Apollo Hospitals sign MoU with William Osler Health System Ontario

The partnership focuses on research and continuity of patient care

Apollo Hospitals and William Osler Health System recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising a partnership between the two organisations that aims to positively impact the health and wellness of the patients they serve.

The agreement signed in Delhi recently by Dr Anupam Sibal, Senior Consultant and Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals and Dr Naveed Mohammad, VP Medical Affairs, William Osler Health System and Lead Physician of Osler’s Global Health Program, brings together two leading healthcare organisations in efforts to improve health outcomes across the world. Suneeta Reddy, CFO, Apollo Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals Senior Leadership team members across India were present via video conference as well.

Through the research collaboration, scientists at the two organisations will begin by identifying areas of cooperation, collaboration and innovation, particularly around the range of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which are highly prevalent among the population in regions served by both Osler and Apollo. A recent assessment report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that the diabetic population in India is rising constantly and is projected to reach 101.2 million in the next 15 years.

“Every year, nearly 36 million lives are lost to lifestyle diseases and more than 60 per cent of the population in India bear the brunt of chronic diseases. It is estimated that the incidence of chronic disease will cost India $6.2 trillion by the year 2030, adding to the already-existing financial burden, calling out for a paradigm shift in disease management”, said Rahul Reddy, SVP Strategic Relationships & New Initiatives, Apollo Hospitals Group.

The organisations will also initiate a pilot project to enhance the continuity of care for patients with complex needs travelling between India and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada for extended periods of time. As part of the pilot, Apollo and Osler physicians will identify patients and provide them with an option of going to Apollo and Osler hospitals when in the other country for chronic, acute or emergency care. In consultation with identified patients, medical records – including physician notes, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging tests and medication records – will be securely shared to ensure medical information is available to clinicians delivering care. In addition, consults including virtual grand rounds will be arranged between hospital clinical teams to enhance patient care.