Concerns of data security and digital divide need to be addressed proactively: Health Experts

Digital technology in healthcare in the country is at a promising juncture and the country has made great progress in adopting technology for digital payments and prominent areas of healthcare observed public healthcare experts at the 3rd IHW Digital Health Summit and Awards. The Digital Health Summit and Awards organized by the think tank IHW Council brought major stakeholders together for meaningful conversations around digital health ecosystem transformation, in a two – day long summit. 

Shri Ramdas Athawale- Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment graced the occasion and congratulated the IHW Council for commendable work in the realm of health and said that initiatives like the Digital Health Awards inspire everyone to prioritize their health and build the health of families and communities.

Enthusiastic discussions around significant themes pertaining to digital health including the ambitious Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and health equity, startup ecosystem in the country, futuristic healthcare technologies like AI and drones, smart hospitals and big data were witnessed in the Summit along with sharing of best practices and innovations in the digital health space. 

Speaking on the role of strategic collaborations to ensure universal health coverage in the country, Dr Urvashi Prasad, Director – Vice Chairman Office, NITI Aayog said, “India has made great progress in healthcare and public – private partnership has played a significant role, this momentum needs to grow to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.”

Some of the prominent names that were awarded for pathbreaking work in digital healthcare were Procter & Gamble Health Limited, Cipla Limited, Roche Diagnostics, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Abbott India Limited, Manipal Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals

Mr. Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW Council while commencing the event said, “As the healthcare sector re-invents itself for a new digital future it is imperative that we focus on bridging the pre-existing disparities in digital access and utilisation of digital means to provide healthcare to the disadvantaged and vulnerable population.”

Wolter Kluwer was the Digital Health Tech Partner for the event, with Fibe EMIS as the Health Finance Partner, Rural Digi-Tech Healthcare Transformation as the Session Partner.  HCG – Healthcare Global Enterprises, Paras Health, Redcliffe Labs, ReMeDi, Clinisys, and Fitnastic Health were Associate Partners, VI-Scan Diagnostics was the Diagnostic Tech Partner and Teamwork Communications Group was the Communication Partner for the 3rd Digital Health Summit and Awards.