and development, Sysmex is well-positioned to lead the future of coagulation diagnostics, ultimately enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy in clinical practice.
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