Sathya Sriram (Ravichandran)

I candidly talked with Viren Shetty (Narayana Health) and Vivek Sinha (Emversity) on the Superleap podcast about solving for healthcare in India. We discussed a plethora of topics - from Venture capital to why marketplaces don't work in Healthcare. From structural challenges in the sector to personal challenges during the COVID wave. Catch the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gTcuSYU8

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The Case for Distributed and Integrated Healthcare in #India In the complex landscape of #healthcare, two seemingly contrasting principles, #distribution, and #integration, often vie for prominence. However, in the context of India's diverse and vast healthcare needs, embracing both is not just beneficial but necessary for ensuring comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all. Understanding the #Duality: India's population is not only large but also widely dispersed across urban and rural areas, with varying levels of access to healthcare facilities. Embracing a distributed approach involves decentralizing healthcare services, ensuring that even remote communities have access to basic medical care. This can be achieved through the establishment of #primary health centers, mobile clinics, #telemedicine services, and community health workers. By bringing healthcare closer to where people live, distribution addresses the challenge of accessibility, especially for those in underserved regions. On the other hand, integration emphasizes the seamless coordination of healthcare services across various levels and disciplines via a #tech #platform. In India, where #patients often seek care from multiple #providers and healthcare systems, integration becomes crucial for ensuring continuity of care, preventing duplication of efforts, and improving overall #efficiency. In India, where healthcare disparities are stark, the need for both distribution and integration is particularly evident. Rural areas, home to a significant portion of the population, often face challenges such as inadequate #infrastructure, shortage of healthcare professionals, and limited access to essential #services. A distributed healthcare system can bridge this gap by bringing basic healthcare services closer to rural communities, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. At the same time, India's urban centers grapple with issues such as overcrowded hospitals, long wait times, and fragmented care delivery. Here, #integration plays a vital role in streamlining healthcare processes, enabling smooth transitions between different levels of care, and fostering collaboration among various healthcare providers. Achieving Synergy: While distribution and integration may seem like opposing strategies, they are, in fact, complementary. A distributed healthcare system that is not integrated runs the risk of fragmentation, with disjointed services and inefficient use of resources. Similarly, an integrated healthcare system that is not distributed may struggle to reach #marginalized #populations, leaving them underserved. In the pursuit of universal healthcare coverage and improved health outcomes, India must embrace both distribution and integration as guiding principles. In this balanced approach lies the key to achieving health equity and advancing the well-being of all Indians.

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Looking for Increase in Healthcare Expenditure for NHM and Other Initiatives in Budget 2024: Health Secy In the upcoming budget for 2024-25, the Health Ministry is anticipating increased support and expenditure for the National Health Mission, and other such healthcare initiatives, informed Apurva Chandra, Health Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), at sidelines of an event in Delhi. #Healthcare | #Expenditure | #Initiatives | #Upcoming | #Budget | #Healthministry | #Anticipating | #Increasedsupport | #Nationalhealthmission | #Healthcareinitiatives | #Anticipating | #Healthnews | #ApurvaChandra Read more:

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Preeclampsia, the most prevalent hypertension disease during pregnancy, is a problem that affects 5–15% of pregnancies in India. Join us on this thought-provoking webinar which includes leading experts and address the following subjects: Professor Jon Hyett - First Trimester Screening for Pre-eclampsia: How It's Done and What's the Impact?   Professor Dave Wright and Dr. Alan Wright - "Preeclampsia screening and risk assessment." Don't pass up this chance for education: Topic: 1st Trimester Pre-Eclampsia Screening – Is It Worth It? Date: Thursday, 2 May, 2024 Time: 7:30 pm to 9:30 PM IST   Registration link: https://lnkd.in/gQYu5UZd #preeclampsia; #preeclampsiaawarenessmonth Every pregnancy deserves a healthy outcome. 

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Micromanaging is exhausting on behalf of the recipient. It suffocates, making tasks the most loathsome chores you can ever engage in. Yes, some employees need more attention than others but others soar when you trust them with a task that you know they can manage themselves. Even when failures come most are able to reflect and learn from these valuable gems💎. Micromanaging also limits the “leader” as they spend their time using a magnifying glass 🔍 on others and have limited to no time for professional growth themselves. #micromanaging #leaders #growth

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The future of #menopausal health in India is not predetermined. It is a narrative we can – and must – rewrite. By acknowledging the scale and complexity of this crisis, we can create a paradigm shift in how we approach women's health. The burgeoning menopause treatment industry, projected to reach 24.4𝐁𝐧 by 2030, reflects a growing awareness and demand for solutions. And the $600𝐁𝐧 industry attributed to Menopause care and productivity gain is huge! However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to go beyond symptom management and focus on holistic well-being. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders – from pharmaceutical companies investing in R&D to healthcare providers offering comprehensive care, and from employers fostering supportive workplaces to policymakers prioritising women's health in national agendas. The historical CAGR of 5.8% in India's menopause treatment industry from 2019 to 2023 signals a positive trend, but we must accelerate this momentum. We need to invest in research that not only addresses the biological aspects of menopause but also delves into the sociocultural factors that shape women's experiences. We need to develop innovative solutions that are not only 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 but also 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 to women across the socioeconomic spectrum. As leaders, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of menopausal health in India. Empowering women with knowledge, resources, and community so that they can navigate this transition with confidence and resilience. #Menopause is not the end of a woman's story; it's a new chapter filled with potential. Let us work together to ensure that this chapter is one of good health, well-being, and happiness for every woman in India. The report is a culmination of the reality of Menopause in India and a wake up call for the impact needed in the space. Thanks to Shivani Sahay for putting this together with the help of Dr. Ameya Kulkarni-Kanakiya and the team at Elda Health Nimish Bhonsale Siddhant Mishra #Menopause #womenshealth #womenempowerment

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Today, I am delighted to share an insightful article from ETHealthWorld featuring an interview with Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, PhD, a distinguished Council member of the Global Health Connector Partnership. Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, PhD, clearly states, "Digital health isn't just a cost; it's a strategic asset that transforms healthcare delivery and financial models." He highlights that by 2025, it will be essential for all healthcare sectors, from doctors to pharmaceutical companies, to integrate digital tools to stay relevant and competitive. This shift towards digital innovation promises to significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of patient care, turning digital health into a valuable profit centre rather than just a cost. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and this interview illustrates why embracing digital health is so vital for our future. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e89i53ED #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #FutureOfHealthcare #HealthTech #GlobalHealth #MedTech #HealthTransformation #ETHealthWorld

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Union Health Ministry releases National Health Accounts Estimates for India 2021-22 The methodology taken for these NHA estimates has improved over the last 9 years and has resulted in a more robust and accurate account of the government’s expenditure on Health: Member, NITI Aayog “The decline in Out-of-Pocket expenditure out of Total Health Expenditure from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22 reflects a very positive indicator” Government Health Expenditure’s share in the country’s total GDP increases from 1.13% (2014-15) to 1.84% (2021-22) Share of Government Health Expenditure in Total Health Expenditure increases from 29.0% (2014-15) to 48.0% (2021-22) Per capita Government spending on healthcare triples

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The Compelling Case for Value-Based Healthcare Investment in India India's healthcare sector is on the cusp of a transformation driven by value-based care (VBC). Rising Healthcare Expenditure: India faces a growing burden of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, leading to spiraling healthcare costs. VBC incentivizes providers to deliver cost-effective care, attracting investors seeking solutions to this challenge. Government Initiatives: The Indian government recognizes the need for a shift towards VBC. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat focus on promoting preventative care and efficient resource allocation, creating a favorable regulatory environment for VBC businesses. Untapped Potential: Despite significant progress, India's healthcare infrastructure remains under-developed, particularly in rural areas. VBC models that leverage technology like telehealth can improve access to quality care in underserved regions, presenting an investment opportunity in expanding healthcare reach. Focus on Quality and Outcomes: VBC incentivizes providers to deliver high-quality care that improves patient health outcomes. This aligns perfectly with the growing demand from patients and policymakers for a healthcare system that prioritizes both affordability and effectiveness. Investment Opportunities: Similar to the global VBC market, India offers exciting investment prospects in several areas: Healthcare IT: Companies developing Electronic Medical Records (EMR), data analytics platforms, and telehealth solutions specifically designed for the Indian market will be well-positioned to capitalize on VBC adoption. Affordable Care Providers: VBC rewards efficiency. Providers optimizing care delivery processes and offering cost-effective treatment options can attract investment. Disease Management Companies: Companies specializing in chronic disease management programs that demonstrate positive patient outcomes can thrive under VBC models. Wellness and Preventative Care: VBC incentivizes preventative care. Investment in companies promoting healthy lifestyles and early disease detection can be promising. Challenges and Considerations: Data Infrastructure: India's healthcare IT infrastructure needs improvement to ensure robust data collection, analysis, and interoperability for VBC success. Reimbursement Models: Developing and implementing effective risk-sharing and pay-for-performance models is crucial. Provider Education and Adoption: Transitioning to VBC requires training and support for healthcare providers. Conclusion: With India's healthcare system facing challenges such as high out-of-pocket expenses, uneven access to quality care, and a growing burden of chronic diseases, value-based healthcare can drive systemic improvements by promoting preventive care, integrating advanced technology, and ensuring better resource allocation.

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🎥 Industry Insights | Mr. Abhishek Gopalka, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Mr. Abhishek Gopalka emphasized NABH’s pivotal role in driving value-based care in India. He highlighted the importance of delivering high-quality patient outcomes at affordable costs for every Indian and expressed optimism that NABH will guide India towards this healthcare model. #ValueBasedCare #HealthcareExcellence #PatientOutcomes #NABH_NPSC2024 #BCG Quality Council of India(QCI)

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The 10BedICU is an example of a technology-led approach that blends human capacity with state-of-the-art tech and AI. Adopting such approaches will allow us in India to leapfrog (pole-vault!) over the current health system and build one that can deliver the highest-quality healthcare to our citizens. Srikanth Nadhamuni, bisoya loitongbam, Ayushi Tandon, PhD, Aparna Sathianathan

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How does India deliver “Care” to rural communities through Digital Health? The mission of an ideal Digital Health Solution should be to deliver hospital-grade care, anytime and anywhere across India & the globe. The Solution should enable multiple health screens & deliver high-quality care regardless of whether the rural community has a local Doctor or a trained Nurse or whether they have power or WiFi, etc. While challenges like power & WiFi can be addressed through technology, how does one deliver health screens & diagnostics without the presence of a local Doctor or Nurse? Enter the ASHA Worker. THE most critical “Non-Technology” component of our Digital Health Solution. It is the Asha worker who ensures that all tasks related to creating a patient profile, capturing patient symptoms, and measuring patient vitals, are completed efficiently despite the unavailability of qualified medical professionals. The Asha workers also visit patient’s homes to provide door-to-door care – especially for older patients with mobility issues and for expectant mothers who may not be able to visit a clinic. And finally, there’s an emotional element to delivering good quality “patient care” that cannot be fulfilled by ANY technology, and which is warmly delivered by the Asha worker. The Asha workers also need to be provided with a digital health solution that has advanced telemedicine capabilities but is extremely easy to use. That was the design mantra for the RHEMOS Health Station. India’s smallest & easy-to-use rural care solution. It enables Asha workers to administer 60+ critical vitals, blood/urine & pre-natal tests in village PHCs. The Health Station can also be carried to a patient’s home to deliver high-quality care ensuring huge patient convenience. Once it measures vitals, it transmits test results to App & Cloud to enable remote Doctor interventions & treatment. RHEMOS also works offline if cellular networks are unavailable & enables local health screens and collects test results, which are all transmitted to cloud once the cellular network is restored. It is also designed to work on Battery & Bluetooth to ensure no dependence on power or WiFi. And finally, with the capability to measure 60+ vitals & bio-markers, it can be used by Asha workers to deliver comprehensive primary care, chronic care, prenatal care, NCD & Anaemia detection health camps, etc. In conclusion, it is the Asha workers that define the success of digital health & enable us to connect rural patients with remote doctors for treatment. They reduce our reliance on medical staff and drastically cut care delivery costs. They accelerate rural care implementations, and ensure easy access to affordable and high-quality care in remote and underserved rural communities, which also makes this a massively scalable initiative. Click to know more: https://lnkd.in/dWHqZsJZ #healthtech #medicaldevices #digitalhealth #telemedicine #medtech #remotehealthcare #healthcaremonitoring 

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Public Health Champions Lead the Charge Against #Misinformation: The Times Of India (Sneha Bhura)highlighting the tireless work of public health advocates. In a landscape saturated with misleading #health claims, their efforts are essential to protect #consumer #wellbeing. This article highlights the urgent need for #critical thinking when it comes to health products. #Consumers deserve #transparency about the products they use, and catchy marketing should never replace sound nutritional advice. @Liver Doctor Sneha Bhura

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As we look towards the formation of the new Indian government, there are significant expectations for the advancements in our healthcare sector. The current scenario presents both challenges and opportunities that require immediate and sustained attention, and I hope the new leadership prioritizes the following: 1. Increased Budget Allocation: A substantial increase in the healthcare budget is crucial to enhance infrastructure, accessibility, and quality of medical services across urban and rural areas. Addressing the infrastructure gaps in rural and urban areas must be a priority. We need well-equipped facilities, trained medical personnel, and streamlined supply chains to ensure that healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of location. 2. Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Focusing on robust primary healthcare systems to pre-empt serious health issues through early detection and timely intervention. Investment in preventive healthcare and wellness programs will reduce the burden on our healthcare facilities and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens. 3. Universal Health Coverage: Ensuring every citizen has access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services, regardless of socioeconomic status. Affordability and transparency must be at the core of healthcare policies. Making treatments and medications affordable while ensuring transparency in pricing and processes will foster trust among the people. 4. Technological Integration: Leveraging cutting-edge technology to modernize healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and streamline operations within the healthcare ecosystem. The integration of AI, telemedicine, and data analytics can revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and manage health issues. Encouraging innovation and providing a supportive regulatory framework can accelerate this transformation. 5. Healthcare Workforce Development: Investing in training and retaining skilled healthcare professionals to tackle the growing demands of the population. 6. Public Health Awareness: Intensifying campaigns to educate the public on preventive healthcare measures, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. Let’s hope that the new government takes bold and decisive actions to transform our healthcare sector into a model of excellence for the rest of the world.

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The Future of Telehealth and Telemedicine: Transforming Rural Healthcare in India By Dr. Anshuman Kaushal As we look towards the future of healthcare, telehealth/ telemedicine emerge as transformative forces, especially in rural India, where access to quality healthcare has traditionally been limited. These technologies are not merely stopgap solutions for the ongoing global health challenges but are fundamental to a new era in medical outreach and service delivery. Expanding Reach, Enhancing Accessibility In India, with its vast rural landscapes and often inaccessible terrain, the average citizen frequently faces significant hurdles in accessing healthcare. Telemedicine bridges this gap by enabling remote consultations, thereby reducing the need for travel and making healthcare accessible even in the most remote villages. Through mobile health units and teleconsultation services, specialists from urban centers can now offer advice, diagnose, and manage treatment plans remotely. Cost-Effective Solutions for Rural Populations Rural patients can save on the substantial costs associated with travel & accommodation in urban areas by accessing healthcare services from their homes. Moreover, telemedicine reduces the economic burden on healthcare systems by decreasing the need for physical infrastructure and on-site staffing. Enhancing Quality of Care with Technology Telemedicine isn’t just about making doctor-patient interactions more accessible; it’s also about enhancing the quality of care. Digital tools and platforms enable the storage and analysis of patient data more efficiently, facilitating better patient management and care continuity. Technologies such as AI & machine learning are further revolutionizing this field by predicting health trends and providing preventive care solutions tailored to individual needs. Empowering Rural Healthcare Providers Telehealth empowers rural healthcare providers by offering them tools and technologies to improve their service delivery. Through ongoing training and real-time support from specialists, rural doctors and nurses can enhance their clinical skills and manage complex cases locally, reducing the need for referrals and travel. Challenges and the Road Ahead These include infrastructural deficits, such as inconsistent electricity and internet connectivity, and a need for greater digital literacy among rural populations. Furthermore, there is a need for robust policies that ensure data privacy and security, alongside standardizing telemedicine practices to maintain the quality of healthcare services. Conclusion As we overcome challenges and continue to integrate technology into everyday health management, telemedicine will play a pivotal role in making healthcare universal and accessible for all, irrespective of geographical barriers. The journey has just begun, and continued innovation and policy support will be key to realizing the full potential of telehealth in India.

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