‘Focussing On Quadruple Aim By Putting Patients First'

Rohit Sathe, President – Philips India Healthcare, shares his insights with Prathiba Raju on how healthcare ecosystem in India is progressing with the latest technology and further elucidates on how the company is focussing on patient-centric approach

- Prathiba Raju

Even though we are home to advanced innovations in healthcare delivery and technology, yet our public healthcare is in a dismal state. How do you see the Indian healthcare system? How can digital evolution help in changing this scenario?

Indian healthcare system has different kinds of set ups like private and public healthcare. Within hospitals also, we have tertiary care, primary care and nursing segment which are not much organised. In patients’ perspective, there are people who can afford, or not afford, or use medical insurance, but it’s minimal. From equipment and diagnostic imaging perspective, the nuances of the technology we offer are suitable to any form of healthcare set up, be it a private healthcare establishment, tertiary hospital, diagnostic centres or medical colleges.

What are the pain points or challenges you face serving the Indian healthcare system compared to other Asian countries?

One of the key challenges facing the Indian healthcare ecosystem is the affordability of the hospitals and other healthcare institutions that buy medical equipment. It includes the total cost as well as the ownership of the equipment — configuration, software and the customer services, which extends up to 10 years. Besides, there is also a need to ensure an adequate supply of skilled manpower, their training and ability to provide service on a consistent basis. At Philips, we remain focussed on improving healthcare in the country by developing quality health tech solutions that are affordable and accessible. Our India strategy is anchored around catering to all our customers’ needs and driving a shift to value-based healthcare — a system that aims to increase access to care and improve patient outcomes.