7th edition of CII Hospital Tech summit held in Mumbai

The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) is planning to move beyond building core standards for Health Information Systems, and as a part of next phase of its strategy aims to introduce specialised digital protocols in sectors like cancer, diabetes, maternal care, and more, reshaping healthcare in India stated Rizwan Koita, Chairperson, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) addressing at CII Hospital Tech 2024 summit in Mumbai organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 

Koita who is also the Co-founder, Koita Foundation and Co-founder, CitiusTech stated that from large hospital chains to smaller facilities, healthcare providers are embracing digital certification to ensure best practices. These specialised protocols will address every step of patient care — from registration to admission, ICU management, in-patient care, outpatient services, and emergency departments. The certification aims to create high-quality, software-driven solutions that can be implemented seamlessly across hospitals, ensuring that each facility adheres to the same best practices.

Joy Chakraborty, Chairman, CII Hospital Tech 2024 and COO, P D Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre stated that healthcare sector is expected to touch a figure of $630 billion by the end of 2025.  He said that technology is revolutionising healthcare with advancements like AI, gene therapy, and solutions for antimicrobial resistance. 

Chakraborthy stated that these innovations are helping enhance clinical outcomes, improve patient care, and create more efficient health systems, driving progress in the medical field. The future of healthcare is being shaped by these transformative tools, he added.

Ajitha Hathlia, Deputy Director of Trade and UK Exports, South Asia emphasised the collaboration between the UK and India in advancing healthcare through digital technologies. 

She highlighted the government’s commitment to a 10-year plan that prioritises a digital NHS and the transition of care from hospitals to communities. Hathlia pointed out that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health and that both nations are working together on action plans to promote responsible antibiotic stewardship. She expressed optimism about the potential of technology to democratise access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.

Sagi Itcher, Israel Trade Commissioner to Mumbai and West India, Foreign Trade Administration – Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel, expressed his commitment to fostering partnerships between Indian and Israeli entities to enhance healthcare collaboration. 

He highlighted the importance of reaching out to communities, particularly young mothers, to educate them on child nutrition and vaccination programs. Itcher shared a personal story about his grandmother’s access to healthcare, emphasising the efficiency of Israel’s healthcare system in providing timely vaccinations. He highlighted the need for innovative approaches in healthcare, stating that Israel is focused on developing technology-driven solutions and fostering investments in innovative startups to improve health outcomes for all.

Sven Ostberg, Consul General, Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai highlighted the strong partnership between India and Sweden, emphasising their shared commitment to high-quality healthcare for all citizens. 

He said that India has made remarkable progress in healthcare, particularly in eradicating polio and leading in generic medicines, and discussed the successful Indo-Swedish collaboration in the healthcare sector. 

Ostberg emphasised the importance of innovation and technology, pointing out Sweden’s advancements in digitising healthcare through telemedicine and AI. He also called for joint research initiatives focused on medical technologies and sustainability, highlighting the role of patient-centered care in their collaborative efforts to build a healthier future for both nations.

Nabil Taouati, Consul General, Consulate General, Kingdom of the Netherlands expressed his pride in the strong people-to-people connections between the Netherlands and India. 

He explained that the partnership is rooted in shared economic, security, and healthcare priorities. Highlighting the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainable healthcare, Taouati noted the importance of collaboration among government, industry, and academic institutions to develop innovative solutions. He spoke about the Dutch focus on knowledge sharing and entrepreneurship, which has positioned the Netherlands as a leader in life sciences and health.  

Rahul Guha, MD and CEO, Thyrocare Technologies stated that the central government has expanded the government’s healthcare scheme to include all senior citizens over the age of 70.  

“This previously unaddressed segment of the population has a significant need for healthcare, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. However, as more individuals encounter the challenges of healthcare access and rising obesity rates, the burden of disease continues to grow,” he said.

Dr Parag Rindani, Chairman, CII Western Region Sub-Committee on Healthcare and CEO, Wockhardt Hospitals stated that aligning technology with healthcare delivery means integrating advanced tools to improve patient care. 

Dr Rindani emphasised the need to boost operational efficiency, as cost remains a constant pressure. 

He stated that enhancing clinical decision-making support is crucial, and big data analytics alone can reduce healthcare costs by 25 per cent while improving patient outcomes, especially in critical models. Dr Rindani stated that as we move forward, the transformation of diagnostics and treatment is inevitable. However, it’s important to ensure these advancements reach not just urban India but also rural Bharat, he said.

Dr Tarang Gianchandani, Co-Chair, CII WR Sub-Committee on Healthcare and Group CEO – Healthcare Initiatives, CEO, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre stated that the Indian market is poised for significant growth, driven by the expansion of both public and private sectors. However, healthcare must evolve beyond traditional hospital-centric models. 

She stated that digitisation and technology integration are essential to take healthcare closer to patients and promote well-being. “We must prioritise preventive care, ensuring individuals visit hospitals only when truly necessary. This involves creating automated systems that safeguard patient data and maintain confidentiality,” Dr Gianchandani said.