'Medical solutions are tailored to individual patients': Dr Nitish Shetty

Q How are private health care providers addressing the needs of the population vis-à-vis public health care?

A Indian private health care providers have contributed significantly to the overall health impact in the country. Private health care providers in India complement the public health care system by offering clinical expertise, specialised, technologically advanced and faster health care services. A balanced and collaborative approach between private and government health care providers is necessary to address the diverse health care needs of the Indian population.

Q Are there specific policy changes that could improve health care efficiency in India?

A Implementing a comprehensive Universal Health Coverage programme―through private and government-funded insurance schemes―will ensure that all citizens have access to essential health care services without financial hardship. Regulatory measures need to be put in place to control costs, to maintain quality―be it of drugs or services―thus making health care affordable to the general population. Accreditation programmes can help identify and recognise high-quality health care institutions. We also need policies to train and retain health care professionals, especially in rural areas, to address the shortage of medical staff. Most importantly, as we advance technologically, we need robust data protection laws to ensure the privacy and security of patient health information.

Q What are the barriers to access quality care and how do we address it?

A Access to quality health care remains a critical issue for the country. There are seven important issues that we need to address immediately: geographical barriers, financial barriers, lack of awareness, cultural and social factors, quality disparities, infrastructural challenge and workforce shortage. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-pronged approach, involving government policies, private sector engagement, community participation and public awareness campaigns. It is important to ensure that health care services are not only available but also affordable, of high quality and culturally sensitive to the diverse population of India.

Q In what ways does Aster Group prioritise a patient-centric approach?

A Medical solutions at our institutions are increasingly tailored to individual patients through precision medicine and genomics. We invest in user-friendly technologies, such as patient portals and mobile apps, to empower patients to manage their health, schedule appointments, access medical records and communicate with their health care team conveniently. One of our core focus remains on care coordination to ensure that health care providers from our different network hospitals work together to provide seamless and well-coordinated care. By focusing on preventive health care and wellness programmes, we aim to keep patients healthier and reduce the need for acute care, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Our physical design of facilities is often centered on patient comfort, with private rooms, soothing environments and amenities that enhance the patient experience.

Q What are the group’s future plans for advancing medical solutions in India?

A Aster Group in India is committed to advancing medical solutions through cutting-edge technologies. We are investing in AI-driven diagnostics, genomics and advanced imaging for early disease detection. Investments in robotic surgery, cancer treatments, mental health services and AI for diagnostic accuracy highlight our commitment.