Healthcare experts at the 6th edition of Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Future Tech Congress see digital tech integration prioritizes patient care and safety. Shedding light on the future of integrated healthcare and the technologies that will drive the future of healthcare, Shanker Kaul, MD, Health Solutions India, Elsevier said, "Access remains the paramount challenge in India's healthcare landscape, with a significant population still residing in rural areas where high mortality rates persist. By empowering and upskilling ASHA workers through integrated technological solutions, we can bridge the gap in longitudinal care, ensuring that every mother and child receives the attention they deserve. Our pilot programs have demonstrated that with government intervention and robust data integration, we can create a sustainable and equitable healthcare ecosystem for millions.” Vishal Bali, executive chairman, Asia Healthcare Holdings, said "India’s healthcare system faces a rapidly widening demand-supply gap that cannot be bridged by traditional approaches. Disruptive innovations, especially in technology, is essential to create accessible healthcare for all, including in remote regions. Our work in establishing neonatal intensive care units across the country is a testament to how targeted interventions can save lives and set new standards in healthcare delivery." Dr P M Uthappa, group chief medical director, Narayana Health, noted that artificial intelligence (AI), is shaping the future of healthcare. AI should be guided by the principles of responsibility, ethics, and patient safety. This approach enables us to deliver high-quality care that is transparent, safe, and patient-centric. As we continue to innovate, our goal remains clear: to improve patient outcomes through AI while safeguarding the ethical standards that are the cornerstone of healthcare." Kamesh Shekar, sr. programme manager, The Dialogue, said "To promote responsible AI adoption, we must establish consistent, principle-based governance frameworks that are tailored to the unique challenges of different sectors like healthcare. Design principles should guide the responsible use of AI, ensuring it supports rather than substitutes human decision-making." Dr Vaishnavi Kulkarni, founder & CEO, Intignus Biotech, stated that the decentralization of data and lack of accessible health records hinder effective care delivery. By creating affordable, disposable tests and integrating data collection tools for ASHA workers, we aim to ensure that every woman has access to timely and accurate healthcare information. Data integration is not just a technical necessity but a cornerstone for revolutionizing women's healthcare in India. Abhinav Shankar, general manager, R&D, Siemens Healthineers noted that India faces alarming cancer statistics, with one in nine individuals being diagnosed with of this condition. By leveraging AI, there will be less manual intervention facilitating quicker and accurate diagnoses. Technology is pivotal in bridging the gap between advanced medical solutions and the underserved populations, ensuring that quality cancer care is both accessible and affordable. Kalyan Sivasailam, co-founder, 5C Network, said, “India's vast and diverse data landscape, coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks, positions us uniquely to innovate solutions that not only address local healthcare challenges but also set benchmarks for global standards."
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