Latest news with #ETHealthworld
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Digital Health Must Work Even Where Infrastructure Is Low: MediBuddy CEO
New Delhi: As the race to dominate India's digital healthcare space intensifies, public-private partnerships are emerging as a key differentiator in an increasingly crowded market. Exploring synergies to augment public healthcare delivery through tech infrastructure, particularly in diagnostics, digital consultations, and chronic care management , will be critical, informed Satish Kannan, Co-founder and CEO Medibuddy . Speaking exclusively to ETHealthworld Kannan said the company is actively aligning with national health missions and expanding across India's hinterlands, including tier 3 and 4 cities, to ensure deeper healthcare access. 'In India, it's not just about building healthcare for urban India—it's also about Bharat. We operate across 22,000+ pin codes, and our systems are designed to work even where digital literacy and infrastructure are low," he said. Asked about players like Tata 1mg, Apollo 24/7, and PharmEasy competing in the same arena, Kannan believes that the real differentiator lies in execution. 'Yes, it's a crowded space. But the moat is not just in what we offer, it's in how reliably we deliver, how we build long-term trust, and how we support users through their entire healthcare journey,' he noted. He dismissed the notion of healthcare as a winner takes all market. 'Our focus is on affordability, continuity of care, and personalization at scale. That's what makes a real difference.' Underlining the role of AI as a force multiplier in driving accessible healthcare, he said, 'AI helps in triaging, symptom assessment, diagnostics, and matching users with the right specialists. It's not a replacement for doctors, it augments clinical decision-making,' he explained. Informed that their AI-backed platforms support end-to-end services, ranging from virtual consultations across 20+ specialties to medicine delivery, diagnostics, chronic care management, mental health support, and even IPD (in-patient department) assistance. 'We have built a horizontal digital healthcare platform—something that connects consultations, diagnostics, IPD, and health checkups. This seamless integration allows us to scale affordably while maintaining quality,' said Kannan. Emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) as India advances digital health missions like ABDM and PM-JAY, he said, 'No single entity can address India's healthcare needs alone,' he said. 'The government has the reach and trust, while private players bring innovation and execution power. It's a natural synergy.' MediBuddy is already in talks with government stakeholders to extend its technology infrastructure, particularly in diagnostics, digital consultations, and chronic care, to public health initiatives. Mentioning that post-pandemic, the company is seeing a sharp uptick in demand for preventive healthcare space, he said, 'There's growing awareness around early diagnostics, wellness solutions, and chronic care,' said Kannan. 'We don't want to be in the sick-care business alone. We want to be a partner in long-term health assurance.' "From AI-driven care plans to real-time health monitoring, we are aiming to shift the focus from reactive to proactive healthcare, ensuring personalised engagement at every step," he added.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
We Have a Policy, But No Progress: Dr. Raman on India's AMR Surveillance Gaps
New Delhi: As India's National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) approaches a decade since its launch, top public health voices are sounding an alarm: the country remains dangerously underprepared to tackle the growing threat of superbugs . Speaking at an ETHealthworld webinar titled 'Running Out of Cures: A Deep Dive into India's Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis,' Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), offered a blunt assessment. 'The moment you say it's almost 10 years old, have we made a major difference? Perhaps not,' said Dr. Gangakhedkar. 'We have a national AMR policy in place—and that's probably the only thing we've managed well. Implementation is still weak, surveillance is fragmented, and both clinician education and community awareness remain at a primitive stage.' One of the fundamental pillars of combating AMR is surveillance, which, Dr. Gangakhedkar noted, remains in disarray. He pointed out that the first AMR surveillance system was initiated by ICMR, involving around 20 tertiary-care hospitals—primarily private and urban-based. 'Did it provide a generalizable framework? No,' he said. 'These hospitals had infrastructure and willing clinicians, but this cannot represent the national picture. Surveillance needs to span all levels—from primary health centers to tertiary hospitals and even into communities.' He emphasized that relying solely on tertiary-care data limits prevention efforts. 'Unless surveillance is done across the board, action will always remain delayed and narrow in scope.' One of the most dire consequences of unchecked AMR is drug-resistant sepsis , now among India's leading infectious killers. Yet, there has been no public health emergency response. Why? 'We lack generalizable data on AMR's real-world impact,' explained Dr. Gangakhedkar. 'We only see occasional headlines. Communities don't demand action. Hospitals don't elevate it as a crisis. Every death due to AMR remains an anecdote, not a call for change.' He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic was a missed opportunity. 'We created infectious disease (ID) blocks, procured ventilators, and set up RT-PCR labs across districts. But we didn't use that momentum to build an AMR-focused health infrastructure. We let it pass.' One of the most striking challenges, according to Dr. Gangakhedkar, is the lack of community-driven advocacy. 'With TB or HIV, patients can unite, demand services, lobby for policy. But who speaks for sepsis deaths? Who demands accountability for AMR-linked fatalities? Families are often too overwhelmed, and there is no platform for collective action.' He stressed that every citizen, every caregiver, has a role to play. 'Each person leaving a clinic should ask: Was I prescribed an antibiotic? Was it necessary? That level of awareness can trigger systemic shifts.' Dr. Gangakhedkar also underscored the urgent need for a One Health approach . 'You cannot tackle AMR in isolation—veterinary practices, poultry farms, environmental factors, and human health are all interconnected,' he said. 'You can't say the veterinary sector should be left alone. Coordinated efforts across all sectors are non-negotiable.' 'To me, more than successes, we have a long to-do list ahead. The time to act is now—before we truly run out of cures," he concluded.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
"Running Out of Cures": Experts warn of India's silent AMR catastrophe
New Delhi: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a looming global health threat—it is already here, silently claiming thousands of lives across India every week. Infections that were once treatable are now proving deadly, and doctors are increasingly witnessing the failure of even last-resort antibiotics. In a recent ETHealthworld webinar titled 'Running Out of Cures: A Deep Dive into India's Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis,' leading clinicians, researchers, and public health experts dissected the alarming rise of AMR and what India must do—urgently—to contain the fallout. 'When Nothing Works': A Clinician's Dilemma Dr. Tanu Singhal, Infectious Disease Specialist at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, recalled devastating cases where no antibiotic proved effective. One such case involved a liver transplant patient battling multiple infections, including a highly drug-resistant Enterococcus faecium. 'The infection was resistant to vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid. The only option was tigecycline—unsuitable for bacteremia. We eventually lost her. She left against medical advice, unable to afford prolonged care, and died en route to her home,' she said. Even when effective drugs exist, the cost can be prohibitive. 'We had to import cefiderocol rupees four lakh per day—for an patient with Acinetobacter pneumonia. Though we cured the infection, the patient eventually died of a heart attack due to prolonged hospitalization,' she added. In neonatal care, the scenario is no better. 'Gone are the days when ampicillin and gentamicin were enough. We now see newborns with carbapenem-resistant infections requiring colistin and even imported drugs like cefiderocol,' Dr. Singhal warned, citing India-specific studies showing alarmingly high resistance rates in neonatal sepsis. Hospitals Prepared, But Surveillance Still Fragile While larger hospitals are equipped to manage outbreaks, challenges persist, particularly in smaller and rural facilities. 'Accredited hospitals have adequate manpower and isolation infrastructure for MDR cases,' said Dr. Anita Arora, Director of Medical Operations and IPC Head at Fortis Healthcare. 'But gaps exist in standardization and surveillance, especially across the country's vast non-accredited and tier-2, tier-3 healthcare facilities.' Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former ICMR scientist and Distinguished Professor at Symbiosis International University, pointed out the lack of robust, generalizable AMR surveillance data as a major impediment to public health action. 'ICMR's surveillance network includes 20-odd urban tertiary hospitals. That doesn't reflect the national AMR burden. Surveillance must extend to secondary and primary care levels—and even into communities—if we want real change,' he emphasised. India's National Action Plan on AMR, nearing a decade since launch, remains limited in its implementation. 'We have a policy, but not a vertical program like for TB or HIV. That's why AMR doesn't get priority in funding or policy enforcement,' Dr. Gangakhedkar noted. Despite sepsis from multi-drug resistant organisms becoming one of India's top infectious killers, there is no emergency response system. 'We lack a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. Without demand from the public or advocacy from clinicians, every death remains anecdotal,' he warned. Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director and CEO of C-CAMP, highlighted the emerging biotech response to AMR through the India AMR Innovation Hub (IAIH). 'Over 80 new diagnostic and therapeutic innovations are in the pipeline, including point-of-care detection tools, small-molecule therapies, peptides, and even mAbs,' he said. Within five years, IAIH aims to bring 15–20 AMR solutions to market. 'Our focus is on affordability, accessibility, and adaptability to Indian healthcare settings. We are also partnering with state governments to test and deploy these solutions,' Dr. Saiyed said. What Fuels the AMR Crisis? Rampant over-the-counter (OTC) use and physician-driven overprescription are key drivers. 'We frequently see patients self-medicating with azithromycin for fever,' said Dr. Singhal. 'There's an urgent need for public campaigns discouraging this behavior and educating people that antibiotics are not for viral infections.' Physician behavior must also change. 'Nearly 70% of outpatient visits are viral, yet antibiotics are often prescribed. Pharmacies dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions must be stopped. The government should crack down on irrational fixed-dose combinations and improve antibiotic quality,' she added. India's AMR crisis is tightly linked to its infectious disease burden. 'If we reduce infections, we automatically reduce antibiotic use,' Dr. Singhal argued. 'Better water, sanitation, hygiene, and vaccination—like typhoid vaccines—are critical long-term AMR containment tools.' A Call for National Coordination and Accountability All experts agreed that AMR cannot be tackled in silos. 'This is not just a medical or regulatory issue. It's a community issue, a veterinary issue, a poultry issue, a pharma issue. Everyone must be accountable,' Dr. Gangakhedkar stressed. Dr. Arora echoed that sentiment: 'No irrational antibiotic combinations should be manufactured or prescribed—anywhere. Regulatory agencies must crack down at the state level, and hospitals must not allow irrational drugs inside their doors.' India's AMR crisis is no longer silent—it is deafening for those willing to listen. But without systemic surveillance, public advocacy, rational prescription practices, and coordinated innovation, the country risks running out of curative options. As Dr. Gangakhedkar summed it up: 'Every patient asking, 'Do I really need this antibiotic?' is a step forward. Every death from untreatable infection must not be forgotten—it must become a rallying cry for urgent action.'
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From charity to capitalism with conscience, ESG gains ground in Indian healthcare and pharma
New Delhi: As India's healthcare sector races toward a projected USD 596 billion valuation by 2025, a quiet but powerful shift is underway—Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are emerging as the next big disruptor. No longer just a corporate buzzword, ESG is now being seen as a critical framework to tackle inequities, attract impact-driven capital , and build a resilient, inclusive healthcare ecosystem. Experts say ESG could be the game-changer India needs to move beyond piecemeal CSR initiatives and government subsidies—offering instead a data-backed, accountability-driven approach to bridging access gaps, especially in rural and underserved regions. Despite its massive scale, healthcare accounts for just six per cent of the total market capitalisation of the top 1,000 NSE-listed firms—highlighting an urgent need for long-term, value-based transformation. With over 7.5 million workers across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medtech, and biotech, embedding ESG may not just boost investor trust—it could define India's path to becoming a global healthcare leader by 2047. India currently ranks 120 out of 156 countries on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, reflecting an urgent need to adopt frameworks that move from short-term charity to measurable, long-term impact. In a conversation with ETHealthworld, Amit Bhatia, Founder of Aspire Impact and Aspire Circle, emphasised the growing relevance of ESG in reshaping healthcare outcomes across the country. 'ESG enables us to move from charity to capitalism with conscience . It incentivises healthcare providers to address underserved populations through market-based mechanisms, improving both health outcomes and investment returns,' he said. India's healthcare landscape is marked by deep-rooted inequities, especially in rural and tier 2/3 cities, where critical gaps in infrastructure, affordability, and access remain. According to Bhatia, traditional philanthropy often lacks scale, sustainability, and accountability. ESG frameworks, by contrast, offer structured and quantifiable models backed by 150+ healthcare-specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These KPIs track metrics viz patient safety and care quality, medical waste management, gender equity and workforce inclusion, affordability and last-mile access, digital health adoption and ethical governance and transparency 'Only 25 per cent of Indian companies disclose ESG metrics today. But those that do often enjoy 5 to 20 per cent higher valuation multiples, increased investor trust, and improved brand equity,' Bhatia noted. Unlike one-off donations or government subsidies that risk creating dependency, ESG-driven investments aim to align profitability with purpose. Aspire Impact uses a Dual ESG Ratings & Rankings system that evaluates companies on both risk mitigation and impact potential, helping guide capital towards organisations making a measurable difference—particularly in low-access geographies. Through its evaluation of over 1,000 companies, Aspire has helped develop sector-specific ESG roadmaps tailored to various industries. The healthcare ESG framework, launched in 2022, is designed to support providers operating in underserved regions, where demand for quality, inclusive care is rapidly growing. Bhatia also highlighted how embedding ESG principles into public health initiatives—such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM)—can significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and scalability. He further called for greater alignment between ESG disclosures and India's regulatory mandates, including the Companies Act and SEBI's ESG reporting requirements. This alignment, he noted, could catalyse widespread adoption of ESG frameworks across both public and private healthcare players. 'The future of healthcare is not just digital or data-driven, it must be value-driven. ESG allows us to quantify our intentions, measure our progress, and attract capital that's both responsible and results-oriented,' Bhatia said. With sustainability and accountability becoming top priorities for investors, ESG adoption in healthcare is no longer optional—it's a strategic imperative. For India to bridge persistent gaps in equity, affordability, and access, ESG provides a clear and actionable pathway to achieving universal healthcare goals while reinforcing national resilience. As India looks ahead to its centenary in 2047, embedding ESG principles into healthcare strategy could become a defining lever—reshaping not just institutions, but also the future of public health and social impact in the country.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's Silent Ache: Why the Country Is Grappling with a Musculoskeletal Crisis
By Pratibha Raju and Vishal Kumar Singh New Delhi: India is quietly battling a surge in musculoskeletal disorders—joint pain, spinal issues, and bone degeneration are no longer limited to the elderly. Sedentary lifestyles, nutritional gaps, and screen-heavy routines are impacting people across age groups, including children. With nearly 20 per cent of India's population expected to be over 60 by 2050, addressing MSK health is becoming an urgent public health priority. Recognizing the scale and complexity of this surge, leading orthopaedic experts convened at the inaugural edition of Future MedX: The Smart Patient Care Summit. Moderated by Pratibha Raju, Senior Assistant Editor at ET Healthworld, the panel explored how lifestyle, nutrition, and technology are reshaping the landscape of joint and bone health in India. The expert panel members consisted of Dr. Rajesh Bawari, Principal Consultant ,Orthopaedics & Head Complex Trauma & Orthopaedics Units, Max Hospital; Dr. Jayant Arora, Senior Director and Unit Head - Orthopaedics, Fortis Healthcare; Dr. Buddhadeb Chatterjee, Sr. Consultant -Orthopaedics, Apollo Hospital; Dr. Shubh Mehrotra, Director - Joint Replacement and Robotic Surgery, Lovee Shubh Hospital; Dr. Firoz Ahmed, Director and HOD, Dept of Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine, ARHI Hospital. The discussion opened with a stark observation: MSK health is deeply connected to overall organ health. 'Poor musculoskeletal health will eventually translate into poor organ health and serious illness,' warned Dr. Buddhadeb Chatterjee. He also raised a broader concern — the diminishing nutrient value in our soil and food, adding, 'As the earth is aging, the nutrients in the soil are diminishing, and that is why, since most of our food comes from the soil, the nutriments in the food that we take is also reducing. There's no definite study on this, no definite level one evidence, but this is a thought which is there in a lot of people.' While aging is one part of the story, modern lifestyle habits are clearly accelerating degeneration. 'The 10-minute food delivery guys are also to be blamed,' stated Dr. Jayant Arora, referring to how technology has eroded basic movement from our daily lives. 'We are getting degenerative knees in patients as young as their 40s,' said Dr. Pranay Bhushan Pandey. 'The youngest degenerative non-traumatic total knee replacement I have done is in a 47-year-old.' And it's not just older adults anymore. Children and young adults are increasingly presenting with postural deformities, vitamin deficiencies, and even degenerative spine changes. 'The spine matures at 30, but we are seeing changes at 18,' noted Dr. Shubh Mehrotra, who attributed this to excessive screen time and poor posture. He also warned that children today are growing up disconnected from natural movement, and as a result, 'with flat feet and faulty foundations, everything from the ankle to the spine is at risk. Environmental factors and pollution are also playing a role, particularly in the rise of osteoporosis and early degeneration. 'Patients as young as 25, mostly females, are showing degenerative knee problems,' said Dr. Firoz Ahmed. Meanwhile, Dr. Rajesh Bawari pointed out a fundamental mismatch: 'Our body is not programmed or designed to work the way we are used to… we need to balance it out with countermeasures.' When asked about urban children's health risks, the consensus was clear — a lack of outdoor play and physical activity is taking its toll. 'Flat feet and knock knees in overweight children — it all stems from being indoors too much,' said Dr. Jayant, echoing the concerns raised earlier. Dr Buddhadeb added. Role of Nutraceuticals This naturally led the conversation to prevention — specifically, the role of nutraceuticals. Calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium, collagen, mucopolysaccharides, and curcumin were all mentioned as key supplements doctors now routinely recommend. 'We cannot survive without nutraceuticals in the current scenario,' said Dr. Pranay, explaining how deficiencies are now prevalent across all age groups. 'Every third person, no matter the age group, will need one.' Dr. Rajesh explained why this matters. He highlighted that nutraceuticals offer a safer long-term option often leading to noticeable improvements that patients themselves report back. Dr. Firoz emphasized that these aren't magic pills but crucial for tissue repair: 'They help not only in strengthening but also in the repair process.' Dr. Buddhadeb cautioned stating that the evidence is still catching up: 'There is really no level one evidence which establishes nutraceuticals as an absolutely mandatory component. But we have definitely observed the benefits of nutraceuticals.' For women who have attained menopause, doses change and other nutrients get added.' Others suggested adding magnesium, mucopolysaccharides, and plant-based estrogens like isoflavonoids. Despite a strong vote of confidence for nutraceuticals, every panelist stressed that supplements alone are not enough. 'There are no quick fix solutions,' said Dr. Rajesh. 'I can't become a bodybuilder by just taking protein shakes.' Dr. Shubh echoed this, advocating for moderation: 'Take it for a few weeks, stop, then restart and don't end up with hypervitaminosis.' For Dr. Jayant, exercise remains paramount. He emphasized that true healing begins with movement, noting that muscles are the body's natural pharmacy — and that exercise drives the majority of clinical outcomes. Robotic Knee Replacements The second half of the discussion focused on Robotic knee replacements, an innovation that has rapidly gained traction in India. 'It is one of the most fruitful surgeries in medical science,' said Dr. Pranay. 'There's no shortcut — if it's end-stage, you have to go for a replacement.' He explained that robotic assistance allows for better precision, less soft tissue damage, and more accurate gap balancing, especially in complex cases. Dr. Buddhadeb reframed robotic surgery not as a tool but as a concept. 'Every knee is different; the eye cannot see 3 degrees of misalignment, but the robot can.' He described it as a shift from 'one-size-fits-all' to personalized alignment. Jayant shared that robotic surgeries now form 80% of knee replacements at his center: 'People come asking for it after seeing the results.' Dr. Firoz pointed out that while robotic surgery is gaining momentum in urban centres, wider adoption remains limited by cost and access—issues that need public-level intervention. Dr. Jayant called on insurers to step up: 'Insurance companies should cover robotic surgeries — which they are not doing.' There are also structural barriers. 'If you have a particular robot, you are restricted to that company,' Dr. Rajesh pointed out. added that the government should consider capping robotic costs. He said that, 'No individual doctor can own a robot. If we curtail the cost, we'll have better surgeons and better knees.' Way forward The panel was asked why a combined approach of exercise and nutraceuticals is superior to either alone. The panel concluded with a shared emphasis on a comprehensive, balanced approach to musculoskeletal health. Dr. Rajesh Bawari stressed that strong muscles and bones must work in tandem, while Dr. Firoz Ahmed urged patients to adopt holistic changes—spanning lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise—to delay or avoid surgery. Dr. Shubh Mehrotra emphasized moderation, advising against prolonged reliance on any single supplement without regular check-ups. For Dr. Jayant Arora, movement is medicine, crucial not only for joints but for preventing broader metabolic issues. Dr. Buddhadeb Chatterjee highlighted the value of traditional practices like yoga and meditation, encouraging people to reconnect with India's wellness heritage. Summing it up, Dr. Pranay Bhushan Pandey noted that sustaining joint health isn't just about effort—it's about the right effort, grounded in informed habits and adaptability.
