17th edition of FICCI HEAL to be held on October 26-27 in New Delhi  

New Delhi: India’s apex industry chamber, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) is all set to host the 17^th edition of its annual healthcare conference– FICCI HEAL 2023 on October 26 and 27, 2023 at FICCI Federation House, New Delhi.

The event has been supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and NITI Aayog, Government of India.

With the overarching theme of ‘Healthcare METAmorphosis’, the conference will delve into the strategies and opportunities for the evolution of the healthcare industry in the coming years. Besides, it will serve as a platform for sharing and learning among all the stakeholders, both national and international.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare; and Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India has been invited to inaugurate the Conference. The event will be graced by eminent dignitaries and speakers including Dr Ajay K Singh, Senior Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education, also serving as Director, MMSCI, Harvard Medical School and Dr Carsten Engel, CEO, International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua).

Additionally, as a notable component of the HEAL Conference, FICCI will host the ‘15th FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’ on October 26, 2023, at Hotel Le Meridien in New Delhi. The ceremony will felicitate organizations and individuals for their invaluable contribution in the healthcare space in the presence of Chief Guest, Ms Sharmila Tagore. The participants were evaluated on three criteria: Innovation, Impact and Sustainability & Scalability, by a distinguished independent jury panel chaired by Mr C K Mishra.

Dr Harsh Mahajan, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Founder & Chief Radiologist, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, while talking about the Theme of HEAL Conference said, “In the past decade, India has made remarkable advancements in strengthening its healthcare ecosystem. From improving infrastructure to enhancing affordability, the country has been successful in providing quality healthcare access across the nation, including in rural areas. It is undergoing a phase of evolution, which is further going to intensify in the coming years.”

“The 17th edition of FICCI HEAL focuses on the Healthcare METAmorphosis, being witnessed across India. It will serve as a platform to facilitate discussions on ideas for enhancing healthcare facilities and tackling the prevailing challenges. We remain optimistic that by exchanging knowledge, we can catalyze positive change on a global scale,” he added.

Dr Sanjeev Singh, Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee; Medical Director, AIMSRC Faridabad & Chief Medical Superintendent, AIMSRC Kochi shared that “the transformations in healthcare ecosystem are visible in multiple dimensions. India has witnessed a substantial increase in healthcare facilities, with the establishment of state-of-the-art hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare facilities across the country. The private hospital sector in India was valued at INR 11,606 Bn in FY 2022. It is expected to cross INR 26,000 Bn by FY 2027, expanding at a CAGR of ~18.60%. Additionally, new and innovative models of healthcare delivery are being witnessed, whether it is out of hospital care, self-care, novel PPPs or digital as well as hybrid clinics, enabling more patient-centric and comprehensive care delivery across the spectrum. This calls for strategic deliberations and planning on the future metamorphosis of the sector”.

The theme of this year’s FICCI HEAL 2023 holds great relevance in light of the profound metamorphosis witnessed in the Indian healthcare system in recent years. India has made significant strides in improving healthcare access, quality, and affordability, but despite that, challenges persist.

Dr Mahesh Joshi, Co- Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and President & CEO, Apollo Homecare, said, “The role of innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare is accelerated post COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to view healthcare as a major contributor to overall economic growth. The event will call for a favorable environment to encourage investment and research in the sector. We are hoping to see a multidimensional expansion of telemedicine, digital tools, home healthcare along with reforms in healthcare infrastructure and supply chains.”

The two-day conference will include a discussion on the crucial subject of Making Cancer Care Affordable and Accessible in India, given the increasing burden of NCDs and specifically cancer in the country. A unique session on ‘Fostering Resilient Economics’ will focus on key measures and approaches that can be implemented to achieve resilience in the economics of healthcare. This will be followed by a fireside chat on ‘Driving Investments in Healthcare’.

Day 2 of the conference will present a panel on Leveraging Technology for Transforming Primary Healthcare, inviting industry to join the FICCI’s initiative on demonstrating Smart HWCs in States. This will be followed by session on ‘Perspectives on Healthcare’, which will bring together renowned personalities from other industries to share their unique perspectives on healthcare sector.

The conference will end with a special Stakeholders’ Consultation titled “Empowering Her Health” to address the challenges and opportunities related to women’s health in India. The Consultation seeks to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy recommendations for promoting gender-responsive and inclusive healthcare systems.