Preventive health made easy:

How modern diagnostics are redefining patient care

- Dr. Bilal Thangal T M Medical Lead, NURA - AI Health Screening Centre

In today’s world, preventive healthcare is emerging as a niche segment that is distinctly different from outpatient services and hospital care.

Essentially, prevention requires a different approach. People should feel the necessity of getting screened even when they appear healthy and physically fit. For that, an altogether different outlook, culture, and health consciousness must develop among people, and the preventive infrastructure should also offer them comfort, ambience and flexibility to undergo such procedures.

Now, preventive strategy is assuming a different gamut. Regular screening and early diagnoses are integral part of it. According to a study by Polaris Market Research, India’s diagnostic services market size is expected to reach $43.57 billion by 2032. Diagnostic services encompass a range of medical tests and procedures, from imaging and laboratory investigations to biopsies and endoscopies, that help detect conditions before they escalate.

Another study by health benefits platform Ekincare confirms that a major shift has happened in the way Indians approach preventive healthcare. The report, which drew insights from over 30,000 people from urban areas, says 82% of the surveyed people prefer diagnostic centres over hospitals for routine health checkups. It signals a fundamental change in patient behavior -- people are choosing prevention-focused centres over hospitals whenever they need a medical screening.