On Women’s Day 2024, Divya Laroyia, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, MyHealthcare highlights that healthcare institutions have witnessed a significant transformation in their operations over the years. Besides adopting cutting-edge technology, there’s a notable shift towards making the entire care delivery process more patient-centric. Women, with their innate caregiving qualities, are leading this charge, bringing a human-centric approach focusing on patient engagement and experience and recognising these as crucial indicators of service quality
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, healthtech stands at the forefront of innovation, driving transformative change in the healthcare industry. At the heart of this revolution are women leaders, pioneering advancements and shaping the future of healthcare delivery. These women are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and driving impact in the Healthcare sector.
India boasts one of the highest percentages of women graduates in STEM fields globally, with nearly 43 per cent of graduates in STEM being women. This surge in women’s participation in STEM has led to a significant presence of women in tech and healthtech organisations at all levels. Today, major hospitals have women leading their IT departments, spearheading critical verticals such as product development and clinical transformation.
With India’s healthtech ecosystem poised to be a $50 billion market by 2033, growing at a 39 per cent CAGR, women are forging a path in driving technological advancements in healthcare delivery. These women are leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions that enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and revolutionise the healthcare experience.
Healthcare institutions have witnessed a significant transformation in their operations over the years. Besides adopting cutting-edge technology, there’s a notable shift towards making the entire care delivery process more patient-centric. Women, with their innate caregiving qualities, are leading this charge, bringing a human-centric approach focusing on patient engagement and experience and recognising these as crucial indicators of service quality. This emphasis on inclusivity is helping reshape the healthcare sector, making it more accessible and effective for diverse populations.
While women in healthtech are making significant strides, they also face challenges such as lack of mentorship and work-life balance. Mentorship is crucial for honing business acumen and leadership skills, especially in a highly specialised and regulated space like healthcare. Mentorship programs and support networks tailored for women in the industry will provide invaluable guidance and networking opportunities. Educational initiatives promoting STEM fields among young girls that equip future generations with the skills to excel in healthcare and other technology-driven sectors should be introduced. Additionally, achieving work-life balance can be challenging due to demanding schedules and long hours. Support systems that enable women to balance their professional and personal lives are essential and need to be made available at workplaces such as flexible working hours and creche facilities for mothers with infants.
As we look to the future, the role of women in healthtech will only continue to grow in importance. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence are instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. By empowering women in healthtech, we are not just advancing gender equality; we are also driving positive change in the industry.