Express Healthcare (Vol. 17, No. 10) November 2024
Atul Chadha Business Head - South Asia (PCS),Growth & OpportunityDriver, Digital Healthcare, GE HealthCare
Jayveer Kochhar The creator of the Breathfree Bamboo Spine
Chairman of the Board
ViveckGoenka
Sr.Vice President-BPD
Neil Viegas
Vice President-BPD
Harit Mohanty
Editor Viveka Roychowdhury*
Editorial Team
Lakshmipriya Nair
Kalyani Sharma
Kavita Jani
Neha Aathavale
DESIGN
Art Director
Pravin Temble
Senior Designer
Rekha Bisht
Senior Artist
Rakesh Sharma
Marketing Team
Rajesh Bhatkal
Douglas Menezes
Ashish Rampure
Debnarayan Dutta
Production Co-ordinator
DhananjayNidre
Scheduling & Coordination
Pushkar Waralikar
CIRCULATION
Mohan Varadkar
CONTENTS
START-UPS DIAGNOSTICS
11 BALANCING ETHICS AND INNOVATION: KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
P18: INTERVIEW
JAYVEER KOCHHAR
The creator of the Breathfree Bamboo Spine
FINANCE
P20: INTERVIEW
JITIN BHASIN CEO and Founder of SaveIN
INTERVIEW
PG: 9
ATULCHADHA
Business Head - South Asia (PCS),Growth & Opportunity Driver,Digital Healthcare,GE HealthCare
STRATEGY
P22: INTERVIEW
DR SARVESH AGARWAL CEO & Vice President, Rajasthan Hospital
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Making the missing middle visible
Faced with escalating medical inflation, Prime Minister Modi's recent expansion of health coverage under AB-PMJAY for citizens of and above 70 years, at a cost of Rs 3437 crore, is certainly a welcome step.
This expansion is in line with the government's aim to expand the scheme to the "missing middle", which is approximately 30 per cent of the country's population, around 400 million people, who according to an October 2021 NITI Aayog report, still do not have any medical insurance.
But though it is targeted at the estimated 6 crore senior citizens, under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, health experts have pointed out that a health cover of Rs 5 lakh is not sufficient for the health needs of senior citizens.
Secondly, the government will have to ensure that sufficient infrastructure is put into place before expanding the scheme to other sections of the population. Though the PM also announced several initiatives worth more than Rs 12,855 crore, including projects worth more than Rs 5502 crore under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on the same day, these will take time to operationalise.
Prof V K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog’s assertion at the recent FICCI HEAL 2024 conference that the government is ready with extra capacity to handle the elderly through dignity, is a recognition that infrastructure will have to keep pace as the scheme expands.
Thirdly, the government will have to do more to plug the loop holes to prevent frauds. And fourthly, getting the private sector on board, will mean assuring them of timely reimbursement, which has been the biggest reason why most private hospitals are reluctant to be part of AB-PMJAY.
Logically, spreading limited resources over a wider population is bound to result in more loopholes. The ultimate loser is the patient. Unless more funds are allocated to create and monitor more healthcare facilities, unless more providers are coaxed to join up, unless they have the confidence that the government will reimburse them fairly and timely, this announcement will remain on paper, benefiting a lucky minority who happen to live in urban areas.
Since health is a state subject, it is pertinent to track the health manifestos of states going in for elections. Maharashtra, for example, goes to the polls on November 20.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA)’s Health Manifesto for Maharashtra, named “AROGYA JAHIRNAMA” has flagged nine issues, with suggestions and solutions.
Spreading limited resources over a wider population is bound to result in more loopholes. The ultimate loser is the patient
IMA claims to be the largest non-governmental organisation of allopathic doctors in India, with a membership of four lakh doctors. Nearly 70 per cent of healthcare services in Maharashtra are provided by private hospitals. IMA has over 50000 members through 227 branches in the state, with most members providing healthcare services in small and medium hospitals in Maharashtra. Thus it's fair to say that this list reflects a wide section of private practitioners.
The top issue flagged by the IMA is attacks on doctors and healthcare facilities. The IMA representation points out that although a law (since 2010) exists in Maharashtra to protect doctors, attacks on healthcare professionals continue to rise and believes that compared to other states, the law in Maharashtra remains ineffective and weak.
The manifesto makes 11 suggestions, including amendments to the present Maharashtra Medicare Act 2010, a minimum punishment of seven years of imprisonment and a compensation up to Rs 5,00,000/for medical professionals.
The suggestion to make the implementation of the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) scheme, Maharashtra’s health assurance scheme, more transparent and increasing the rates, echoes the criticism of the central AB-PMJAY scheme.
Other issues flagged include streamlining the hospital registration and renewal process, and implementing a one time fire department NOC. While IMA calls for streamlining of such registrations, claiming that repeated registrations lead to misuse and unnecessary bureaucratic paperwork, they do serve the purpose of monitoring the proper functioning of health facilities.
Bridging the divide between India and Bharat remains a challenge as highlighted by a recent report from FICCI-BDO India titled, ‘Expanding the Reach of Diagnostics: The Digital Advantage’ during the two-day ‘FICCI HEAL 2024’. The report points out that while the sector is likely to almost double, from the current USD 13 billion to USD 25 billion by 2028, the growth has been uneven, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Hopefully digital and tele-diagnostics will help bridge this divide.
As we wind down 2024 and set out goals for 2025, one hopes that these inequities will be identified and addressed at speed.
Three-pronged approach to qualitycare: Innovation,patient-centricity,awareness
Atul Chadha,Business Head - South Asia (PCS),Growth & Opportunity Driver,Digital Healthcare,GE HealthCare highlights that improving innovation,patient-centricity and awareness is crucial for equitable healthcare across India,especially in underserved areas
What are the biggest challenges in access to quality care in India?
Access to quality healthcare in India is a challenge particularly in the rural areas due to restricted access to infrastructure and shortage of healthcare professionals. While urban areas offer better medical facilities, rural regions struggle with availability of basic medical facilities. For instance, the current bedpopulation ratio for government hospital beds at the national level is 1.1 beds per 1,000 population in urban areas, which is almost five times the ratio in rural areas at 0.2 beds per 1,000 population. (i) Despite schemes like Ayushman Bharat, gaps in coverage persist, and rural areas also face limited access to essential medicines and modern medical technology, worsening healthcare disparities.
That said, India's underfunded public healthcare system grapples with overcrowded hospitals and insufficient resources, often pushing individuals to expensive private care. The lack of standardised quality care across public and private facilities leads to significant disparities in healthcare outcomes. While the socioeconomic disparities and gender inequality further limit healthcare access for marginalised groups, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases add to the challenges. Improving infrastructure, financial protections, and awareness is crucial for equitable healthcare across India, especially in underserved areas.
cost. We at GE HealthCare are pushing boundaries of patientcentred care with platforms and personalised diagnostics. Despite industry challenges, our technological innovations, partnerships, and localised manufacturing are improving healthcare access across India.
Our Tele-ICU systems function as force multiplier, enabling remote monitoring of critical patients in underserved areas expanding healthcare access in otherwise inaccessible areas. GE HealthCare’s platforms help clinicians make faster, more accurate diagnoses addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, AI-based ECG tools empower local healthcare workers to provide timely care in peripheral areas. Our localisation initiatives under the government's Make in India initiative have made advanced medical technologies more affordable, resulting in costeffective solutions like portable ECG machines and low-cost imaging systems. PublicPrivate Partnerships (PPPs) further enhance access by sharing resources and infrastructure costs.
norm of doctor population ratio. Does this meet the demand for specialised care? If not, what more should be done? Could you share what GE HealthCare is doing to make specialised care more accessible?
India's recent achievement of meeting the WHOrecommended doctor-topopulation ratio of 1:1000 is notable (ii), but it doesn't fully address the need for specialised healthcare. The accessibility to doctors is uneven, with urban areas better served than rural regions, where basic care is often lacking. Specialised fields like cardiology, oncology, and neurology face acute scarcity, and there’s insufficient capacity to train enough specialists to meet rising demand.
To address these concerns, more postgraduate seats and improved training programs are necessary, alongside incentives to attract specialists to underserved areas.
Telemedicine and mobile health units can help bridge the gap between rural and urban care, with partnerships between public and private providers essential for ensuring access to specialised care across India.
With India betting big on the digital health mission, will digital healthcare be the key to solving for accessible quality care? And how?
The MedTech industry is undergoing significant technological transformation,
With increasing patient awareness on quality healthcare how is the MedTech sector evolving to meet the growing demands within the sector, especially when we talk about patientcentricity?
driven primarily by evolving patient behaviour and the demand for an improved patient experience. Patients and healthcare consumers are becoming increasingly independent, connected, and aware, adding to a growing demand for high-quality healthcare at an affordable
Additionally, we address the demand for personalised care and transparency in treatment options through our products. For example, the Giraffe OmniBed Carestation provides a controlled environment for newborns, while the Carestation 600 Series Anaesthesia Delivery System optimises gas flow to minimise waste. Real-time monitoring tools, like adequacy of Anaesthesia etc., ensure patient safety by preventing dosing errors during procedures.
India has reached the WHO
Digital health mission aims to revolutionise healthcare accessibility by leveraging digital technologies to deliver quality care to all, regardless of location.
Digital solutions like telemedicine helps bridge this gap by enabling patients in remote regions to consult specialists without traveling long distances, reducing care
INTERVIEW
delays, and improving outcomes, particularly for chronic and life-threatening conditions. In addition to telemedicine, mobile health apps and wearable devices empower patients to monitor their health in real-time, helping manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. This preventive approach improves outcomes and reduces pressure on overburdened healthcare facilities.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) also ensure continuity of care by making patient data accessible across regions, streamlining care, and improving patient outcomes.
GE HealthCare is leading this digital transformation by integrating AI and automation into healthcare through its intelligence platform comprised of applications and smart devices. The platform offers over 100 AI services and 50 applications that provide actionable insights at the point of care, helping clinicians make informed decisions.
Remote monitoring systems, such as Tele-ICU and Tele-NICU, allow for real-time patient monitoring, improving critical care access. GE HealthCare’s digital solutions like MUSE, which provides remote ECG interpretation, and asset optimisation systems like iCenter and MyAsset enhance hospital efficiency. The Digital Health Mission and
As part of India's ‘Make in India’initiative,GE HealthCare has ramped up its operations,focusing on developing affordable,high-quality healthcare solutions tailored to local needs
GE HealthCare’s innovations are helping bridge healthcare gaps in both urban and rural India, creating a more accessible and efficient healthcare system for all.
With Make in India picking pace, how is GE HealthCare accelerating its innovations in this sector to ensure quality healthcare? Any examples you could quote. As part of India's ‘Make in India’ initiative, GE HealthCare has ramped up its operations, focusing on developing affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions tailored to local needs. This commitment is reflected through local manufacturing, research, and development (R&D), and collaborations aimed at enhancing accessibility and affordability in the Indian healthcare sector.
Over the past three decades, Wipro GE Healthcare Private Limited—a joint venture between GE Precision Healthcare LLC, USA, and Wipro Enterprises Limited, India—has been dedicated to addressing significant
healthcare challenges such as reducing maternal and infant mortality, enabling early cancer detection, providing tailored care pathways for heart diseases, and improving trauma care outcomes. Our robust distribution network and ethical growth values enable us to effectively meet local needs.
As pioneers in 'Make in India' advanced medical technologies, we have developed over 30 products that are sold in more than 70 countries, with manufacturing anchored by four facilities in partnership with Wipro and Bharat Electronics Limited: Wipro GE Healthcare, GE-BEL, Wipro-GE (X-Ray), Wipro GE MDM, Wipro GE Kadugodi HQ. With 16 branch offices and over 75 channel partners covering more than 475 districts, we have the largest presence in India’s MedTech sector, supported by approximately 750 ISOcertified field engineers.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, including the John F. Welch Technology Center in
Bengaluru—our largest R&D hub outside the U.S.—allow us to design and produce customised medical equipment. This reduces import costs and enhances accessibility.
To mitigate India’s specific challenges, we have invested significantly in R&D, focusing on affordability, rural healthcare access, and high patient loads. Recently, we have integrated AI and advanced technologies into our solutions. For instance, in the digital space, we are leading change by developing AIpowered solutions through our intelligent platform, which offers over 100 AI services. These solutions integrate data from multiple sources, providing real-time, actionable insights for clinicians. Our AIpowered diagnostics and telehealth services, including Tele-ICU, enable specialists to provide remote care, improving healthcare access in rural areas. We prioritize sustainability by developing energy-efficient equipment and calling healthcare solutions to serve a broad
population. Our eco-friendly practices align with the longterm goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Additionally, we engage in PPPs with the Indian government to enhance healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas. These partnerships aim to improve diagnostic services and set up telemedicine networks.
GE HealthCare’s contributions to the ‘Make in India’ initiative include local manufacturing, R&D, collaborations with startups, and public-private partnerships. By focusing on affordability, digital health, and advanced technologies, GE HealthCare is transforming India's healthcare landscape and ensuring quality healthcare reaches underserved areas.
Disclaimer: This article is a promotional feature and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Express Health. The content is for information purposes only. Readers must consult a registered medical practitioner.
Balancing ethics and innovation: Key considerations in diagnostic testing
Kabir Mahajan, COO,Mahajan Imaging and Labs stresses that healthcare systems must work toward making diagnostic services accessible to all.This might involve subsidising costs, expanding infrastructure,or providing mobile units for remote areas.Ensuring fairness in access is essential to upholding the ethical principle of justice
Diagnostic testing is an important part of today's medical practice since it detects and manages diseases in their early stages. Nevertheless, there are ethical dilemmas which need to be addressed and cannot be avoided. Such issues include consent, privacy and the problem of getting an equal diagnosis for all regardless of the status of the person. Alleviating these concerns makes sure that diagnosing practices are not just sound, but moral as well.
Informed consent: Respecting patient autonomy
Health consumers' autonomy is a pillar of medical practice since it entails informing patients about the recommended procedures. Many a time, the patient's consent is obtained by having them sign documents so that they can undergo the tests and not in detail regarding the purpose, risks as well as benefits of the diagnostic tests. Informed consent is not an absolute legal necessity, as it embodies the patient's self-determination and her or his right to choose on issues of health.
This is the reason why it can often be a challenge to obtain informed consent in provincial contexts where patients have little or no knowledge of diseases and illnesses. Health caregivers need to narrow down their speech so that patients can understand what they are consenting to. Misunderstanding of issues may see patients giving consent to procedures they do not under-
stand, thus, the autonomy of patients would be compromised.
Privacyand confidentiality: Safeguarding sensitive data
Privacy is a major ethical con-
sideration in diagnostic testing. These test results contain highly personal information including genealogy information and predisposition to specific diseases. Dissemination of this information is undesir-
Privacy is a major ethical consideration in diagnostic testing.These test results contain highly personal information including genealogy information and predisposition to specific diseases
able as it may lead to discrimination in such spheres as employment or insurance while the patient's dignity should be respected.
Through recent or past leakage of the patient's information and records, we find that Health Data remains a prevalent issue regardless and categorically violates the patient's right to privacy, generating immense ethical concerns due to the presence of policies such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which are most common in the West, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 in India. Hospitals have to pay special attention to cybersecurity to protect patients' information. Besides, patients should have an understanding of who has the right to use their information and how it will be utilised so that the idea of the transparent use of the information would be trustworthy.
Equitable access to diagnostic services is a pressing ethical dilemma. Advanced tests are often costly, making them inaccessible to low-income or rural populations. This creates disparities, where some patients receive early diagnoses while others are left behind, worsening healthcare inequities. Healthcare systems must work toward making diagnostic services accessible to all. This might involve subsidising costs, expanding infrastructure, or providing mobile units for remote areas. Ensuring fairness in access is essential to upholding the ethical principle of justice.
Final say
While diagnostic testing is a powerful tool in the medical field, it comes with ethical obligations. Informed consent, privacy protection, and equitable access must be prioritised to ensure ethical diagnostic practices. As technology advances, ethical.
As health ITinfrastructure advances and healthcare providers invest in tier 2 and 3 cities,these regions are set to become pivotal hubs for transformation,driving a more equitable and sustainable future for Indian healthcare
By Kalyani Sharma
With the rapid urbanisation of India's tier 2 and tier 3 cities, healthcare systems in these regions are at a crossroads. While tier 1 cities have made considerable advancements in healthcare infrastructure, tier 2 and tier 3 cities are now seeing a surge in demand for quality healthcare services. Central to this development is the adoption and strengthening of health IT infrastructure, which can bridge the existing healthcare gap and ensure equitable access to quality medical care.
Sharing his views, Mohit Sood, Regional Managing Principal, ZS stresses, "We have witnessed India come a long way in healthcare, moving from traditional home remedies to cutting-edge, tech-driven solutions. Industry reports show that data and AI in healthcare could add around $25-30 billion to India's GDP by 2025. There's been rapid growth yo-y in the healthcare sector driven by rising demand for quality care and tech advancements. Right now, most digital health solutions are concentrated in urban areas and corporate hospitals, which limits affordability and access for people in remote regions. In rural areas, high costs, outdated equipment, and limited access to essential services make it tough to get quality care, especially since about 64.61 per cent of India's population lives in these areas."
Mudit Dandwate, CEO & Co-Founder, Dozee also shares, "Tier 2 and 3 cities play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in India. These regions serve 67 per cent of the population, yet face significant challenges in healthcare accessibility, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:25,000. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in leveraging technology-much like how India successfully administered over a billion COVID-19 vaccine doses
Right now,most digital health solutions are concentrated in urban areas and corporate hospitals,which limits affordability and access for people in remote regions. In rural areas,high costs,outdated equipment,and limited access to essential services make it tough to get quality care, especially since about 64.61 per cent of India's population lives in these areas
Mohit Sood Regional Managing Principal,ZS
Tier 2 and 3 cities present distinct advantages,including lower operational costs and growing patient demand driven by rising incomes.These factors not only enhance the sustainability of healthcare businesses but also generate significant social impact
Mudit Dandwate CEO & Co-Founder,Dozee
The current landscape of health ITin India's tier 2 and tier 3 cities is evolving but remains fragmented.While urban centers have established advanced healthcare systems with integrated digital solutions,smaller cities often lack basic ITinfrastructure
Dr Sanjeev Singh Medical Director,Amrita Hospital,Faridabad
The future of healthcare in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India will be shaped by newer technologies,like AI-enabled health screenings
Dr Bilal Thangal TM
Medical Lead,NURA
through the COWIN platform during the pandemic."
Current landscape of health ITin tier 2 and tier 3 cities
With rise in country's tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the demand for high quality health services has spiked, highlightning the critical need for modern infrastructure which is accessible, efficient and affordable.
Dr Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad emphasises, "The current landscape of health IT in India's tier 2 and tier 3 cities is evolving but remains fragmented. While urban centers have established advanced healthcare systems with integrated digital solutions, smaller cities often lack basic IT infrastructure. Many healthcare providers still rely on manual record-keeping and face challenges in data management. However, there is a growing awareness of the need for digital solutions, leading to the gradual adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, and mobile health applications. Local governments and NGOs are also beginning to invest in digital health initiatives, but the pace of change is uneven. For instance, many new-age firms are focusing on elective surgeries and leveraging technology to enhance patient experiences. Additionally, the decentralisation of work has opened up opportunities for tech talent in these cities, further supporting the growth of health IT."
From telemedicine to EHRs, health IT is gaining momentum in non-metro cities. Additionally, AI-driven diagnostic tools are helping clinicians make more accurate and faster diagnosis, which is critical in resourcelimited settings. The emerging technologies are capable of supporting healthcare providers in streamlining operations, tracking patient data, and ensuring timely diagnostics.
However, deployment is still uneven which could be because of limitations in digital literacy, infrastructure and slowing the scaling of digital healthcare tools in these areas.
With technological innovations paving the way forward in these areas, strenghthening the workforce with proper skill development and training should be the utmost priority.
Dr Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA also shares, "The future of healthcare in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India will be shaped by newer technologies, like AIenabled health screenings. These areas, however, have gaps in healthcare service due to the unavailability of a well-developed health IT framework that can make use of their existing healthcare needs. We are making a paradigm shift in how preventative medicine is approached by integrating advanced technology that improves patient care and aids in detecting potential illness at earlier stages."
Health IT skill development programs are essential, focusing on digital literacy, data management, and telemedicine, which are critical for leveraging the full potential of digital health systems. Medical staff and administrators who are proficient in these areas can drive a culture of technological integration, improving care quality and operational efficiency.
Talking about upskilling, Deepak Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO, MedLern said, "The adoption of health IT in tier 2 and tier 3 cities is accelerating, though still in its infancy compared to tier 1 cities. Telemedicine, digital patient records, and remote consultations are becoming increasingly common, albeit unevenly distributed across urban and rural areas. Effective use of health IT requires continuous upskilling of healthcare professionals. Training programs focused on digital
Effective use of health ITrequires continuous upskilling of healthcare professionals.Training programs focused on digital tools,telemedicine,and EHRs are crucial to equipping medical staff in smaller cities to handle new technologies effectively
Deepak Sharma
Co-Founder & CEO,MedLern
Addressing the skill gap in healthcare is crucial for improving service delivery in these regions.To address this pressing issue,both the government and private sectors are investing heavily in programs aimed at upgrading the skills of healthcare workers,nurses,paramedics, and doctors
Amit Sharma
CIO & Head Partnerships and CSR,Cytecare Hospitals
ABDM is a transformative initiative,driving the digitisation of healthcare infrastructure,improving accessibility,and fostering innovations in the Indian healthcare landscape
Dhrubaa Ghosh
Partner,Healthcare,Management Consulting,BDO India
tools, telemedicine, and EHRs are crucial to equipping medical staff in smaller cities to handle new technologies effectively."
Explaining about some of the initiatives aimed at bridging the skilling gap, Amit Sharma, CIO & Head Partnerships and CSR, Cytecare Hospitals mentions, "Addressing the skill gap in healthcare is crucial for improving service delivery in these regions. To address this pressing issue, both the government and private sectors are investing heavily in programs aimed at upgrading the skills of healthcare workers, nurses, paramedics, and doctors. Initiatives led by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focus on upgrading the skills of healthcare professionals. These programs cover various domains such as nursing, emergency care, and lab technology, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector.Under the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC), standardised training protocols have been established for various domains, including nursing, emergency care, lab technology, and medical coding. This collaborative approach ensures that the training provided aligns with industry standards and effectively meets local healthcare demands."
Collaborations between the government and private sector are driving innovations like AI-based diagnostics,cloud platforms,and telemedicine,which are helping to improve healthcare access in underserved areas
Vikram Thaploo
CEO-Telehealth,Apollo Hospitals Enterprises
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Agame changer for digital healthcare?
ABDM with an aim of establishing a digital health ecosystem through personal Ids and a digital registry is working on improving coordination between healthcare providers and empower patients.
Explaining how ABDM has streamlined health insurance procedures, Dhrubaa Ghosh, Partner, Healthcare,
Management Consulting, BDO India said, "ABDM has streamlined health insurance procedures by linking digital health records with programs such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) resulting in faster claim resolutions, decreased fraud and enhanced efficiency of the healthcare system. The launch of PMJAY in 2018 has increased the demand for secondary and tertiary care services. Given the concentration of hospital supply in tier 1 cities and increasing demand in tier 2 and 3 cities from rising affordability and PMJAY entitlements, there will be an acute gap of hospital beds in tier 2/3 cities. Therefore ABDM is expected to reduce the burden on tier 2 and 3 city hospitals and clinics by eliminating the need for redundant tests and procedures, as all patient information will be accessible digitally."
She also stresses, "ABDM is a transformative initiative, driving the digitisation of healthcare infrastructure, improving accessibility, and fostering innovations in the Indian healthcare landscape. However, there are obstacles that must be overcome in order to fully achieve the mission's objectives including issues related to data security and digital literacy. It is essential to ensure that healthcare professionals and patients have the skills to navigate platforms and that strict adherence to data privacy laws is maintained."
By creating a robust digital infrastructure, ABDM is expected to reduce disparities, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, offering residents a chance to benefit from streamlined healthcare services similar to those available in more developed regions.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
Catalysts for health IT advancement
PPPs are playing a crucial role in advancing healthcare technology, particularly in regions with limited resources. This is because PPPs can help in pooling resources and expertise facilitating investments in infrastructure, training and service delivery. Such efforts are not only crucial in enhancing healthcare delivery but also in making it financially viable to implement high-tech solu-
Providing comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers and patients can facilitate familiarity and acceptance of new technologies
Dr Venkatesh Mule
General Manager-Operations,Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital,Karad
Ensuring smooth data flow across these systems is vital for success but demands meticulous coordination and compatibility.Addressing interoperability issues and synchronising data can be particularly challenging in smaller cities,where technical resources may be limited
Vinesh
Gadhia
Executive Director and CEO,Ferty9
Fertility
Center
The future outlook for growth and investment in the healthcare sector is promising,driven by technological advancements and the rise of personalised medicine
Pooja Chatrath Chief Information Officer Oncquest Laboratories
tions at scale.
Vikram Thaploo, CEOTelehealth, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises mentions, "PPPs are playing an essential role in advancing healthcare technologies. Collaborations between the government and private sector are driving innovations like AI-based diagnostics, cloud platforms, and telemedicine, which are helping to improve healthcare access in underserved
areas. These partnerships are crucial as 67 per cent of India's population resides in rural areas, where healthcare access is limited. By integrating technology-driven solutions, healthcare providers can effectively address disparities in healthcare availability and quality."
Dandwate also opines, "Programs like the ABDM and PPPs are accelerating the development of health-
care infrastructure in these regions. Enhanced viability gap funding and incentives for healthcare startups are also facilitating cost-effective hospital expansions. Tier 2 and 3 cities present distinct advantages, including lower operational costs and growing patient demand driven by rising incomes. These factors not only enhance the sustainability of healthcare businesses but also generate significant social impact. Improved healthcare access leads to healthier communities, which, in turn, stimulates local economic growth. If executed effectively, this model can serve as a blueprint for global healthcare. Much like India, 70-80 per cent of the world's population lacks access to quality care. While challenges may differ across regions, solutions tested in India bring us closer to addressing these global healthcare gaps. It's time for global investors to view India's healthcare transformation as a launchpad for scalable solutions that can benefit the world at large."
Challenges in scaling health ITinfrastructure
Scaling health IT infrastructure in these growing cities is not without obstacles. Infrastructure limitations, such as inconsistent internet connectivity and unreliable power supply, present a significant challenge. Financial constraints, too, hinder the expansion of digital solutions.
Dr Singh shares that the fragmentation of IT solutions and weak security and privacy frameworks limit the potential of technology in advancing comprehensive primary healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure sustainable and scalable healthcare solutions.
Dr Venkatesh Mule, General Manager-Operations, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Karad said, "Challenges include infra-
structure deficits, such as inconsistent internet connectivity, which hinder the operation of health IT systems. Additionally, there is often a resistance to change among healthcare providers and patients due to a lack of familiarity with new technologies. To overcome these challenges of scaling health IT, such as infrastructure deficits and resistance to new technologies, it's essential to invest in robust and reliable IT infrastructure. Providing comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers and patients can facilitate familiarity and acceptance of new
technologies. Moreover, engaging healthcare workers in the planning and implementation phases can foster a collaborative environment that supports change and can promote the benefits of health IT systems."
Vinesh Gadhia, Executive Director and CEO, Ferty9 Fertility Center also shares, "Expanding health IT in less urbanised areas necessitates bridging infrastructural disparities and overcoming resistance to new technologies, often constrained by funding. Integrating diverse IT solutions poses a significant challenge, especially
when independent systems must interact seamlessly. Ensuring smooth data flow across these systems is vital for success but demands meticulous coordination and compatibility. Addressing interoperability issues and synchronising data can be particularly challenging in smaller cities, where technical resources may be limited."
Future outlook
By addressing current limitations and continuing to invest in technological innovations and skill development, these cities could become strongholds of healthcare excel-
lence, setting benchmarks that could even guide the advancement of tier 1 cities.
Talking about way forward, Pooja Chatrath, Chief Information Officer, Oncquest Laboratories said, "The future outlook for growth and investment in the healthcare sector is promising, driven by technological advancements and the rise of personalised medicine. Governments worldwide are increasing investments in healthcare systems to enhance access and quality of care. The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to enable continuous health monitoring, foster-
ing proactive care. Moreover, cloud-based solutions will provide scalable infrastructure for healthcare organisations, facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies and improving overall efficiency through standardised interoperability frameworks."
Through digitalisation, strategic collaborations, and workforce development, tier 2 and tier 3 cities stand at the cusp of a healthcare revolution, one that promises to deliver affordable.
Healthcare professionals can easilyoperate Breathfree Bamboo Spine for SSApatients
In an interaction with Jayveer Kochhar ,The creator of the Breathfree Bamboo Spine, Neha Aathavale explored his innovative wearable device designed to address the breathing difficulties faced by patients with Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies (SSA)
What sparked your interest in creating this device, especially for SSA patients?
So the reason why I started this is that, obviously, SSA is a genetic predisposition, which means it runs in the family. It actually does run in my family: my dad's side, my grandmother, and two of my uncles suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, and I witnessed their suffering first hand because they are part of my family. I thought that even if this disease were detected earlier, even 6 months to 1 year earlier, their lives would have been so much easier, and they wouldn't have to go through as much stress as they do now. So I thought, why don't I work on this using the skills that I have acquired and my previous knowledge of robotics and biomedical engineering.
Did someone mentor you, or did you research it all alone and build it?
For the technical side, like the robotics side, I have a lot of prior knowledge and I could easily use that. However, on the medical side, I didn't have as much knowledge about the disease, so I had a mentor called Dr Arvind Joshi, who practices in the public hospital in Jogeshwari, Balasaheb Hospital. He is an orthopedic surgeon, and with the medical side of things, I could easily consult him if I needed to verify my findings or just make sure I was doing things correctly.
I've applied for a utility patent on this,which will allow me to scale it much more.I'm also looking to improve the AI model to make it more accurate and generate better reports
Your innovation targets a significant gap in healthcare by providing an affordable alternative for diagnosing and monitoring this disease. So, can you walk us through the design process of it and how you
ensured it meets the needs of patients as well as healthcare providers?
The way this initially started is that two years back, I had made a slightly different prototype, not dedicated to
ankylosing spondyloarthritis, but more for diagnosing stress using how deeply a person is breathing. So that was a very similar concept where it used belts on the chest and the stomach to
measure how many deep breaths and shallow breaths a patient took. From that, I got the idea. In my previous prototype, I used something called FSRs, which are force sensors, and I found that
these are not very accurate. So I changed to something called IMUs, which are inertial measurement units. This form of electronics is extremely accurate in terms of distance; it provides an accuracy of even less than 0.1 mm. So it's extremely precise in that sense. In the initial stages, I didn't have much of the beautification or any of that; it was just raw electronics. I was working with that and testing. Slowly, for example, earlier the sensors were all put on a belt, but then I made them free sensors, not on a belt because the belt was restricting movements. After that, I realised that this is not really a one-size-fits-all type of prototype, so I added bungee cables that stretch according to whatever shape and size the patient is. I also added casings for all the sensors to ensure safety and hygiene.
Tell us how the device works
So basically, as I already mentioned, we have five IMUs. All of these five IMUs send data to a microcontroller. The microcontroller I have used is an ESP8266. All of this data is stored here, and it all runs on battery, so it's completely wireless. The ESP8266 has Wi-Fi capability, so all that data is then sent to a computer. While this happens on my computer, it is possible with any computer. It sends the
data to the computer, and then the computer performs the rest of the processing. There, it does a bunch of mathematics, like integration, quaternion rotation, and all of these things. After that, we use an AI model because, in each second, we have 70 data points-that's the speed of the Wi-Fi sending. Each data point has around 15 different data points, and if you consider a five-minute test, that becomes such a large amount of data that if you give it to a doctor, it's nearly impossible for them to read all of that and make sense of it. That's why I've used an AI model, a machine learning model, and I've chosen to use an LSTM model, which stands for long short-term memory. This model can pick up on really complex patterns in both long-term and short-term breathing patterns so that it can accurately differentiate between a healthy person and a diseased patient.
What other unique features differentiate it from traditional or preexisting treatments? Are there any more features that set this device apart from existing testing methods?
The current testing method, the primary one used, is the HLA-B27 blood test. This is problematic for several reasons. Firstly, it has a low accuracy of around only 50
per cent according to several studies. It is also extremely expensive for the general population in India, costing 4000 rupees, and not everyone in India can afford that. Another issue is that this test can only be done in very specific labs. Only metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and other big cities can perform this test, whereas in more rural setups, it's not possible. In rural areas, they measure breathing using a measuring tape around the chest, but that's extremely inaccurate because it's not a 100 per cent guaranteed way of diagnosing something. My prototype solves many of these problems because it's cost-effective; there's no onetime use. Once you have it, you can test as many patients as you like, and the cost is only 2000 to 3000 rupees. It can be used on as many patients as you want, completely free of cost.
What challenges do you anticipate in terms of adoption, training, and scalability within government hospitals?
I feel that in training, there won't be much of a problem because there isn't much technical knowledge required to operate this device. You don't need a doctor or a nurse; any healthcare professional without that kind of expertise can easily operate it because I've made it very
easy to use. In that sense, it's easily operable. One issue that might arise is that while a lot of patients are very accustomed to blood tests, they may find this device strange. They're not used to it, and that might be an issue during scalability.
How do you plan to address that challenge?
To address that, it's important to educate the patient about what this is doing, what kind of test this is, and obviously that this is non-invasive. So that's another great advantage.
Are there any ongoing developments, collaborations, or potential partnerships that you are exploring for further enhancement of this device in the market?
I've applied for a utility patent on this, which will allow me to scale it much more. I'm also looking to improve the AI model to make it more accurate and generate better reports.
How are you using AI in this?
As I mentioned, the amount of data is so large that it's really hard for doctors to perform a diagnosis. That's why we use an AI model that processes all that data and gives an accurate output.
The AI model not only removes the burden from the doctor to require that technical knowledge, but it's
also a very straightforward process. An AI model is obviously more accurate than a human in terms of performing a diagnosis.
But sometimes we see that AI also makes mistakes in its calculations. How will you ensure that patients receive accurate information?
Right. This has been tested. I've tested this in public hospitals, and I've done my own testing on many different patients. From all of the testing, the accuracy is around 95 percent. Obviously, you can't guarantee that accuracy will be 100 percent. But compared to the 50 to 55 percent accuracy provided by the traditional test, this is a much bigger improvement. This is more time-saving and does not require much effort to get the data.
How does this cost compare to similar devices or diagnostic tools currently available in the market? How much does this vary? Right now, what is the cost in the market?
In terms of seronegative spondyloarthropathies, there is no other such device that performs this kind of diagnosis. HLA-B27 is the most widely used. There is no kind of electronic device or any kind of device that uses sensors to create a diagnosis.
neha.aathavale75@gmail.com
FINANCE
INTERVIEW
SaveIN allows access to high qualityhealthcare networkand ease of paying for treatments
SaveIN,a healthcare financing company offers zero per cent interest EMIs for out-patient treatments,to make high-quality care more accessible. Jitin Bhasin ,CEO and Founder of SaveIN,shares more details about his company's innovative solutions and its vision for transforming the healthcare landscape
With India's health insurance market projected to reach $23.8 billion by 2028, how does SaveIN position itself differently from traditional insurance providers? What unique value proposition do you offer to both healthcare providers and patients? SaveIN enables customers to avail healthcare products and services that are otherwise outside the scope of health insurance coverage. This includes domains like dental, dermatology, aesthetic procedures, hair transplant, fertility treatments, ayurveda, homeopathy, fitness and wellness. These treatments constitute a $10 billion market where customers otherwise have to pay out of pocket. SaveIN allows access to high quality healthcare network and ease of paying for treatments in zero per cent interest instalments thereby simplifying how Indians access out-patient healthcare. We are uniquely positioned to disrupt how Indians are consuming new age healthcare treatments.
Could you elaborate on how SaveIN's using technology to make healthcare financing more accessible? What role does AI and data analytics play in your risk assessment and customer service processes?
SaveIN has built India's largest QR enabled network in out-patient healthcare, available across 6500+ healthcare practices. A
SaveIN is now going to amplify the "discovery" layer,where we will enable customers to connect with healthcare providers near them and subsequently enable them to pay in EMIs
customer can simply scan the QR code and unlock a customised credit line for use at the specific healthcare facility. Our customer application journey comprises AI enabled modules to streamline the entire process and deliver the credit in less than three minutes. We use ML to perform credit risk assessment, to ensure best possible approval rate while balancing risk. We also use AI enabled techniques to interact with customers and
healthcare providers during and post the sale process.
The healthcare sector has undergone significant transformation since COVID-19. How has SaveIN adapted its business model to address the evolving needs of consumers?
Covid transformed how people look at personal health and more particularly preventive, elective and alternate healthcare treatments. SaveIN was launched in Jan 2022 to
simplify access and affordability in private out patient healthcare. We understood that an average human ends up availing treatments like dental, eye, fitness, wellness, ayurveda, aesthetic procedures etc, much more than getting hospitalised!
Therefore, we tailored out products to assist healthcare professionals and consumers alike to further the penetration and adoption of such treatments which are expensive and not covered by insurance.
Your focus on zero per cent financing is particularly interesting. Can you share some real-world examples of how this model has helped patients?
SaveIN has been used by over four lakh Indians across over 100 cities and 11000 pincodes where customers split their healthcare treatment cost into zero per cent EMIs.
We cover treatments like dental implants, aligners, smile correction, hair transplant, hearing aid, IVF treatment, cosmetic surgeries, botox, fillers, ayurvedic therapies etc.
The entire process takes less than three minutes and available 24 X 7.
Top healthcare practices like VLCC, Dr Batra's, Anytime Fitness, Art Fertility, Toothsi, Orthosquare among others offer SaveIN zero per cent EMIs to their customers
In offering zero per cent financing for medical
procedures, how does SaveIN manage risk? What innovative approaches have you developed?
At SaveIN we understand the importance of growing sustainably and credit risk is very important in this regard. We have built customised risk assessment models covering healthcare practices and consumers. We risk rate each healthcare practice on the basis of age of practice, price of services, doctor/practitioner experience and qualifications, pincode etc and along with this, we assess customer credit history through credit bureaus, access to banking history, alternate data and behavioral parameters. We undertake assessment of over 200 parameters while deciding on a customer application and this is run using a ML model which takes less than 10 seconds to generate the decision. Our portfolio risk is 60 per cent better than average risk seen in other fintech lending companies
Many consumers might not be familiar with fintech solutions in healthcare. What strategies has SaveIN deployed to educate the market about your services?
As of now, SaveIN is a predominantly B2B2C platform which means all these lakhs of customers have discovered us at the point of healthcare when they visit the practice of their choice. SaveIN is now going to amplify the
"discovery" layer, where we will enable customers to connect with healthcare providers near them and subsequently enable them to pay in EMIs.
We are set to launch disruptive products in this regard, with large scale partnerships to reach millions of Indians.
How does SaveIN collaborate with healthcare providers?
What benefits do these partnerships bring to all stakeholders - providers, patients, and SaveIN?
SaveIN enables healthcare providers to increase their practice size by up to 40 per cent, by enabling them to address a wider range of customer needs and offering the best possible treatments, irrespective of the costs
SaveIN allows access to high quality healthcare network and ease of paying for treatments in zero per cent interest instalments thereby simplifying how Indians access out-patient healthcare
involved. We have a mobile app for healthcare partners using which they can be easily onboarded onto the SaveIN network and start offering zero per cent EMIs to their customers/ patients once the onboarding and verification is completed. We work in close coordination with our healthcare partners for helping them manage their transactions and ensuring they can track their entire business through our mobile app.
Customers visiting these
partners enjoy the benefits of availing timely care, without worrying about high upfront costs/ downpayments thereby creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
With medical inflation driving up healthcare costs and insurance premiums, what role do you see fintech companies like SaveIN playing in the next 5 years? How might the landscape evolve?
SaveIN offers on-demand,
responsible and transparent credit for availing healthcare services which are not covered by insurance, thereby creating a complementary option. As a consumer, I am in-charge of making the decision regarding choosing the partner, finalising the treatment and paying in zero per cent EMIs. Unlike insurance, since there is no fixed annual premium for this service, I expect this to become the most preferred option for out-patient
healthcare in the upcoming years, reaching billions of dollars in transaction volume.
What has been your most significant learning experience in this space so far, and what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to innovate in this sector?
Healthcare is a very dynamic sector with evolving needs both from a healthcare provider, as well as customer. We have realised that continuous improvement of product and processes is a must have in this industry and those with differentiated focus on solving for deep problems in healthcare segment will likely win.
lakshmipriya.nair@expressindia.com
laxmipriyanar@gmail.com
STRATEGY
INTERVIEW
Private hospitals playa crucial role in bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare services in India
Dr Sarvesh Agarwal ,CEO & Vice President,Rajasthan Hospital in an interaction with Express Healthcare talks about the regulatory environment for healthcare in India,role of private sector in bridging the urban-rural divide and more
How would you describe the current state of healthcare management in India, particularly in the private sector?
Private sector plays a crucial role in the healthcare delivery system of the country. 70 per cent of the total health care services offered in India are dominated by the private sector. In terms of infrastructure, private facilities include around 62 per cent of total healthcare resources, which include hospitals, beds, ICUs and ventilators. Various points associated with understanding the same are:
◆ Growth & expansion: Significant growth has been observed in the sector over the last few years and the norm will continue for the foreseeable future. The growth is now stimulated through larger setups in tier 1 and tier 2 cities while also a great influx of specialised facilities in rural and semirural regions with potential to expand into multispecialty. This growth is driven by increasing demand for quality healthcare services, access to private healthcare services due to government schemes (especially Ayushman) and advancements in medical technology wherein equipment cost has been driven down.
◆ Quality of care: Private hospital care is now driven by quality at its center. Due to NABH and related accreditations leading to financial benefits from insurances, quality has
Private hospital care is now driven by quality at its center. Due to NABH and related accreditations leading to financial benefits from insurances,quality has become incentivised and hence adoption has been rapid
become incentivised and hence adoption has been rapid. However, quality can still vary widely among facilities, with some offering world-class services while others may lack adequate resources or intention.
◆ Accessibility: Availability of the treatment in private hospitals in the country without waiting periods is the hallmark of Indian healthcare system while geographical accessibility still remains distant. Concentration at district level is increasing but penetration in rural areas is lacking, but encouraging signs are seen. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in achieving equitable healthcare access.
◆ Technological adoption: There's a growing trend towards the integration of technology, including telemedicine and electronic health records, which improves efficiency and patient engagement. Technology would be the key to serve the remote areas in the country and that has been realised by the hospitals and steps are being taken to address the same.
◆ Challenges and criticisms: Issues such as high costs, ethical concerns, improper peer feedback, and uneven quality of care remain prominent challenges.
How do you view the role of private hospitals in bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare services?
Private hospitals play a crucial role in bridging the gap
between urban and rural healthcare services in India, although challenges remain. When we talk about public health, we talk about it as a three legged stool wherein in absence of even one leg, the stool collapses. These are access, quality, affordability.
◆ Access: Private hospitals in semi-urban and rural areas can provide access to specialised services that may not be available in government facilities. This helps reduce the disparity in healthcare quality between urban and rural regions. Provided the right governmental policy and incentives, many doctors and healthcare entrepreneurs are willing to open healthcare centers in their villages and towns which would not only improve the healthcare system of the area but would also become a key growth driver for societal development.
◆ Quality of care: Private hospitals are known for better infrastructure and patient care compared to public facilities.
◆ Affordability: With the advent of government schemes, predominant beneficiaries are based out of rural areas. This would aid the affordability part of private healthcare in rural areas which was earlier plagued by the issue of lack of affordability for the populace while lack of profitability for the hospital.
◆ Telemedicine initiatives: Private hospitals are leveraging telemedicine to extend their reach, allowing
rural patients to consult specialists remotely. This can significantly improve access to healthcare without the need for travel.
◆ Training and development: Private hospitals are looking to invest in training programs for local healthcare providers, which can enhance the overall healthcare capacity in rural areas.
◆ Public-private partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations between private and public sectors can enhance resource sharing and improve healthcare delivery in rural regions. The PPP mechanisms are currently used predominantly for higher technology setups in centers of excellence across the country. A shift towards PPP in rural areas could be gamechanger. These partnerships can help address some of the systemic challenges in rural healthcare.
What are your thoughts on the regulatory environment for healthcare in India? Are there areas where you believe more reform is needed?
India's healthcare regulatory environment has made notable progress, but there are always areas of improvement and reform.
◆ Regulation of private healthcare: There is a need for stronger peer oversight to standardise quality. The Clinical Establishments Act, which aims to regulate private hospitals and clinics, is yet to be adopted by many states.
◆ Pharma industry and drug pricing: India is one of the largest producers of generic medicines globally. However, concerns over drug pricing, quality control, and the presence of counterfeit drugs continue to challenge the industry. Reforms in drug pricing regulations under the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) are needed to balance affordability with the sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, more stringent quality control measures and tracking mechanisms for drug
authenticity are necessary to tackle counterfeit drugs.
◆ Medical device regulation: Historically, medical devices were not regulated with the same rigor as pharmaceuticals. However, in 2017, India implemented the Medical Devices Rules, bringing medical devices under a regulatory framework. The government has made strides in regulating medical devices, but further updates are needed to keep pace with innovation, particularly in areas like digital health and telemedicine devices. A more robust framework for ensuring the safety and efficacy of imported devices should also be considered. Also a more globally accepted regulatory body should be constituted in line of FDA and CE.
◆ Health data protection & digital health: With the rise of digital health platforms and telemedicine, concerns over health data privacy and security have come to the forefront. The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aims to create a digital health ecosystem, but comprehensive regulations are still evolving. Stronger data protection laws specific to healthcare are needed, aligned with the Personal Data Protection Bill. Clear guidelines on consent, data storage, and sharing are essential to protect patient privacy in the growing digital healthcare ecosystem.
◆ Alternative and Traditional Medicine (AYUSH): India has promoted traditional medicine through the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). However, the sector lacks the rigorous scientific validation required to ensure safety and efficacy. Better integration of AYUSH with mainstream healthcare, along with evidence-based research, is necessary. Regulatory measures to ensure that traditional medicine meets modern safety standards should be strengthened to increase trust in alternative therapies.
◆ Insurance regulation: Health insurance penetration
has increased with the expansion of governmentsponsored schemes like Ayushman Bharat. However, many people remain uninsured, and there are concerns about the transparency of private insurance providers. Reforms are needed to improve the reach of health insurance, particularly in the informal sector. Better regulation of private insurance firms is also required to prevent issues like denial of claims, unclear policy terms, and high premiums for critical illnesses.
◆ Allied Healthcare Act: Paramedics form the backbone of healthcare systems and though a centralised mechanism to register nursing is there, Allied Healthcare Act needs to be adopted to nationally register ancillary paramedics such as technicians and ancillary medical professionals such as physiotherapists.
India's healthcare regulatory environment has made strides in improving access and affordability, particularly with governmentbacked initiatives. However, deeper reforms are required in the areas of private healthcare regulation, drug and device oversight, public health funding, data protection, and insurance regulation to create a more equitable and efficient system. By addressing these gaps, India can strengthen its healthcare framework and ensure better outcomes for its population.
What revenue models are most effective for private hospitals in India, especially in a competitive market? What roles do partnerships with suppliers, vendors, or other healthcare organisations play in managing hospital costs? Private hospitals in India operate in a highly competitive market where revenue models need to balance patient care with financial sustainability. It needs to blend patient-centric service with diversified
income stream to maintain profitability. The various prevailing models are:
◆ Fee-for-service model: This is the most prevalent model wherein hospitals charge patients for each service provided, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, procedures, and surgeries.
◆ Benefits: It generates revenue based on the volume of services provided and can drive profits, particularly for hospitals that perform highdemand treatments or specialise in complex procedures.
◆ Challenges: The fee-forservice model can lead to cost escalation and sometimes incentivizes unnecessary tests or treatments, raising ethical concerns. Also, it doesn't align well with value-based care, where the focus is on outcomes rather than service quantity.
◆ Capitation model: Hospitals receive a fixed fee per patient, usually through an insurance provider, regardless of how much treatment the patient receives. This model encourages hospitals to focus on efficiency and preventative care to manage costs. This mechanism is currently not followed in private health settings in the country, though may be followed by certain government settings.
◆ Benefits: It promotes efficiency in resource utilization and can lower costs by encouraging hospitals to prevent expensive treatments through early intervention.
◆ Challenges: Hospitals may face financial risk if they underestimate the cost of care, and it may create pressure to limit services, which could negatively affect patient satisfaction or outcomes.
◆ Bundled payments: Hospitals charge a single payment for a package of services related to a specific treatment or condition. For example, a bundled payment may cover all services related to knee replacement surgery, from preoperative care to post-surgery rehabilitation. This model was made famous
by Obamacare.
◆ Benefits: This model encourages hospitals to streamline services and improve care coordination, as they are compensated for the outcome rather than individual services.
◆ Challenges: Implementation can be complex, requiring accurate cost estimation and efficient service delivery across multiple departments or facilities. Additionally, it may be challenging to bundle care for patients with multiple, coexisting health conditions.
◆ Health insurance partnerships: Many hospitals partner with private health insurance companies and government-sponsored schemes like Ayushman Bharat to provide cashless or reimbursable treatment for insured patients.
◆ Benefits: This broadens the hospital's patient base and ensures a steady flow of patients, especially as insurance penetration increases in India.
◆ Challenges: Hospitals often have to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and delayed payments from insurance companies, which can strain cash flow. Insurers may also cap treatment costs, limiting revenue from high-margin services.
◆ Specialty clinics and outpatient services: Hospitals generate additional revenue by establishing specialty clinics (e.g., cardiac, oncology, fertility, etc.) and offering outpatient services like diagnostics, wellness programs, and day surgeries.
◆ Benefits: This model diversifies revenue streams, brings in high-margin business, and attracts patients who seek specialised or preventative care, often without requiring overnight stays.
◆ Challenges: While outpatient services can be profitable, competition is fierce, especially from standalone clinics. Hospitals need to offer superior service or convenience to stand out.
◆ Telemedicine and digital health platforms: Hospitals leverage digital technology to
STRATEGY
provide teleconsultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. This has become more prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic.
◆ Benefits: Telemedicine reduces overhead costs and allows hospitals to serve more patients remotely, broadening their reach to rural or underserved areas. It also opens up opportunities for subscription-based services for chronic care management.
◆ Challenges: Regulatory framework is currently not there. Also, building and maintaining a robust digital health infrastructure can be expensive, and some patients may prefer in-person consultations over virtual ones.
◆ Medical tourism: Many private hospitals target international patients by offering specialized treatments, often at a fraction of the cost in their home countries.
◆ Benefits: Medical tourism is a lucrative segment for high-end private hospitals, especially for treatments like cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic procedures, and cardiac care.
◆ Challenges: While profitable, it depends on global travel trends, geopolitical stability, and the reputation of the hospital. Any disruption in these factors can affect patient inflows significantly.
◆ Membership & subscription models: Some
hospitals offer membership plans or subscription-based services, where patients pay a regular fee for access to a predefined set of services (e.g., regular health check-ups, diagnostics, consultations).
◆ Benefits: This provides a predictable revenue stream and encourages patient loyalty. It also helps hospitals retain patients for routine services.
◆ Challenges: Convincing patients to subscribe can be difficult, especially in markets where people prefer pay-asyou-go models. The perceived value of the membership must be consistently high to maintain retention.
How has technology transformed healthcare management in India, and how is your hospital leveraging these advancements? What are the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of telemedicine and digital healthcare platforms in India?
Technology has had a profound impact on healthcare management in India, driving improvements in efficiency, patient care, and access to services. Key advancements include the digitisation of health records, telemedicine platforms, AIdriven diagnostics, and data analytics. Hospitals are increasingly leveraging these
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technologies to enhance patient outcomes, streamline operations, and extend their reach to underserved areas.
◆ Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs have enabled the digitisation of patient data, making it easier for healthcare providers to access and share information, which improves diagnosis, treatment plans, and continuity of care. It also facilitates data-driven decision-making and research. It helps in better care coordination, reduced paperwork, and more accurate record-keeping. Hospitals can maintain a comprehensive history of patients, enhancing personalised care. However, implementation of EHRs is expensive, and requires frequent intervention for process improvement. Data privacy concerns must be managed carefully to ensure compliance with regulations.
◆ Telemedicine: Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery by providing remote consultation and treatment, especially in rural areas where access to quality healthcare is limited. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine surged as a critical tool for maintaining patient care. It offers convenience for both doctors and patients, reduces travel time, and lowers costs for routine consultations. It also helps hospitals extend
their reach to remote populations. Concerns over data security has to be looked at though and regulatory clarity around telemedicine practices also needs further improvement.
◆ AI and machine learning: AI is being used in diagnostics, predictive analytics, and operational management. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical data to detect patterns that help in early diagnosis of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetic retinopathy. This results in better screening protocols, improved diagnostic accuracy, faster identification of disease risk, and enhanced resource allocation in hospitals. But, AI solutions are often expensive to implement and require significant training for healthcare staff. There's also a need for better regulatory oversight of AI applications in healthcare.
◆ Internet of medical things (IoMT): IoMT devices, such as wearable health trackers and remote monitoring systems, enable real-time health tracking. Hospitals use these devices for continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions especially diabetes and hypertension, providing timely interventions and reducing hospital readmissions. It improves patient outcomes by enabling proactive care and timely interventions. Hospitals can
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also manage patients more effectively, improving operational efficiency. Although, data security and integration of IoMT devices with existing hospital systems pose challenges. Ensuring interoperability and managing the large volumes of data generated also require robust systems.
◆ Big data and data analytics: Big data analytics allows hospitals to manage large volumes of data to predict trends, improve patient care, and optimise operational efficiency. Data-driven insights help in decision-making, resource allocation, and identifying patterns in-patient behaviour or disease outbreaks. Hospitals can predict patient admissions, optimise staffing, and manage inventory effectively. Analytics also enhance personalised treatment plans and improve patient care. Again, data analytics require significant investment in infrastructure & skilled professionals. Ensuring data privacy and ethical use of patient information is also critical.
Adopting digital infrastructure is a great opportunity for:
◆ Improving access to healthcare in rural areas
◆ Reducing healthcare costs
◆ Expanding healthcare reach
◆ Data-driven insights
◆ Accomplishing public heath government Initiatives
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Pravin Gundewar,Sr Product Manager-Haematology,Sysmex India highlights that how to meet the needs of an overworked and mostly multitasking workforce,today’s haematology analyzers must not only deliver more clinical data than ever before,but should also be easier to operate, relieving overburdened laboratory staff members of cumbersome tasks
The role of the laboratory in disease diagnosis and management has expanded in recent years, causing an overwhelming rise in testing demands. The availability of skilled technologists and specialists has been also a challenge across the country. This challenge of getting skilled manpower and their retention is more severe in tier 2 & tier 3 cities. To meet the needs of an overworked and mostly multitasking workforce, today’s Haematology Analyzers must not only deliver more clinical data than ever before, but should also be easier to operate, relieving overburdened laboratory staff members of cumbersome tasks.
Leading Haematology Analyser manufacturer, Sysmex has answered these needs with technological evolutions in the areas of new product developments, workflow improvisation, analytical advancements, and clinical information management. Further revolutionary advancements in computing, electronics and manufacturing, along with continuous inn ovation in the areas of biotechnology, fluidics and mechanics, have led to a reduction in the size of analyzers and increase in the speed of analysis with integrated or scalable solutions.
SysmexXN-1500
As an additional option to the highly varied XN-Series configurations, the new XN-1500 offers scalable benefits of a Sysmex integrated solution within a smaller footprint. The XN-1500 is a unique synergistic solution, consisting of a Haematology analyser and slide maker. With this integration, automated sample analysis and slide preparation improves the workflow of Haematology section in the
laboratory.
Reflex testing occurs within the same loop, and so does the smear preparation when it is needed. Like extended measurements, smears are only initiated if they offer additional diagnostic value based on the customis able rule setting as per laboratory protocols and requirements. The analysis profile is extended automatically to include smear-making and staining, but one may also order this up front, for instance with known special samples.
Consistent smears with a beautiful cell monolayer that make further microscopic diagnostics as easy and powerful as possible.
Count. Smear. Stain. All-inone Haematology
◆ Fully integrated Cell counter and slide maker and stainer with small footprint.
◆ Reduces manual intervention through auto rerun and
reflex capability.
Fully Automated Haematology cell counting with 6-part differential analysis using Sysmex Core Technology- fluorescence flow cytometry.
◆ Corrected WBC with direct measurement of NRBC for every CBC analysis
Added value with Immature Granulocyte count for every sample and optional Low WBC analysis mode.
Additional applications of RET, IPF and Body Fluid can be activated.
Micro R, Macro R and fragmented RBC (FRC) are also reportable parameters.
Consistent smears with a beautiful cell monolayer with throughput up to 75 slides per hour
◆ Integration further results in shorter turnaround time
◆ Integrating a digital cell imaging solution, DI-60, complements and completes the whole CBC analysis by automating microscopy
Introducing the Prudent E 1717 flat-panel digital X-raydetector byHemant Surgical
Ideal for a wide range of applications,it combines premium technology with a robust design,making it indispensable in any radiology setting
As a leading name in healthcare and medical equipment, Hemant Surgical Industries Ltd. brings over 35 years of expertise to every product we offer, delivering innovation, quality, and reliability to the healthcare community. Hemant Surgical's latest solution, the Prudent E 1717 Flat-Panel Digital X-Ray Detector, is designed to set new standards in digital imaging, embodying our commitment to advancing healthcare.
Experience the next level in imaging with Prudent E 1717
The Prudent E 1717 is a stateof-the-art flat-panel digital Xray detector with the largest image coverage in its class at 17" x 17". Ideal for a wide
Hemant Surgical's latest solution,the Prudent E 1717 Flat-Panel Digital X-Ray Detector,is designed to set new standards in digital imaging,embodying our commitment to advancing healthcare
range of applications, it combines premium technology with a robust design, making it indispensable in any radiology setting.
Keyfeatures:
High resolution & faster image acquisition
Delivering detailed, highresolution images with rapid acquisition times, the Prudent E 1717 enhances diagnostic accuracy and workflow effi-
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ciency.
AED plus & on-board storage With Automatic Exposure Detection (AED) Plus technology and on-board storage, this detector ensures precise, efficient imaging while enabling seamless access to stored images, reducing both exposure time and operational delays.
OLED display & durable carbon body
The OLED display pro-
vides real-time status updates for streamlined operation, while the one-piece carbon body combines durability with lightweight portability, ideal for demanding healthcare environments.
Advanced, ergonomic, and intuitive
Built with advanced technology, ergonomic design, and intuitive features, the Prudent E 1717 is easy to use and ver-
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satile, suiting diverse medical settings.
About Hemant Surgical
Hemant Surgical Industries Ltd. is dedicated to supporting healthcare providers with innovative medical equipment and unmatched quality. Our comprehensive product linefrom radiology and dialysis solutions to surgical care-empowers hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals across India and beyond. Driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes, we deliver solutions like the Prudent E 1717 that enhance healthcare standards and promote excellence in patient care.
Hemant Surgical: Where Quality Meets Care. Discover the Prudent E 1717 Flat-Panel.
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Email your contribution to: viveka.r@expressindia.com viveka.roy3@gmail.com Editor, Express Healthcare
Choosing the Right Silicone Grade: AKeyChallenge for Medical Applications
While it's widely acknowledged that silicone is the ideal material for medical applications,the challenge lies in selecting the most suitable grade for your specific needs!!!
Silicone rubber, an elastomer comprised of silicone, a polymer consisting of silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, finds extensive usage acrossvarious industries. Numerous formulations of silicone rubber are available to cater to diverse industrial needs.
Silicone rubber undergoes a curing or vulcanization process to transform it from a liquid or gel state into a solid form.
This curing process enhances the resilience of silicone rubber, imparting exceptional resistance to both high and low temperatures. Uncured silicone rubber has the tendency to deform when exposed to heat and can become brittle when subjected to cold temperatures.
The most common way of curing is platinum- catalyzed cure system, a condensation cure system, a peroxide cure system, or an oxime cure system.
Platinum- Catalyzed curing is acknowledged as best curing of Silicone for Medical Application because it's biocompatible, doesn't tarnish, and is not rejected by the body. On other hand Peroxide curing system does result in byproducts, which tend to be volatile organic acids.
Howis Silicone defined as Medical Grade Silicone?
Silicone which is tested with Biocompatibility and approved under USP Class V & USP Class VI are considered as Medical Grade Silicone as per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).
Categories:
Medical Grade Silicone are grouped into three Categories: Non- Implantable, Short Term Implantable and Long Term Implantable.
Non-Implantable Grade Silicone:
Non-Implantable Grade Silicone is also a Class VI Silicone tested with Biocompatibility and it's safe to come into contact with human skin, transferring of Blood and body fluid via Tubing outside the human body, but it cannot be implantable inside the body for more than 24 Hours.
Application of NonImplant Grade Silicone
Application in which the product is in contact with Blood or body fluid but the product is not Implantable in body for more than 24 Hours such as: -
Short Term Implant Grade Silicone have very sensitive
requirements to avoid interacting with tissue. The material is manufactured in very strict environment considering the tolerance limit of extractable. The product is tested with Biocompatibility and Implant test for Less than 29 days Implant.
Application of ShortTerm Implant Grade Silicone: -
Application in which the product is in contact with Blood or body fluid and Implantable in body for more than 24 Hours upto 29 Days
such as:Wound Drain Catheter, Nasal Splint, Catheter used for less than 29 days Implant, Vessel Loops, Implant tubing for Dialysis purpose.
Application of Long-Term Implant Grade Silicone: -
Application in which the product is in contact with Blood or body fluid and Implantable in body for more than 29 Days such as:Hemodialysis Catheter, Silicone Breast, Gastric Bands, Tear Duct, Heart Pump Component, Scleral
Buckle.
Ami’s portfolio of Silicone product:
Ami Polymer has specialized in polymer products catering to various sectors including Infusion therapy, Diagnostic, Cardiac, Gastroenterological, Ophthalmic, and Gynaecological fields. Our range includes Menstrual Cups, Breathing Tubes, PEG Tubes, Reusable Phaco Sleeves, Needle-free
connectors, Medical Grade Tubing, Baby Feeding Cups, Haemodialysis Catheters, and Wound Drain Catheters. These are manufactured in our Class 10000 Clean Room facility, registered with USFDA and CDSCO, and certified with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001.
Equipped with Implant grade material resource, inhouse CNC & VMC machines and a dedicated development team, we offer tailored solutions to Medical and Healthcare professional and Industries.
Overall, Ami Polymer’s product portfolio in the medical sector offers a wide range of polymer-based solutions for various medical applications, ensuring quality and safety in the medical industry.
Authored By: Anuj
Singh
Deputy Manager – Global Healthcare Division Ami Polymer Pvt Ltd
REGD.NO.MCS/162/2022 – 24,PUBLISHED ON 8TH EVERY MONTH, POSTED ON 14TH,15TH,16TH EVERY MONTH,POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE,MUMBAI – 400001
