The future of India’s healthcare landscape hinges on an integrated approach that blends technology, regulation, and equitable access, highlighted experts at a panel discussion during BioAsia 2025 in Hyderabad on Wednesday (February 26, 2025).

The discussion, titled ‘Integrated Healthcare and Patient Outcomes’ featured experts from the medical, regulatory, and technology sectors, who advocated for a holistic and data-driven transformation of India’s healthcare system.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, underscored the urgent need to move from a ‘sick-care’ model to a proactive healthcare system that prioritises preventive care, early detection, and personalised treatment. “We have spent years treating illnesses, but true healthcare lies in keeping people healthy. Predictive analytics, AI-driven risk assessment, and universal health records will be game changers,” she said.

Panelists also pointed to India’s alarming healthcare infrastructure deficit as a major barrier to integrated healthcare. With only 0.5 hospital beds per thousand people in urban areas, access remains a challenge, particularly for the country’s vast rural population.

Dr. Samantha Atkinson, Executive Vice President at NSF Health Sciences and former Chief Quality and Access Officer at MHRA, U.K., stressed that robust data interoperability and regulatory frameworks are essential for a well-functioning integrated system. “Data is key. If we have one record of truth rather than fragmented silos, healthcare efficiency will vastly improve,” she said, citing the UK’s ongoing digital transformation in healthcare.

Divya Prakash Joshi, vice president, Medtronic, detailed the role of AI-driven diagnostics, continuous glucose monitoring, and real-time surgical robotics in delivering personalised care. However, he cautioned that without widespread training and adoption, these advancements risk remaining confined to elite urban centres.

The missing middle in India’s healthcare coverage, those neither covered by government schemes like Ayushman Bharat nor by private insurance was another major concern. Ajay Mahipal, Managing Director at HealthQuad, stressed the need for financial innovations to make healthcare more affordable. “Investments in healthcare startups have surged, but we need financing models that cater to tier 2 and tier 3 cities, ensuring accessibility for all,” he said.

One of the more contentious debates centred on the use of refurbished medical devices, given that India imports nearly 80% of its medical technology. Rajiv Nath, MD of Hindustan Syringes and Medical Devices Limited, called for stronger regulations to prevent substandard imports. “Affordability should not come at the cost of safety. A clear regulatory framework for refurbished devices is essential,” he asserted. Dr. Atkinson echoed this sentiment, adding that global standards should guide India’s regulatory approach.

The panel concluded with a consensus on the three pillars for integrated healthcare success: collaboration, regulation, and technology adoption.