Wed Feb 26 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Healthcare Future Hinges on Integration: BioAsia 2025 Panel
**Hyderabad, February 27, 2025** – Experts at BioAsia 2025 in Hyderabad stressed the urgent need for an integrated approach to India’s healthcare system, blending technology, robust regulation, and equitable access. The panel discussion, “Integrated Healthcare and Patient Outcomes,” highlighted the need to shift from a reactive “sick-care” model to a proactive system emphasizing prevention and personalized treatment.
Dr. Sangita Reddy of Apollo Hospitals advocated for predictive analytics, AI-driven risk assessment, and universal health records to improve outcomes. Panelists acknowledged the significant infrastructure deficit, with only 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people in urban areas, creating access challenges, especially in rural regions.
Dr. Samantha Atkinson of NSF Health Sciences emphasized the critical role of data interoperability and strong regulatory frameworks, citing the UK’s successful digital healthcare transformation as an example. Divya Prakash Joshi of Medtronic showcased the potential of AI-driven diagnostics and robotics in personalized care, but warned against limited access due to a lack of widespread training and adoption.
The panel also addressed the significant issue of healthcare affordability for the “missing middle” – those not covered by government schemes or private insurance. Ajay Mahipal of HealthQuad called for innovative financing models to expand access in tier 2 and 3 cities.
A contentious point was the use of refurbished medical devices, with India importing nearly 80% of its medical technology. Rajiv Nath of Hindustan Syringes and Medical Devices urged for stricter regulations to prevent substandard imports, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Atkinson.
The panel concluded that collaboration, robust regulation, and strategic technology adoption are the key pillars for achieving a successful, integrated healthcare system in India.
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