BW Healthcare Oct - Nov 2023

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 51 We also find that lung cancer among people who have never smoked has also gone up. Perhaps there’s some evidence that pollution plays a role, but there are other factors there that we don’t fully understand In India Lung cancer is rising at a faster pace than the rest of the world. Is there something specific to this geography, or the demographics of the population of this region that makes Indians more prone to lung cancer? The causes of lung cancer are multifactorial. One of the prime drivers of lung cancer risk is tobacco exposure. More recently, even within the last year, the other big thing that we’ve learned is that actually pollution can be a significant driver of lung cancer risk. I think those are two exogenous risk factors for lung cancer not unique to this region. That’s something that we’re grappling with globally. We also find that lung cancer among people who have never smoked has also gone up. Perhaps there’s some evidence that pollution plays a role, but there are other factors there that we don’t fully understand, and those patients disproportionately have some of these genetic factors that drive their lung cancer formation. To be specific we’re not talking about inherited things. We’re talking about things that are just found within the tumour. So it’s not that there’s a family relationship. It’s that for reasons that we don’t fully understand yet, their tumours evolved out of the context of having these genetic mutations. Globally, cancers are increasing. Is this because cancer is affecting more people, or because there are more cases being detected as a result of in- creasing awareness and more people are going in for testing? For some cancers, you’re absolutely right that “screening drives’’ increases in rate. Lung cancer isn’t really one of those in that, it’s a disease that even stage-one lung cancers have a very high rate of recurrence. So even with people who have surgery after stage one lung cancer, 25 per cent to 30 per cent of the time lung cancer comes back. In the last ten years, we have seen lung cancer screening data suggesting that doing low dose CT scans can actually save lives. So now we have data supporting that, but so far it’s not been widely used. So I don’t think it’s leading to large numbers of over-diagnosis. One of the reasons is the uptake of lung cancer screening globally is terribly low. Are there some early stage symptoms that people should be aware of that could prompt the person to go to a doctor or get screened? Two thirds of people who are diagnosed with lung cancer have either never smoked or they already quit smoking. In lung cancer, the most common symptom is fatigue. Now, if I asked everybody in a room, are you feeling tired? I can pretty much

52 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM say everyone and myself included is going to say yes. So the most common symptoms of fatigue and cough, but these are things that all of us experience in our day-to-day lives. And when someone experiences symptoms like that from lung cancer, it’s typically something that has already gotten to a point where it’s at least stage three, most commonly and many times stage four. So I don’t think we can rely on symptoms. But screening is going to become an increasingly important part because we need to be finding people at stage one because that’s where we have the greatest chance of curing them. What could be the role of diagnostics to test the mutation of lung cancer cases? We know that when we say lung cancer, it’s actually not just one disease, it’s actually hundreds of different diseases. And the way we thought about it ten to fifteen years ago was just what we could tell by eye or looking underneath the microscope. But we know that genomics can define different types of lung cancers and that if you understand the molecular underpinnings of a cancer, you’re going to be that much better at treating it. We now have ten different gene changes for which we have different targeted medicines, and for some of them we have more than one. And, we’re talking about outcomes where it used to be someone with metastatic lung cancer having an average survival of ten to twelve months to being on the first treatment, being on that treatment for four to five years. Those are transformative outcomes for patients. We used to just use these targeted medicines only in stage four but now we are starting to use these drugs in patients who have had surgery, that is stage two and stage three. And we’re finding that adding the targeted medicines to standard approaches like surgery have also improved survival in some of these molecular subsets. I think it’s going to be an exciting next ten years as we start thinking about advances in drug development and then starting to use precision medicine even earlier in other kinds of stages of lung cancer. Do you think that we will be able to save more lives in the future since with AI we will be able to be more predictive in our approach? Absolutely. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how DNA based sequencing is going to change how we approach lung cancer. I think of two paradigms for how we treat lung cancer, and they are not necessarily overlapping. One we’ve talked about, which is targeted medicine, you sequence the tumour, you find the unique vulnerability and then use a pill to intercept that vulnerability. The other major paradigm change has been using immune based medicines. These are medicines that are geared to stimulate your own immune system and have the immune system identify a cancer and attack it. Those medicines are transformative, in that we’re now starting to use the word cure for patients with advanced lung cancer. The challenge is that those medicines only work in about 20 per cent of people and they’re incredibly expensive. The question is how do you identify who should be given this medicine. I think everyone deserves treatment with these medicines, it’s just who needs intensification of therapy where we’re combining maybe two immune medicines together. Who can you just get away with using one of those? So I think this is where AI is going to be particularly helpful. When we did a project and we just published, we identified that there’s no one uniform biomarker. There are different combinations. And so this is a prime place for AI to mine that data. So we’ve actually made all that data publicly accessible and have people mine it. I mentioned lung cancer screening and CT scans. And one of the problems of finding little nodules that aren’t necessarily cancers, and this is where AI can also be very helpful and it’s already here as a support for screening. In the last ten years, we have seen lung cancer screening data suggesting that doing low dose CT scans can actually save lives Genomics can define different types of lung cancers and that if you understand the molecular underpinnings of a cancer, you’re going to be that much better at treating it

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54 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM In a conversation with Bhupendra Paintola from Businessworld, Sudharshan Jain, the General Secretary of IPA (Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance), talks about the recent developments in the pharmaceutical sector, the anticipated future of the Indian pharmaceutical, investment in research and development, the effects of the medical device policy, and steps to deal with problems regarding drug quality. PHARMA PROGNOSIS: Exploring Trends & Transformations What is the recent trend in the pharma sector right now, and what’s the reason behind it? The recent trend is that our industry has performed well during the COVID-19 pandemic. India has developed and vaccinated around 220 crore people worldwide and provided medicines to 200 countries. This success has shown the industry’s resilience during adversity. The key factors include the rapid development of vaccines, such as DNA and mRNA vaccines, and India’s ability to supply medicines to a vast number of countries, demonstrating the strength of our pharmaceutical sector. What will the Indian pharma sector look like in 2030, and what are the market expectations? In 2030, the Indian pharma sector is expected to undergo significant transformations. Currently, India ranks as the third-largest in terms of volume and the 13th largest in terms of value in the global pharmaceutical market. While we excel in the branded generic market, we face challenges in innovation. To meet market expectations, several key priorities must be addressed. First, there is a critical need to upgrade our capabilities, focusing on complex generics, innovative drug development, and biologicals. This will elevate India’s position in the value chain. Second, ensuring highquality standards is paramount in the pharmaceutical industry. We should work on strengthening our quality systems and aim to align with international standards, such as becoming a member of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) for total quality management. Third, India should strive for selfreliance in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), as we currently depend heavily on imports. Initiatives like PLI schemes are already in progress to achieve this. Lastly, diversifying our export destinations beyond the Western markets to countries like China and Japan is crucial for future growth, given their substantial pharmaceutiIN-DEPTH By Bhupendra Paintola

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 55 cal markets. In summary, India’s pharmaceutical sector in 2030 will focus on innovation, quality enhancement, self-sufficiency in APIs, and expanding export markets to ensure sustained growth and competitiveness on the global stage. How much is India investing in research and development, especially for entering the branded medicine market? Indian companies typically spend 7-8 per cent of their sales on research and development, which is relatively low by global standards. To compete in the branded medicine market, we need increased funding for research, stronger industry-academic collaborations, regulatory reforms to expedite approvals for new products, and infrastructure development to support innovation. The government’s commitment to funding research is a positive step, and we eagerly await the policy details. These investments are essential for India to transition to a more innovative and value-driven pharmaceutical industry. Can you provide insights into the recent medical device policy in India and its potential impact on the industry’s growth and innovation? The recent medical device policy in India represents a significant stride towards fostering innovation and self-reliance in the healthcare sector. It’s worth noting that India heavily depends on imported medical devices, around 80 per cent. However, with the introduction of various policies and initiatives, the government aims to transform this scenario. Initially, they introduced the PLA (Production-Linked Incentive) policy for medical devices, followed by the bulk drug policy, both vital steps. PLA-2 policy focused on nurturing global champions in the medical device sector, a move crucial for India’s growth as a medical device exporter. The draft R&D policy outlines a roadmap that includes regulatory reforms, industry-academic collaboration, and tech funding—a boon for innovation. In conclusion, the recent medical device policy is a promising initiative that, if executed effectively, can stimulate substantial growth, innovation, and self-sufficiency in the Indian medical device industry, making it a formidable player on the global stage. Traditional medicines hold immense potential in the pharmaceutical sector. To harness their benefits, we must ensure proper clinical trials to establish their effectiveness and safety How can traditional medicines play a role in the pharma sector, and what steps should be taken to ensure their quality and effectiveness? Traditional medicines hold immense potential in the pharmaceutical sector. To harness their benefits, we must ensure proper clinical trials to establish their effectiveness and safety. Standardised manufacturing processes are essential to maintaining quality and consistency. Evidence-based support and regulatory frameworks are vital to differentiate between genuine traditional medicines and unsubstantiated claims. By following these steps, India can capitalise on the rich heritage of traditional medicine and create a valuable addition to its pharmaceutical offerings. What is the root cause of allegations against Indian companies for fa- talities linked to contaminated drugs? How can we address them? You are right; it was indeed unfortunate that such incidents occurred. The root of the problem lies in the licencing system, which is granted locally, while health is a federal subject. However, the government is taking several initiatives to rectify this situation. Firstly, there are plans to introduce a Drug and Cosmetic Act that aligns with WHO standards. Secondly, efforts are underway to enhance the capabilities of drug inspectors nationwide. This improvement extends beyond inspectors to everyone involved. District-specific standard operating procedures for inspections are also being introduced to strengthen the last-mile inspection process. The government is further considering standardising the IT systems used by all drug controllers. These steps collectively aim to advance the cause of quality healthcare.

56 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 By Bhupendra Paintola BW HEALTHCARE 30U30 AWARDS: Celebrating India’s Young Healthcare Trailblazers

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 57 30UNDER30 I n the dynamic realm of India’s healthcare industry, anticipation and excitement permeate the atmosphere as it stands on the brink of transformation. Recent reports highlight a surge in the sector, with seven unicorns currently leading the way and two new startups joining their ranks. These unicorns not only symbolise financial success but also signify the impactful strides made in healthcare through technology. Driving this growth are healthcare startups, at the forefront of the healthcare revolution in India. In recognition of these young trailblazers, BW Healthcare World conducted the “BW Healthcare 30u30” awards, celebrating 30 exceptional leaders under 30 who have left an indelible mark on India’s healthcare sector. These individuals showcase extraordinary dedication and innovation across healthcare’s diverse domains. The industry’s growth trajectory is remarkable, as per Statista, Revenue in the Health Care market is projected to reach USD 516.60 million in 2023. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 10.36 per cent, resulting in a projected market volume of USD 766.40 million by 2027. The BW Healthcare 30u30 initiative doesn’t just honour accomplishments but also nurtures a new generation of healthcare visionaries. These leaders inspire innovation, collaboration, and meaningful contributions. The selection process for the esteemed BW Healthcare 30u30 accolade was conducted by a distinguished panel of judges with profound healthcare insights. Nominees were meticulously evaluated based on various parameters. These included the originality and ingenuity of their healthcare initiatives, tangible and intangible impacts on healthcare advancement, financial viability, and project sustainability. Additionally, their commitment to ensuring healthcare solutions remained affordable and accessible, extending innovations to diverse communities, stakeholder acceptance, competitive differentiation, and the long-term relevance of their initiatives were all carefully considered. In conclusion, India’s healthtech industry is on an upward trajectory, powered by innovative young leaders. The BW Healthcare 30u30 initiative celebrates these visionaries, fostering a brighter healthcare future. These leaders, recognised for their exceptional contributions, are catalysts for change, shaping healthcare in India and beyond. Their journey reflects boundless possibilities for those daring to innovate, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to healthcare.

58 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 Anmol Arora’s mission is one of navigating the complexities of mental health and realising the immense difference the right therapist can make in our lives According to Anmol Arora, in the vast field of healthcare, DocVita is a beacon of personal connection. His journey of building DocVita isn’t just driven by spotting a market gap,it is deeply personal. Their mission is rooted in a profound personal insight – In the last 18 months of operations, they have helped over 15,000 people find their therapists and psychiatrists, resulting in INR 5 crores of GMV. Today, we work with 110 therapists and psychiatrists. 35 per cent of providers on DocVita are exclusive to their platform and do not accept appointments on any other platforms. They currently have a waiting list of 350 therapists and plan to onboard and activate 500 therapists by the end of Q1 2024, which will help them reach the scale of 10,000 therapy sessions every month. He mentions that they have shown a few strong signals of sustainability 1. In the last 6 months, we achieved CM3 profitability. 2. Today, 67 per cent of DocVita’s monthly revenue comes from existing clients. 3. Their provider retention is 95 per cent. People who joined the company 18 months ago still work with them today. 4. Next month, their Koramangala clinic is expected to break-even, in only its’ fifth month of operations. In the last 18 months, they have heard countless success stories of people finding the support they were looking for. They successfully connected over 15,000 individuals, couples and families with therapists and psychiatrists tailored to their unique needs. This has translated into a GMV of more than Rs. 5,00,00,000, with more than half of this revenue being retention revenue. They have also positively impacted the lives of 110 dedicated therapists and psychiatrists working with them. This is not only providing them a support system to flourish in their practice, they have also invested into their profession with L&D budgets, training & supervision. In a nation where mental health discussions have been historically stigmatised, he believes their greatest impact is in normalising the conversation, making therapy accessible and ensuring that the people they helped did not have to go through mental health struggles alone. In Arora’s opinion, making healthcare affordable will require different approaches for different sects of the society. Anmol Arora said that being a part of the BW Healthcare 30 under 30 is not just about personal recognition, but rather an acknowledgement of the vision, hard work, and impact he has been able to create through DocVita. Getting this prestigious recognition will help them amplify their message, foster collaborations, and bring them closer to their mission. Making A Difference Through Relentless Methods The World Bank estimates that cyberattacks could have caused losses of around USD 5.2 trillion to the world during 2019-2023. The use of cryptocurrency by malicious threat actors further complicates its detection and prevention ANMOL ARORA Founder & CEO DocVita (YC W20)

BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 59 30UNDER30 Anoushka’s journey began when she was just 8 years old, having experienced severe bullying in school which led her to start an anti-bullying application and at the age of 12, she became the youngest entrepreneur on Shark Tank India Season 1, successfully securing funding for her anti-bullying app, Kavach. Fast forward to the age of 14, she was recently honoured with the highest national recognition on Republic Day, receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2023 from the esteemed President of India. Speaking about her innovation she says, “We have created an exclusive metaverse platform called ‘Kavach 3.0’ for conducting anonymous and safe counselling sessions. My app, ‘Kavach 2.0’, exclusively focuses on adolescents – to resolve their daily mental health struggles of adolescents and serve as their ramp to help them smoothly transition into adulthood. The app contains self-help content and a thriving community of adolescents, offering them guidance as well as group support.” Over the years, she has been able to reach more than 20,000 schools across India for my anti-bullying and mental health wellness sessions, impacting over 2 million students. She also created an online, self-paced video program consisting of ten short videos, each five minutes long, covering bullying in detail. “This program serves as a valuable resource for students in schools where I cannot personally conduct my anti-bullying sessions,” she adds. She says her greatest strength has been her age. “When one is as young as I am, others tend to undermine my knowledge and authority. However, through consistent hard work and sincere efforts, I have been able to establish both my position and my cause,” Anoushka believes. Anoushka believes that by incorporating awareness and education about preventive healthcare into school curriculums, one can contribute to reducing the stigma and misinformation surrounding various medical issues. She says that just like students learn about physical issues in Biology, students must know about mental health issues – the signs, symptoms, and what to do if they see it or experience it themselves. “Additionally, the utilisation of the latest technology applications and AI tools can significantly lower the cost WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM Anoushka Jolly speaks on her anti-bullying application ‘Kavach’ and the need to educate young kids about their mental wellbeing Guarding The Young We have created an exclusive metaverse platform called ‘Kavach 3.0’ for conducting anonymous and safe counselling sessions. My app, ‘Kavach 2.0’, exclusively focuses on adolescents – to resolve their daily mental health struggles of adolescents and serve as their ramp to help them smoothly transition into adulthood ANOUSHKA JOLLY Co-founder Innerark Blocktech of treatment and make it accessible to all. Our mental health metaverse represents a step in this direction, aiming to provide affordable, accessible, and destigmatize mental health counselling for everyone,” she concurs.

60 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 Bhairavi Madhusudhan Shibula, Founder and Director of Solis Health speaks on her journey and how her personal experience led to the birth of SolisHealth, a lifesaver for cancer patients Transforming Healthcare with Compassion and Innovation Solis Health is all the care I wish I could’ve given my mother BHAIRAVI MADHUSUDHAN SHIBULA Founder and Director Solis Health Bhairavi’s life took an unexpected turn when her mother, Lakshmi, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in April 2017 which ignited a passion within her to make a difference in the healthcare landscape, leading to the birth of Solis Health. Bhairavi says her deeply personal experience as a caregiver,navigating the challenging world of chronic illness alongside her mother made her realise the daunting physical, emotional, interpersonal, and financial toll it took on patients with chronic illness and their families.“Solis Health is all the care I wish I could’ve given my mother,” she added. On being asked about the reach her work has created she said, “We have three verticals – the Solis Health Cancer Support Centre, the Solis Health Benefit Plans and the Solis Health Knowledge Portal. The Solis Health Cancer Support Centre, the first of its kind in India, has been designed to help anyone touched by cancer cope and navigate the difficult world of care.” “We are proud to be a part of the international network of Maggie’s, a UK-based organization recognized as the global leader in the cancer support space, with over 30 centres in the UK and overseas,” she added. Talking about inculcating innovation in her work she said “Although there is an urgent need for allied health services to address the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. The Solis Health Cancer Support Centre has been designed to help patients and families access the comprehensive non-clinical support they need. The Solis Health Benefit Plans are innovative and unique subscription plans which have been designed to help the large non-insured segment in India bring down their healthcare costs” On being asked about how can healthcare be made affordable across all sects of society, Bhairavi says that in addition to improved healthcare policy frameworks and equitable price points, I believe that there are two major ways of making healthcare more affordable are: a) Enabling patient-driven healthcare, and b) Enhancing productivity of the healthcare ecosystem.

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 61 30UNDER30 Chahat Vasal, co-founder NerdNerdy speaks on her journey and how she made a difference in the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in India and beyond. Chahat with a team of dedicated professionals boasting a cumulative experience of over 50 years, co-founded NerdNerdy Technologies, a pioneering company that has brought revolutionary change to the landscape of special needs education and healthcare. At the heart of their mission lies a staggering statistic: a vast underestimation of the number of children with disabilities in India. Chahat says she and her team recognized the disparity in the 2011 Census report where only 1.7 per cent of children aged 5 to 19 have disabilities and UNESCO estimates the actual figure to be around 10 per cent. To bridge this gap, NerdNerdy Technologies developed a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive screening tool that can identify over 10 neurodevelopmental disorders with a single checklist which enables parents, professionals, and even paediatricians to easily screen children for developmental issues during routine check-ups, reducing stigma and allowing for early intervention. However, she adds that it was the execution that played a further significant role. It is through partnerships with government entities and initiatives like setting up resource rooms for inclusive education, which enabled Chahatto make significant strides.“In a project with the Government of India, we have screened over 6000 rural children and have gotten a possible rate of 6 per cent NDDs in the native population. This is becoming the largest independent study/project of screening children with disorders in India. The children identified have been further recommended to the government to aid with social services”, she added. Talking about inculcating innovation she outlined that “This simple ‘yes, no, maybe’ type checklist is able to screen more than 10 neuro developmental disorders in one go, including Autism, Social Communication Disorder, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorder and more. Pioneering Change in Special Needs Education and Healthcare Access Most children with disabilities, especially neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), are not diagnosed early on. There thus is a need for a comprehensive tool for screening which can be used by trained community welfare workers, and professionals at schools and clinics CHAHAT VASAL Co-founder NerdNerdy There is NO SUCH TOOL AVAILABLE in the market even internationally!” She believes that technology is the key to reaching the masses and providing affordable healthcare services. Data analytics will be a huge factor in making healthcare more accessible and the systems more efficient. When policy-level decisions and budget allocations are made based on a deep understanding of which area needs which resources the most, healthcare reaches the right people while reducing the waste of funds.

62 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Darpan Roy Chowdhury, Co-Founder and COO, ErasaVir, said that he has had the privilege of leading teams, both in a traditional/mature healthcare business (domestic formulation manufacturing and marketing) as well as in innovation-led start up environments. As Head of Business Development at Strassenburg Pharmaceuticals he had the opportunity to build prescription drug brands in geographies ranging from large metro cities to tiny villages and towns. This role included understanding manufacturing processes and formulation development, regulatory frameworks, operations and marketing. On the other end, while founding and growing ErasaVirhe had the chance to create an IP-backed biotech which could solve a specific health problem globally. Founded during the pandemic, ErasaVir is a truly global effort. With scientists and team members from different parts of India, the UK, and the US, they rose above differences in schedules, SOPs, and cultural differences to chase innovation. This experience exposed Chowdhury to the true potential of global collaboration towards specific objectives. He fully intends to use this knowledge to create game-changing products and services in the future, based out of India. They researched traditional/ayurvedic ingredients which had the potential to solve the problem of Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, and they tested these alongside modern allopathic molecules. This resulted in a ‘best of both worlds’ approach which in turn contributed to their patents and efficacy. Usually innovators choose either the modern or traditional approach and discard the other. He firmly believes both worlds can be leveraged to create the best possible solutions. He further stated that in ErasaVirthey have managed to create a natural, plant-based technology which is nonhabit forming and tackles enveloped pathogens at an alarmingly high level of efficacy. Against SARS CoV-2 they were able to achieve a 100 per cent rate of viral inactivation at a UN-affiliated BSL-3 laboratory. This technology allows them to create sustainable, non-synthetic products which canreduce respiratory infections across a wide range of circumstances. Healthcare can be made affordable across all sects of the society is something he believes in. According to him, Darpan Roy Chowdhury said that combining the traditional with the modern - through the development process at ErasaVir, as a team they put good science first Working For Healthcare Globally While I am constantly inspired by the work my peers are doing in the Indian healthcare landscape, I do believe there are certain things I have had the unique opportunity to develop/solve for DARPAN ROY CHOWDHURY Co-Founder and COO ErasaVir there are many ways to approach the problems. 1. Quality in generic medicine and devices 2. Government support in innovation 3. Transparency 4. Greater investments in medical education and infrastructure 5. A higher ethical code of conduct for medical professionals and healthcare companies He is involved in a variety of ventures in the Indian healthcare environment, and he sees that as a strength instead of a weakness. It gives him the unique opportunity to combine learnings from various sectors and deliver solutions which are innovativeyet practical.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 63 30UNDER30 Devika Pareek is the youngest learning and development head for the Care Hospitals group. She has successfully established and strengthened the department for the group that resulted in increase in employee skill development and shop floor performance. Pareek has also implemented innovative training techniques and learning technologies, resulting in improved training effectiveness and employee satisfaction. With over 8 years of experience in the hospitality and hospital industry Pareek is a seasoned Learning and Development Manager who is passionate about transforming lives by building a culture of happiness and letting others be their best selves at all times. “Soft Skills modules and delivery of L&D initiatives have reached over 10,000 employees including the off roll team, in just 2.5 years. We started from scratch, developed all modules and initiatives and have been able to reach heights. Multiple initiatives are planned in the near future,” she states. She describes her strengths as being people oriented and goal oriented, with balance between both and also a strong emotional quotient and connection with the ground level teams while conducting programs. In terms of areas of improvement, she says she needs a little more work on multi-tasking. She says that she collaborates effectively with people at all levels and interacts with diverse groups of individuals and personalities to ensure the achievement of individual, functional, and organisational objectives. She is also pursuing a Postgraduate Certification in Human Resource Management from XLRI Jamshedpur, one of the premier institutes in India, to enhance her knowledge and skills in the field of human capital management. Devika Pareek speaks on her work at Care Hospitals and the impact it has had on the organisation Championing Skill Development We started from scratch, developed all modules and initiatives and have been able to reach heights. Multiple initiatives are planned in the near future DEVIKA PAREEK Group Head, Learning & Development CARE Hospitals

64 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Dhanushya Sree Ramesh speaks about the challenge of mental wellness in today’s day and age I n the realm of healthcare, the challenge of mental wellness has historically been addressed through diverse approaches, encompassing physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, says Dhanushya. She says that she firmly believes that the future of mental well-being lies in the integration of technology, particularly wearables, which can usher in an era of personalised, quantified, and guided wellness, replacing subjective and qualitative methodologies. Her company has designed an intelligent headband that precisely computes auser’s mental state (e.g Calm, Focus, Cognitive load) by meticulously measuring a range of physiological signals, including brain, heart, and breath activity. This noninvasive approach represents one of the most accurate means of assessing stress levels, she says. “Our application offers personalised biofeedback protocols, delivering an exceptionally user-friendly experience compared to traditional clinic-based systems,” she adds. She states that her foremost social impact objective revolves around addressing the urgent global issue of rising stress and anxiety levels. “Recent surveys reveal that an astonishing 80 per cent of the Indian workforce is affected by stress, which is not only detrimental but also exerts significant consequences on national productivity,” Dhanushya says. Furthermore, she contends that the advent of social media has contributed to a steep increase in the prevalence of mental disorders, with 1 in 5 individuals now affected. She says her company’s core mission is to combat this escalating crisis of stress and anxiety by pioneering an advanced mental wellness platform, harnessing the potential of neuro-wearables. Excelling In Neuro-wearables Enabling patients to access healthcare directly from the comfort of their homes holds the potential to trigger an exponential increase in accessibility to healthcare systems while dramatically reducing per capita costs DHANUSHYA SREE RAMESH Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer (COO) Neurostellar “I firmly believe that the future of healthcare hinges on the widespread adoption of point-of-care monitoring technologies. Enabling patients to access healthcare directly from the comfort of their homes holds the potential to trigger an exponential increase in accessibility to healthcare systems while dramatically reducing per capita costs,” Dhanushya delineates.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 65 30UNDER30 I approach patient care by treating each patient as a person and tailoring my approach to their unique needs and preferences. I communicate effectively with patients, their families, as well as, other members of the health care team. I constantly pay special attention to patient’s issues and respond to them as soon as possible DR ASTHA SAXENA Consultant Psycho-Oncologist, Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad Dr Saxena’s work involves breaking the taboos involving the cancer, its treatment and mental issues associated with it Bridging The Gap Between Health Care Providers And Common People By conducting many health camps and health talks during my practice so far, Dr Saxena is able to bring a positive outlook among the patients and attenders regarding cancer awareness, treatment and acceptance levels. Although just a start, she believes and has confidence to bring more positive awareness amongst patients, families, care givers and general public through my practice in the coming years. Although the healthcare is beyond measure of profitability, but her work has helped herworkplace to give a complete holistic program to its patients and caregivers from medication to emotionalcare to support them better during the treatment, providing the workplace an opportunity to provide a better program than other healthcare providers, giving more benefits to more patients and caregivers. As a Psycho Oncologist she gives a safe place for the cancer patients and their caregivers. She clarifies and assists the patient and family in understanding the nature of the sickness, as well as increasing their awareness. During her practice, she has been able to break some taboos related to mental health amongst cancer patients, their families and public. Slowly more patients and theircaregivers are coming forward to take help from Psycho Oncologists who can help them and be astrong support in the journey of treatment. Her ability to adapt and adjust to changing situations, to make sure patients and caregivers are heard, is a plus point and she is a good listener which helps her listen to the patients and caregivers well without judgements and provide them a safe place to share. There are very less number of Psycho-Oncologist in Northern India due to less demand and vacancy. She is contributing to create space in Heath care sector for upcoming Psycho oncologist.Through her work she has made efforts and broken taboos with relation to Psycho Oncology. She has also created the department of Psycho Oncology at the Metro Cancer Hospital, Faridabad.

66 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Dr Manan Vora feels that while most decide to only treat the patients that visit them in the hospital, he decided to also educate the world about preventive medicine Dr MananVora who is an orthopaedic surgeon and health educatorreveals that it has been 2 years since he started his journey, and has built a community of over 3,20,000 followers that consume his content and make impactful changes in their life. This has enabled him to create a far larger difference than just catering to a hundred patients per week who he can see physically. His health information on social media averages about 5 million views per quarter. He feels that while it is tough for him to quantify it, from a qualitative point of view, one mission that he has undertaken is to get more women into exercising to improve their overall health in the long run. With immense confidence he said that there are thousands of women that have started exercising after understanding the benefits and being motivated by the information he put out. Additionally, a lot of content works around giving up harmful substances like alcohol, smoking, hookah etc. He is the Founding Member of EaseHabit - a revolutionary platform in pre-seed stage that works on habit transformation and behaviour modification. One of their biggest challenges lies in de-addiction and he wants to build a platform that tackles this issue - affecting and ruining millions of families and homes across the country. According to him, the primary focus must lie in health insurance education. A very small percentage of the country has health insurance and while making healthcare affordable is a larger issue that needs to be tackled, he would much rather put energy into educating the country about the need of an insurance product so they can afford the next healthcare smartly. He feels he is on the right path in creating something larger than himself, and he understands the position he is in and the distribution channel he has have created, which he doesn’t take Spreading Health Related Education Strength - My ability to consistently put out 5 videos per week to educate the masses about health and well-being. Weakness - My inability to do it in regional languages to reach the masses of India in smaller towns and villages DR MANAN VORA Orthopaedic surgeon for granted and says that he will not rest until he educates India about health and well-being. He educates over 5 million people every quarter, and,also discusses preventive medicine with his patients instead of the focus being on curative medicine only.He is building a start-up that will change the way Indians deal with de-addiction.He concludes by saying that he sets the right example with his own health and lifestyle, as he practices what he preaches.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 67 30UNDER30 When it comes to making healthcare accessible to all segments of society, Dr Raheja advocates for the concept of informed decision-making Dr Radhika Raheja, a Consultant Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon at the Metro Heart Institute and Multispecialty Group of Hospitals, distinguishes herself in the healthcare field through her exceptional commitment to patient care. Her approach, characterised by empathy, compassion, and a holistic view of healthcare, sets her apart from her peers. What truly differentiates Dr Raheja is her unique perspective on patient care. She treats her patients as if they were her own family, considering not only their medical needs but also their financial circumstances. This compassionate and considerate approach has become her hallmark in an industry where patient-centric care is of paramount importance. Throughout her career, Dr Raheja has left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape. With a professional journey that has taken her through UP, Delhi, and Faridabad, she has successfully treated a multitude of patients, earning their trust and gratitude. Her tenure at Metro Hospital, spanning just one year, has already yielded impressive results, with significant increases in monthly departmental revenue, a growing number of patients attending the Outpatient Department (OPD), a surge in procedures performed, and an uptick in admissions. Dr Raheja’s impact extends beyond the bottom line. Her expertise in hair transplant surgeries has played a pivotal role in their personal lives, with some even finding happiness in matrimony thanks to her transformative work. Her strengths lie in her kind and humble nature, forging strong patient-doctor relationships, while her primary weakness is her admitted lack of avarice. In terms of transformations, Dr Raheja conveyed, “I have treated patients and given them their confidence back. I have transformed many lives by doing hair transplant surgeries and this got many of my patients married too.” Pioneering Health & Wellness I have treated patients and given them their confidence back. I have transformed many lives by doing hair transplant surgeries and this got many of my patients married too DR RADHIKA RAHEJA Consultant Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon Metro Heart Institute and Multispecialty Group of Hospitals When it comes to making healthcare accessible to all segments of society, Dr Raheja advocates for the concept of informed decision-making. She believes that offering patients different treatment options based on their individual requirements and budget constraints is a key step towards achieving this goal. Furthermore, she actively participates in free health camps and check-ups, making healthcare more accessible to underserved communities.

68 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Dr Rahul Kanungo asserts that his company’s goal is to enhance the efficiency of laboratory setup processes, starting with the selection of right locatio A Unique Vision For Holistic Results Dr Rahul Kanungo, the Founder and CEO of Pathlete, highlighted that in addition to streamlining the process of assisting doctors in establishing labs, their efforts encompass equipment procurement, investment planning, optimisation of operational efficiency, revenue maximisation, and ultimately achieving quality standardisation and accreditation. Also, he has designed a model of a hemodialysis machine that works with the use of artificial intelligence and filed a patent for the same with IPO and WIPO in July 2023. This machine will reduce dependence on human supervision while conducting hemodialysis on a patient while also auto responding to potential complications, thereby increasing the safety and efficiency of the procedure. He sheds light on his journey by saying that they started in January 2023 and within a span of seven months, have grown to create a community of more than 1000 active and highly efficient members who interact and collaborate on a day-to-day basis Till now, there has been no player in the healthcare industry, particularly in the diagnostics sector that can help the doctors who want to set up their own labs to guide them in the process of building a lab. We are creating a system that helps to do so DR RAHUL KANUNGO Founder and CEO PathLete to solve all their lab-related issues, in an entirely free-ofcost manner. Along with that, they have formed efficient collaborations with reputed players in the field. Their work is sustainable and they have a good projection of revenue generation and profit generation in their vision. The impact of their work has helped numerous pathologists across India to find a platform, a proactive community for all their day-to-day diagnostic lab-related issues. Contribution towards smoothening the process of setting up labs from scratch is another form of impact of their work. Providing guidance and training in the field of quality improvement and accreditation of labs along with the possibility of revolutionising the entire lives of patients on hemodialysis and by improving the quality and safety of patients on hemodialysis if the patent is approved/ granted, is their way of operating. Their strengths are as per following – 1. Being a healthcare professional with experience in the ways of functioning of the industry as a whole. 2. Being a resident of pathology gives him insights into the core field of diagnostics from which he finds the problems to which he has built the solutions. 3. Strong support from family and co-founding members, other team members, and friends. He says that starting out from a middle-class family, the one weakness that almost all of us have is the lack of financial resources, but that weakness helps me find the strength to work even harder to create a sustainable impact in my field. Through active engagement and collaboration among major and minor stakeholders, including the government, their shared vision is to eradicate diseases from society and promote better health and quality of life. They have garnered numerous awards of excellence in healthcare, including the 30 under 30 Distinguished Service Award for Healthcare in 2022, presented by IMA-JDN Odisha in partnership with the Being and Becoming Foundation. Multiple awards and 1st positions for literary events in english poetry held by different healthcare bodies like Manam Foundation, IADVL etc. PathLete, a ground-breaking community, aspires to be a comprehensive solution for all diagnostic and laboratory management challenges. This includes services like lab setup, NABL accreditation procurement, the dissemination of knowledge about the latest advancements in diagnostic technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and academic pathology, all aimed at transforming the field.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 69 30UNDER30 Dr Roshan M, Consultant - Interventional Pain,ClearMedi Radiant Hospital Mysore speaks on his journey and commitment to reducing chronic pain suffering Graduating in 2021 with an MD degree from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, Dr Roshan quickly emerged as the youngest pain specialist to secure prestigious fellowships in FIAPM and FRGUHS. He now manages a department at Clearmedi Radiant Hospital in Mysore and consults with renowned institutions like Manipal Hospital Mysore and Narayana Hospital Mysore. He is on the brink of establishing his private practice, poised to extend his reach and alleviate more individuals from chronic pain. Over the years, Dr Roshan’s influence has transcended hospital walls, with regular appearances on television programs where he educates the public about chronic pain and its treatment options. His multi-faceted approach allows him to touch and treat a diverse patient population across various locations. In terms of sustainability and profitability, Dr Roshan’s department witnessed a steady increase in footfalls, with a growing preference for minimally invasive interventions, emphasising the impact of his work. “Pain-free days for the cancer patients in particular and for the Geriatric population. For young people with back pain they can rejoin their duties after minimally invasive daycare treatment,” he said. Roshan believes his strength lies in his unwavering passion for pioneering a new super-speciality branch early in his career. However, he recognises the ongoing need to raise awareness among the general public regarding available chronic pain services. Innovation is a cornerstone of his approach which includes tailoring treatment plans uniquely for each patient. Talking about affordable healthcare across all segments of society he emphasised the role of insurance coverage and the need for recognition and support from Young Pain Specialist Leading The Way In Healthcare Creating awareness regarding the availability of services for chronic pain among the general public still needs a lot of work to be done DR ROSHAN M Consultant - Interventional Pain ClearMedi Radiant Hospital Mysore hospitals and insurance companies for specialised fields like his. Roshan believes his extraordinary journey as a young pain specialist, driven by passion, innovation, and a commitment to reducing suffering, makes him a deserving candidate for BW Healthcare’s “30 under 30” recognition.

70 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 Dr Subhash Chandra,Director / CEO,S. R. Multi Speciality Hospital speaks on his journey and how his astute management skills have helped him change the face of healthcare. Dr Subhash Chandra’s journey began with a family hospital founded by his grandfather in 1972, where he wore multiple hats, including that of a surgeon and hospital administrator. Over the past six years, Dr Chandra’s focus on hospital administration has yielded remarkable results, earning him the position of Director last year. Dr Chandra believes his proactive approach to hospital management is what sets him apart. His commitment to excellence culminated in the NABH certification for his hospital, a testament to the high standards he upholds. Additionally, he is a member of CAHO (Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations). His work has significantly expanded the reach of his hospital. “We focused on making our hospital services faster and more efficient for patients, whether they needed outpatient consultations, inpatient admissions, or discharge. We also improved the speed of lab and X-ray tests without compromising quality,” he said. On Sustainability and profitability, Dr Chandrasaid his focus on patient-centric policies and improved services has led to increased bed occupancy rates and a steady rise in profits. While specific figures aren’t disclosed, the hospital’s financial health has undeniably improved under his leadership. “We also established North Karnataka’s second infertility centre 13 years ago, and it remains the most trusted choice with impressive success rates,” Dr Chandra added. Dr Chandra believes his medical background, efficient administration, technical acumen, multilingual proficiency and unwavering dedication have propelled his achievements. However, he acknowledges that HR management and financial aspects present areas for Innovating Healthcare Administration Our HIMS has been a big success, helping us better track patients, follow up with themand gather feedback. It has improved patient retention and strengthened the bond between doctors, patients, and the hospital DR SUBHASH CHANDRA Director and CEO S. R. Multi Speciality Hospital improvement. One notable innovation he says is the creation of a customised Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) on the Microsoft 365 platform, designed in-house to reduce costs and improve patient tracking, follow-up and feedback collection. Dr Chandra while addressing the pressing issue of affordable healthcare, proposed measures such as promoting local manufacturing, strengthening government hospitals, reducing taxes on private hospitals, lowering medical education costs and enhancing medical education.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 71 30UNDER30 Garima Goyal is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, and she owns the Dietitian Garima Diet Clinic. Her journey as a dietitian in Ludhiana began with a deep passion for nutrition and wellness. She has since built a dynamic team of over 10 professionals, including dietitians, content writers and IT experts, contributing to sustainable and profitable healthcare services. Garima’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of her own food product brand, DG Essential Organics. Garima’s pioneering introduction of online diet consultations in Ludhiana has inspired students, addressing the underpayment issue for dietitians. Her mentorship has positively impacted over 500 students, and she continues to guide budding dietitians. She also shares her entrepreneurial insights, motivating students at her alma mater on World Entrepreneurship Day. Garima’s innovations include specialised diets for various medical conditions, a proprietary software for streamlined operations and an upcoming healthcare app. Her research on health apps identifies gaps in the market, driving her to create a solution that enhances healthcare. She has also curated special recipes to cater to individuals with unique dietary requirements. Further, Garima added, “From crafting a crash weight loss diet for a bride eager to look her best on her big day to designing nourishing plans for patients battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, even when they can’t consume food orally, I am dedicated to tailoring diets that meet the unique needs of each individual.” Garima emphasises education as a cornerstone for making healthcare accessible, particularly in rural areas. She delineated, “By enlightening communities about health, preventive measures, and the role of healthcare professionals like dietitians, we can pave the way for a healthier nation.” Garima believes that awareness and trust in healthGarima’s innovations include specialised diets for various medical conditions, a proprietary software for streamlined operations, and an upcoming healthcare app. Her research on health apps identifies gaps in the market, driving her to create a solution that enhances healthcare Nutritional Expert Empowering Individuals From crafting a crash weight loss diet for a bride eager to look her best on her big day to designing nourishing plans for patients battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, even when they can’t consume food orally, I am dedicated to tailoring diets that meet the unique needs of each individual GARIMA GOYAL Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Dietitian Garima Diet Clinic care are key. In urban settings, she proposes integrating dietitian services into life insurance policies to ensure accessibility. Garima Goyal’s journey exemplifies dedication to bettering healthcare. Her innovative approach, combined with compassionate care, is reshaping the healthcare landscape, making it accessible to all, and leaving a lasting impact.

72 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Geeta Dhawan, Marketing Manager, HealthCubed India speaks on the challenge of accessibility of effective diagnostics in rural areas and the impact her company is creating in these areas Bengaluru-based HealthCube designs and manufactures point-of-care diagnostic devices, the unveiled its first product in 2016 and another version of the same product in 2017. By October 2021, HealthCube expanded its portfolio of devices to six devices, catering to different use cases. Geeta Dhawan says that her company is towards making healthcare affordable across all sects of society and country. She says that more than 64 per cent of the country’s 1.4 billion people live in rural India and the rural healthcare system faces a significant shortage of high-quality diagnostic services. “This is not just due to a lack of qualified pathologists, technicians, biochemists and other medical personnel but also due to a scarcity of pathology laboratories and testing facilities,” Dhawan opines. She further says that where rural diagnostic facilities exist, they may use outdated and inefficient technologies that can lead to wrong diagnosis and poor treatment outcomes adding that HealthCube devices have addressed these challenges of diagnostics demand supply. “We made it possible to provide easy-to-operate and cost-effective diagnostics solutions that can give instant results. HealthCube is easy to operate, anyone with minimal training can set-up remote labs for rapid diagnostics. The device not only enables rapid diagnostics but also helps in providing a source of income to rural youth. We have trained hundreds to operate the device and earn a livelihood, providing more Social Entrepreneurs to the nation,” she delineates. She says that the data analytics and trends can help in predicting outbreaks of many diseases like dengue allowing precautionary actions adding that her company’s analytical dashboards can also help governments in understanding and preventing any looming epidemics. “As on date, over one million beneficiaries have been registered on HealthCube Ecosystem and 2.5 million tests have been performed. HealthCube offers not only device hardware but also a complete electronic health record software,” she concurs. Giving Diagnostic Access In Rural Areas More than 64 per cent of the country’s 1.4 billion people live in rural India and the rural healthcare system faces a significant shortage of highquality diagnostic services GEETA DHAWAN Marketing Manager HealthCubed India Impact On Lives Dhawan informs that HealthCube devices have been used to test the hemoglobin levels of school children under the government’s Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative with an aim to provide anemia screening for school children and provide social entrepreneurs with a source of income. She says that under this initiative more than 200,000 beneficiaries were screened in pan India. “We have executed a project to screen the entire IndoTibetian population for their vitals and basic biochemistry at the behest of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Over 4,000 individuals have been screened in the first phase of the project under the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration,” Dhawan states.

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 73 30UNDER30 All our products are proofed by diabetologists and nutritionists that are deemed fit for diabetes. Our upcoming products are going to help individuals control their Glucose levels and fight insulin resistance HARSH KEDIA Chef and Entrepreneur Diabetic Chef Harsh Kedia, Chef and Entrepreneur, A Diabetic Chef speaks on his journey and how he is transforming the lives of diabetic patients Transforming Lives With Diabetes-Friendly Delicacies stand and benchmark against the existing products in the market. All our products are proofed by diabetologists, and nutritionists that are deemed fit for diabetes,” he said. His innovative approach involves offering top-quality products that set a benchmark in the market for diabetes-friendly options. To ensure the utmost safety and suitability for diabetics, all products are meticulously vetted by diabetologists and nutritionists. Harsh believes three key facets define his service: Sugar-free + Healthy Chocolates+Scientifically Tested Products. “Diabetic Chef ” boasts award-winning, diabetesfriendly chocolates that have earned recognition as India’s best chocolates at the Chandelier FMCG Awards. These chocolates allow individuals to indulge their sweet cravings without compromising their health. Recognising the link between weight management and diabetes control, Harsh introduced Diabetic Atta, a product that aids in both weight loss and diabetes regulation. Indian Mithai: Harsh’s venture is expanding to include traditional Indian sweets like kajukatli and motichoorladdoo, all tailored to be diabetes-friendly. Harsh says the uniqueness of his approach lies in his process. Each packaged product is rigorously tested and proven to be diabetes-friendly, ensuring that consumers can enjoy them without worry. “Diabetic Chef ” takes innovation to the next level with the introduction of the world’s first diabetes-friendly white chocolates, providing a delectable treat for those with a sweet tooth. Beyond his culinary accomplishments, Harsh’s philanthropic spirit shines through. He pledges two per cent of his annual income to provide insulin for specialised care hospitals, particularly for children battling type 1 diabetes and cancer. Around World Diabetes Day, he personally crafts and distributes 100 kilogram of sugarless chocolates to underserved communities and orphanages, all in the name of raising awareness about healthcare and diabetes. Harsh is the chef and entrepreneur behind “Diabetic Chef,” a brand that is revolutionising the way individuals with diabetes approach their dietary choices. Harsh’s journey began with a mission to help people access products and foods that were once considered taboo for those with diabetes or related lifestyle disorders.“We offer top quality products which

74 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Ishan Kapoor, Founder and Managing Director, Life Express Healthcare speaks on the challenges of ambulance services in nursing homes and the need for better delivery of care I shan Kapoor founded Life Express Healthcare in 2020, a company that provides ambulance services and medical equipment. Kapoor says that medicine is a field where quality is the most important trait and patient satisfaction is the greatest marketing tool. He says that his parents who are both doctors have always inspired him with their hard work. “I remember the time when there was a critical patient at my father’s hospital but no ambulance was available. We used to have a passenger omni van at that time. My father’s dedication to save life made him take things into his own hand and he himself shifted the patient and drove him to the hospital. I then realised that this problem of finding an ambulance quickly is a problem of more than 100 nursing homes within Delhi,” Kapoor delineates. This motivated him to pursue emergency services and hence Life Express Healthcare was born. The company today has 200 employees working for it. The company has partnered with over 50 hospitals. “Our fleet has similarly evolved, with ownership of more than 50 ambulances and partnerships with 500 additional units across India. Our presence now extends to over 20 cities throughout the country,” Kapoor states. He says that there are many cases around the city where due to the mismanagement and lack of knowledge of the ambulance staff, a patient’s health deteriorated even further before reaching the hospital. “This makes me focus on every small detail on a daily basis. Regular training of support staff is important. If training of ambulance staff is done the way it is done in hospitals we might be able to reduce the burden on the hospitals by transporting the patient to the hospital safely,” Kapoor believes. Kapoor further states that the company’s increased presence on social media has led to a significant influx Leading Emergency Services Our fleet has evolved with ownership of more than 50 ambulances and partnerships with 500 additional units across India ISHAN KAPOOR Founder and Managing Director Life Express Healthcare of direct calls from customers, including individual patients and hospitals alike. “They now consider us their single point of contact for all emergency needs, including Air Ambulance services and ICU ambulances for immediate medical evacuations and intracity transportation,” he adds. He says that his company focuses on collaboration with other ambulance vendors rather than engaging in competition. “We’ve established partnerships with multiple ambulance providers, leasing their vehicles to work together towards our common goal of saving lives, rather than competing like taxi services,” Kapoor informs.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 75 30UNDER30 J ai Relan, Investment Associate, The Council Ventures, who is yet to turn 18 years of age never intended to work in healthcare. In fact, according to him, he ended up there by pure coincidence. With both the founder (himself) and the founding team, involved even those in sales and marketing who had some sort of a technical experience. His first company, a healthtech startup built out bioinformatics ML software used live data from fitness trackers to predict and help control the effect of stress and to make custom mindfulness courses built to the way our body reacts to stress. Using neural nets and machine learning, their bold but defendable claim was that they could reduce stress by 72 per cent in under a minute. This product was used by hundreds, if not thousands of youth (U-25) all throughout the country leading to a Californian edtech company bringing the platform in-house resulting in a decent payout to him, as a solo co-founder. His second company gave small grocery stores during the pandemic the technical infrastructure to modernise through chatbots. He feels the biggest move he has made in terms of sustainability is his role in allowing for the creation of accessible mental health infrastructure providing resources at exponential quality at the fraction of the cost. In addition to this, this company was fully bootstrapped and was profitable a week after launching. Post both the companies he started, he advised 12 companies to a combined valuation of 500 million dollars. Helping these companies scale from seed stage to Series A, he spent about two years helping them with strategic growth and fundraising. In addition to holding significant equity position, he helped connect these companies with other investors as well as establish potential partnerships, sales channels, etc. His work has impacted hundreds of thousands of people - both users of products he helped build and scale, as well as the tens of thousands of people who have attending talks he has given at both national and international stages. He states that his strengths are great networking plus being able to multi-task incredibly well between the sales plus ops and the technical side of things. His weakness according to him was that he struggled a lot with delegation and training the team. Jai Relan feels what makes him a unique founder in healthcare is that he is probably the youngest person to ever work in the industry Setting An Example For The Youth Of Today Despite being of a fractional age compared to my colleagues in the industry, our company had a product centric approach way beyond what the average company claims to be. Our product was one of the most technically advanced products in the industry, using algorithms correlating bioinformaticsinformation previously untapped JAI RELAN Investment Associate The Council Ventures

76 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 Keshav Daga, Senior Investment Specialist at Invest India speaks on his journey and how through innovation he is transforming healthcare Keshav’s career trajectory began as a Medtech entrepreneur, where he introduced products that redefined patient care. One such innovation aimed at addressing cardiac problems garnered recognition from esteemed institutions like the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. On creating sustainability and profitability Keshav says “My direct efforts have helped ground $250 million of Investments in the healthcare space by 3 leading global companies and resulted in high paying/white collar job creation of more than 1100 people by these companies.” “One of my focus areas has been introducing sustainability from a medical waste and plastic consumption point of view,” he added. As a second-generation healthcare entrepreneur, his innovations have transcended borders, positively impacting patients in international markets. In the midst of the pandemic, Keshav says he has orchestrated a 70 per cent expansion of manufacturing capacity, enabling his company to meet surging demand. He has been honoured as one of the top 10 young healthcare entrepreneurs in Maharashtra by the then Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis for his role in forging international distribution agreements and securing key original equipment manufacturer contracts, contributing to a 15 per cent increase in the top line for FY 2020-2021. Talking about inculcating innovation in his works Keshav stated “Right from my first work experience to the latest, I have always focused on innovations and have bridged the gap between lab innovation to market introductions.” Promoting preventive care and promoting the use of digital technologies can make healthcare more affordPioneering Healthcare Transformation Through Innovation And Impact The healthcare system is facing several challenges, including rising costs, an aging global population, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. These challenges put a strain on healthcare budgets and make it difficult for people to access the care they need KESHAV DAGA Senior Investment Specialist Invest India able for all, Keshav believes.“In addition to using digital technologies and AI, there are other things that can be done to improve the healthcare system and make it more affordable like expanding health insurance coverage: this would help to ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare,educating the public about health and wellness. This would help people to make healthier choices and avoid costly medical intervention,” he added.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 77 30UNDER30 Kripa’s work emphasises freedom from authoritative nutrition pressure, asserting that individuals have the inherent right to choose what’s best for their bodies Kripa Jalan, the Founder of Burgers To Beasts, distinguishes herself in the healthcare landscape by championing holistic health and wellness. She believes that the mind and body are intricately connected, challenging the conventional separation in healthcare. Kripa’s approach is preventive, focusing on individuals’ entire well-being, considering the impact of daily life, responsibilities and environments. Burgers To Beasts is renowned as a deep-health clinic that employs food as medicine to enhance individuals’ appearance, mobility and well-being. Their unique goal-oriented communication merges evidence-based nutrition practices with eating psychology, delivering proactive holistic care accessible to all. Kripa’s work emphasises freedom from authoritative nutrition pressure, asserting that individuals have the inherent right to choose what’s best for their bodies. She fosters a culture that rejects guilt and shame, instead prioritising joyful and healthy living. Kripa’s innovative approach to sustainability and profitability is evident through Burgers To Beasts. The clinic relies primarily on word-of-mouth marketing, with 60 per cent of new clients coming from referrals, solidifying trust in their services. The lean team structure, outsourcing and high-volume service delivery keep expenses low, ensuring consistent profitability since the clinic’s inception. Kripa’s work has a significant impact. Her non-diet approach has led to improved blood markers, chronic illness reversal, symptom alleviation, medication cessation, and positive body composition changes. By promoting sustainable, realistic eating and activity patterns, her approach has transformed clients’ emotional and overall health. Innovation is a hallmark of Kripa’s work. She developed SHIELD, an eight-week integrative software Fueling Positive Change With Diet Kripa’s work emphasizes freedom from authoritative nutrition pressure, asserting that individuals have the inherent right to choose what’s best for their bodies KRIPA JALAN Founder Burgers To Beasts program combining mental fitness, nutrition, and movement. SHIELD’s focus on small, consistent improvements challenges the notion that massive action is required for success. Kripa highlights habits as the compound interest of self-improvement, revolutionising healthcare. In summary, Kripa Jalan’s Burgers To Beasts redefines healthcare by addressing mind-body connections, offering proactive holistic care and advocating freedom in nutrition choices. The clinic’s sustainability and profitability stem from trust-based marketing and efficient operations. Kripa’s work transforms clients’ lives, and her innovative SHIELD program reshapes how we approach self-improvement.

78 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 78 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM Rajat Jain’s venture, Sunfox Technologies, is a pioneering medical research and development lab driven by innovation Shedding light on the company, Rajat Jain, the Founder and CEO of Sunfox Technologies, said that it has been a self-sustainable one from the beginning, and they achieved profitability since they launched their products in 2022. Sunfox’s frugal methods are transforming healthcare in a unique manner. They have created an intelligent and affordable way to prevent heart attacks, reducing mortalities. They use a person’s smartphone to detect heart attacks and heart abnormalities. Their goal is to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, can protect their hearts. These numbers tell us a story of their impact on cardiac care and prevention: 25 million plus heartbeats diagnosed: This highlights the scale of early detection and intervention, crucial for effective cardiac care. They are active in 2,500 plus pin codes which reflects their commitment to making their technology widely accessible, especially in diverse locations. They have 30,000 plus users which shows the trust that individuals have placed in their technology for their cardiac health. They are already in 11 countries which clearly indicates the global reach of our mission, impacting diverse communities worldwide. They have 5,000 plus Happy Clinics which underlines the value their technology brings to healthcare facilities, enhancing patient care. 2,50,000 plustests conducted, demonstrates the comprehensive approach to cardiac care through their unique form of technology. They seem to have a sound business strategy as well. While they have achieved significant milestones, they also acknowledge areas for improvement through: market competition as the healthcare technology market is competitive, hence, necessitating effective management of their competition is key. As a startup, they face resource limitations, both in terms of finances and human resources, which can impact scaling efforts. Ensuring robust data security measures is essential to maintain trust and compliance. Using Innovation As A Mantra For Success We have harnessed the power of novel diagnostic capabilities that can detect over 50 abnormalities, including fetal heart conditions and life threatening issues, within a mere one-minute test. This rapid and accurate diagnosis is unparalleled in the industry RAJAT JAIN Founder and CEO Sunfox Technologies Spandan, which is one of their flagship innovations, is the world’s smallest and smartest 12-lead ECG device, weighing just 12 grams and requiring no battery. This breakthrough technology is a game-changer in cardiac diagnostics, offering portability and ease of use like never before. According to them they are where innovation meets accessibility, and where every individual has the right to a healthier, happier life. Jain also said that BW Healthcare 30 under 30 has seen them as an advocate for affordable, accessible, and transformative healthcare, and hence they got the award.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 79 30UNDER30 Ria graduated with the highest honours from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2022 and has held positions at globally recognised institutions, including Global Health Strategies in India and Kenya, and IQVIA in Sri Lanka and is currently working at Syneos Health in San Francisco and London. “Kayakalp Trust utilizes puppetry as a powerful tool for healthcare behavioural change communication, all while supporting underprivileged artists in Kathputli colony, New Delhi. Over the years, Kayakalp has empowered over 40 puppeteers in Kathputli Colony, quadrupling their monthly incomes. We have performed 5000+ puppet shows in India and London combined. Puppet show themes include dengue, chikungunya, promoting childhood vaccination etc.,” Ria says. Ria’s work with Kayakalp has gone beyond puppetry, raising significant funds, including $0.2 million from Boston Consulting Group, to support the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. She has also fostered collaborations with prominent organisations such as Barclays, PVR Cinemas, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the British Council, and the Australian High Commission. Her dedication to healthcare extends to her involvement in Project SANCHAR, where she played a pivotal role as Project Coordinator, collaborating with global public health experts and publishing opinion pieces on COVID-19. Ria’s scientific contributions include a widely cited publication focused on promoting Oral Cholera Vaccines, co-authored with a senior scientist from the World Health Organisation. Ria believes her strength lies in her ability to balance a full-time international career with her non-profit, demonstrating resilience, passion, and exceptional networking and sales skills. However, she acknowledges challenges in managing her responsibilities both in India and abroad. According to her one of her ground breaking innovations is the use of puppet shows for healthcare messaging, reaching diverse audiences across borders WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM Ria Golecha, Founder and Director of Kayakalp Trust, speaks on her journey and how her work is bridging healthcare and artistry for social impact Bridging Healthcare And Artistry For Social Impact Kathputli uses an innovative medium of puppetry to help reduce out-of-pocket costs incurred by Indian masses by helping them be aware of ‘prevention’ against communicable diseases, cure of various health issues and available government schemes to help alleviate costs RIA GOLECHA Founder and Director Kayakalp and languages. Ria firmly believes that improving health communication and creating awareness of government healthcare schemes are essential steps toward making healthcare more affordable for all.

80 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 Challenging The Status Quo My journey as an explorer from a young age has instilled in me a desire to create a lasting impact in this vast field through my entrepreneurial acumen RISHABH GUPTA Vice President Sharda Hospital Rishabh Gupta speaks about his journey and his role at Sharda Hospital Sharda Hospital is a 1200 bedded Super Speciality Hospital in Greater Noida which opened its doors in 2006, the hospital has been serving the needs of patients since then. Rishabh Gupta’s leadership has been instrumental in propelling Sharda Hospital’s growth trajectory, driving innovation and delivering world-class healthcare services at an affordable cost to patients. Gupta’s visionary approach and strategic leadership have helped establish Sharda Hospital as one of the most respected and ethical healthcare services companies providing cutting-edge medical services and compassionate care to patients across the country. Gupta is responsible for ensuring the Sharda Hospital’s financial stability and sustainability, monitoring and improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, recruiting, retaining, and developing a skilled and diverse workforce and ensuring ongoing training and development for staff. “My journey as an explorer from a young age has instilled in me a desire to create a lasting impact in this vast field through my entrepreneurial acumen. I constantly seek ways to challenge the status quo and bring about transformative change,” Gupta says. He further says that his journey in healthcare has not been a solitary one rather he surrounded himself with like-minded individuals and forged strong teams that are equally committed to the organisation’s mission of making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. “Throughout my career in healthcare, I’ve embraced calculated risks as opportunities for growth and innovation. I firmly believe that progress often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and my willingness to take these calculated risks has enabled me to explore uncharted territories in healthcare, leading to significant breakthroughs,” Gupta states I have dedicated myself to leveraging the wealth of experience and skills I have acquired. My primary goal has been to contribute significantly to making healthcare more accessible, efficient, affordable, easy to provide, scalable and ultimately sustainable. I aspire to achieve this through the power of my influence and authority in the industry.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 81 30UNDER30 Internally, my efforts have resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in staff turnover and a 15 per cent increase in employee satisfaction, reflecting positively on the workplace environment SALONI JAIN Deputy Manager of Marketing Narayana Health (NH) Saloni envisions affordable healthcare for all in India, with a particular emphasis on the integration of health insurance in private hospitals At The Vanguard Of NH’s Marketing Success Saloni’s primary focus has been on building enduring connections by crafting stories that resonate with NH’s stakeholders. She firmly believes that these authentic connections serve as the foundation for sustained success, rather than seeking short-term gains. Through impactful media interactions, campaigns such as “Ask a Doctor,” and strategic partnerships, she has amplified NH’s market presence, reaching new customer bases and markets, consequently increasing income and profitability. Her initiatives, including the Cancer Awareness Campaign, have fortified NH’s positive image, attracting new patients and enhancing financial growth. Saloni conveyed, “Internally, my efforts have resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in staff turnover and a 15 per cent increase in employee satisfaction, reflecting positively on the workplace environment. This has led to a 20 per cent improvement in NH’s brand sentiment score over the past year.” Saloni envisions affordable healthcare for all in India, with a particular emphasis on the integration of health insurance in private hospitals. She also advocates for government investment in public healthcare, standardised pricing, telemedicine, and health awareness. In terms of innovation, Saloni has introduced crisis communication preparedness, formed partnerships and collaborations, expanded NH’s digital and social media presence, adopted data-driven strategies, promoted telemedicine, engaged with local communities, and shared patient success stories. Saloni Jain’s work at NH epitomises her commitment to building lasting connections, contributing to NH’s growth, and promoting accessible healthcare. Saloni Jain is an experienced marketing professional who currently holds the position of Deputy Manager of Marketing at Narayana Health (NH). With eight months of dedicated work, she has made significant contributions to NH’s success.

82 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Shantanu Naidu reveals that Goodfellows is India’s first companionship start-up for the elderly Shantanu Naidu, General Manager, Office of Mr Ratan N. Tata and Founder, Goodfellows states that while other ventures in healthcare, especially in the senior care space have focussed on utility and digital solutions to makes seniors lives easier, they have focussed on the primary cause for mental and physical deterioration – loneliness. The solution they have used for elderly loneliness, is intergenerational friendships. They have chosen empathetic, emotionally intelligent, young graduates and students and paired them with senior citizens in the comfort of their homes. These young graduates are called “Goodfellows”. Once assigned, the seniors stick to the same Goodfellow always, allowing the time and space to develop authentic bonds akin to that of grandparents. For the bonds to be authentic, there is an intricate pairing process based on personalities and a rigorous 7 step vetting process to recruit Goodfellows. The visits are alternate days to ensure that seniors have the privacy and space of their own lives. In one year, Goodfellows has had over a 100 subscribers and 50 Goodfellows. This is a startup which cannot scale as quickly as a digital product startup since the primary offering is empathetic resource, something that needs time to gather. They look at their startup as a garden that grows with the right kind of nurturing and pace. Having said that our associations with universities and colleges helps them have steady pipelines to identify potential Goodfellows. Goodfellows works on a freemium subscription model. Seniors subscribe to Goodfellow at affordable monthly pensioners fee. These fees are used to pay the Goodfellows as interns, employees so as to retain them. Retaining them is essential to ensuring the same Goodfellows report to their assigned seniors. The impact they have made has been largely qualitative where there has been visible change in the demeanor, mental health and physical improvements of the seniors. This has been testified to, by the families that live abroad, as well as the seniors who do not have Supporting The Elderly Through Empathy And Mental Care Goodfellows quite literally does everything that grandkids do. It can range from engaging them in company and conversation, encouraging hobbies, taking them on walks, planning outings or more utilitarian activities such as learning technology, accompanying to the doctors or the bank, escorting to social outings SHANTANU NAIDU General Manager Office of Mr.Ratan N. Tata & Founder GoodFellows any family. Almost all the subscribers today refer to their young Goodfellows as grandkids in society. Naidu believesthat their psychological department is the most innovative. They have been working on a psychometric test with bright young psychologists from across colleges in Mumbai to design this test that will help them evaluate the empathy and emotional intelligence of an individual on a scale. This helps them run through thousands of applications and pre-filter them quickly so as to recruit more Goodfellows quickly.

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 83 30UNDER30 Shubham Gupta, Founder of ConnectedH speaks on his journey and how his company is revolutionising healthcare access Shubham’s journey began in 2018 when he cofounded a healthcare technology company ConnectedH that enables healthcare providers to offer quality diagnostics and essential medical services directly to patients’ homes. This innovative amalgamation of “feet-on-street” phlebotomists and cutting-edge logistics technology ensures that vital blood analyses, urinalyses, Covid tests, at-home ECGs, and various other vital checks are performed within 60 minutes of prescription generation. On being asked what sets him apart, Shubham said it is his collaborative approach rather than aiming to be a standalone healthcare provider which addresses the challenges of high logistics costs and urgent patient care needs faced by existing healthcare providers that makes him and his company stand out. Talking about reach Shubham said his company partners with over 350 healthcare providers, including hospitals, primary care centres, clinical establishments, doctors and diagnostic chains, extending their services directly to patients’ homes which not only makes quality diagnostics accessible but also builds trust by offering real-time tracking of phlebotomists, sample delivery, and reporting. “We have served over five lakh customers so far in Delhi NCR. We enjoy a high NPS of 71 amongst our patrons. We have been backed by leading VCs like Kalaari Capital, Incubate Fund India, and leading entrepreneurs in India such as founders of Of business, Sharechat, Razorpay, Unacademy and Cloud Nine Hospitals. Our biggest validation is the 350+ partner family that relies on us every day to serve their patients,” he added. Shubham adds that his team and family have been the biggest support system throughout his journey. Talking about inculcating innovation he outlined “We have brought a lot of focus on the hidden cost of healthcare- logistics and lost man-hours.” His company Revolutionising Healthcare Access We need deeper participation with government bodies, a network of great primary healthcare centres and the use of technology. Early identification of diseases/problem areas using AI/ML) will ensure that we treat early. We need further insurance penetration to lower the out of pocket expenditure, scaled implementation of governmentled initiatives like PMJAY, adoption and availability of generic medicines, adoption of at-home healthcare services SHUBHAM GUPTA FOUNDER ConnectedH has tackled the hidden cost of healthcare, optimising logistics and reducing lost man-hours for patients. By leveraging technology, they have turned waiting time into earning opportunities for healthcare workers, making society more productive.

84 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM 30UNDER30 Helping Indians understand health is equally important as any career. We work on a one-one basis with each client without medication. I want to create a Health Centric Society, SHWETA SHAH PANCHAL Founder The Diet Therapy Shweta ShahPanchal states that through their reach on social media, they have created an impact on thousands of lives in many parts of the globe Aiming For An Impactful Endeavour ogy to maintain patient data records. Through their reach on social media, they have created an impact on thousands of lives - many in India, but so many in Africa, USA, Canada, Australia. She believes that her work has created sustainability and profitability for her company. Through their reach on social media, they have created an impact on numerous lives. For example, someone in remote areas might not have access to these facilities/ not even have the financial capacity but through their videos they can help themselves with few simply changing the way they eat and their lifestyle. They get messages every other day from people all over the world that their videos, stories, transformations is what keeps the followers going. She mentions their strength in the following areas - technical knowledge, consistency and resilience Accepting their weaknesses she mentioned that they did not include technology right from the start. They failed at creating teams during start of my journey. Also, they failed at having a vision during initial years of my practice. She feels that healthcare can be made affordable across all sects of the society by making education affordable by all sectors of the society. Their focus is to help Indians understand health as equally important as their career. Her company’s focus is to work on one-one basis with each client and help them without use of any medications. She wants to use technology to its best and let information reach that strata of the society for which services like these are unaffordable. Through building a health centric society, Shweta Shah Panchal’s vision is to empower those who do not know about the importance of healthcare, by making them aware of how they need to look after themselves. Panchal throws light on facts such as,how well equipped their team of clinical dietitians is with a background in hospital set ups. How they are in regular touch with all their clients who they connect with on a daily basis. She goes to state that their approach is holistic and focuses on sustainability. They have integrated technol-

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 85 30UNDER30 He co-invented 24 patents granted globally (US, India, Japan, Singapore) and co-authored 25+ publications Siva Teja Kakileti is a healthcare pioneer with an impressive history of innovation, affordability, and accessibility in medical technology. Originating from a remote village in Andhra Pradesh, he co-invented 24 patents granted globally (US, India, Japan, Singapore) and co-authored 25+ publications. Remarkably, he completed his PhD in just two years at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Teja is a Director and Founding team member at Niramai Health Analytix. He has led the AI research at Niramai since its 2016 inception, resulting in the creation of an automated, affordable, non-invasive, radiation-free and privacy-aware breast cancer screening test. On innovation, Teja stated, “Through my co-invented innovations, we have made it possible for a high school graduate to conduct screenings and generate a report with minimal training. This breakthrough is particularly crucial in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India, where cost-effective and less human-dependent solutions are essential.” This innovation democratises early breast cancer detection, enabling high school graduates to perform screenings, crucial for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Over 125,000 women in India and Kenya have benefited. During the pandemic, Siva Teja played a pivotal role in developing Xraysetu, a WhatsApp-based chest X-ray interpretation system, serving over 3,000 users, mainly radiologists in rural India. He also led the development of Niramai’s Fever Test system for automated Covid-19 screening, addressing the urgent need for rapid testing. Siva Teja’s impact extends to regulatory clearances, including FDA and CE, for Niramai products. In 2022, he co-founded the AIIIMA forum to foster low-cost solutions using thermal imaging and AI in healthcare, promoting collaboration among researchers. Innovation’s Path To Health Through my co-invented innovations, we have made it possible for a high school graduate to conduct screenings and generate a report with minimal training SIVA TEJA KAKILETI Director and Founding team member Niramai Health Analytix His contributions have garnered recognition, including Forbes’ “30 Under 30” accolade in the Healthcare category in 2023 and awards from prominent institutions like the European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC), MICCAI, DAAD, and MITACS. In summary, Siva Teja Kakileti’s journey from a remote village to global healthcare innovation exemplifies his commitment to affordable and accessible medical solutions. His patent portfolio, leadership at Niramai Health Analytix, and dedication to improving healthcare make him a prominent figure in the industry, inspiring future generations of innovators.

86 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 In India, a staggering 13 million individuals confront gait disabilities, while 20 million are survivors of strokes, causing debilitating challenges like impaired balance and a loss of autonomy. Traditional approaches to rehabilitation, relying on parallel bars, walkers, and physiotherapeutic treadmills, exhibit limitations, demanding significant time and physiotherapist involvement, driving up healthcare expenses VIMAL GOVIND M.K. MD and CEO GENROBOTICS Vimal Govind M.K., MD and CEO of Genrobotics speaks on his journey and how his work is transforming the lives of individuals with mobility impairments. Pioneering Affordable Robotic Rehabilitation Vimal’s work centres around addressing the pressing issue of rehabilitation for individuals with mobility impairments. Vimal recognizes the stark reality faced by millions in India - 13 million grappling with gait disabilities and 20 million stroke survivors, all longing for a chance at regaining their mobility and independence. Traditional rehabilitation methods, often costly and time-consuming, fall short of meeting the needs of these individuals. This is where Vimal’s journey takes a transformative turn. Enter the “G Gaiter,” a robotic gait rehabilitator powered by Vimal’s patented G-PLOT technology and AI. This innovative technology has revolutionised the rehabilitation process. “Through AI, robotics, and G-PLOT exoskeletons, it meticulously replicates natural gait patterns. G Gaiter provides personalised rehabilitation with dynamic support, harnesses and safety features including spasm detection. Virtual Reality enhances treatment efficacy while lightening the therapist’s load. Our mission encapsulates mobility recovery transformation through innovative robotics and AI, resonating with affordability and effectiveness due to the unique GPLOT Exoskeleton technology,” said Vimal. He further added that in collaboration with healthcare pioneers in Kerala, G Gaiter has been installed in four hospitals across the region, including government and private facilities. Patients have experienced life-changing improvements, and rehabilitation is now more accessible and cost-effective than ever before. Vimal says that it is not just his commitment to innovation but his unwavering dedication to make healthcare accessible to all that sets him apart. By optimising the rehabilitation process, reducing therapist workload, and offering affordable solutions, Vimal’s work has created a sustainable and profitable venture. In just 10 months, G Gaiter has already made a significant impact, with projections indicating a fourfold growth in the coming years in the Indian market alone. Vimal’s innovation addresses affordability without compromising on quality. The G Gaiter offers a costeffective solution that ensures individuals from all sections of society can access advanced rehabilitation technology.

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 87 30UNDER30 Integration with ABDM underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that benefit the entire healthcare ecosystem Viren Aggarwal is a visionary leader with a track record of driving impactful change in the healthcare technology sector. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at MyDigiRecords, Viren’s career is marked by his relentless commitment to innovation and improving healthcare outcomes. Global Reach Expansion Viren has consistently expanded reach and made a profound impact on healthcare. His tenure at Prudent Rad saw him spearheading the growth of teleradiology and telepathology services across Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, enhancing healthcare accessibility in these regions. At MyDigiRecords, Viren has streamlined healthcare experiences in India, attracting widespread attention and an estimated reach of 292 million impressions during the Delhi launch event. The company is now poised for international expansion into South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Sustainability and Profitability As COO, Viren has been pivotal in ensuring the sustainability and profitability of MyDigiRecords. Through strategic collaborations and operational efficiency improvements, the company is on a trajectory for longterm success. Alignment with government initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) further enhances its profitability while contributing to improved healthcare accessibility in the UK. Transformative Impact Viren’s work has brought transformative changes to healthcare. MyDigiRecords introduced a patientcentric digital health records platform, empowering individuals to manage their medical history effortlessly and leading to improved patient outcomes. Integration with ABDM underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that benefit the entire healthcare ecosystem. Championing Innovation Innovation is a cornerstone of Viren’s approach. MyDiTrailblazing The Future Of Digital Health I have been a strong advocate for the integration of AI and machine learning to elevate the effectiveness and efficiency of our healthcare solutions. This commitment to innovation has allowed us to stay at the forefront of the health tech industry and provide cuttingedge services to our users VIREN AGGARWAL Chief Operating Officer (COO) MyDigiRecords giRecords has pioneered a highly scalable healthtech platform, prioritising patient needs. He stated, “I have been a strong advocate for the integration of AI and machine learning to elevate the effectiveness and efficiency of our healthcare solutions. This commitment to innovation has allowed us to stay at the forefront of the health tech industry and provide cutting-edge services to our users.” Viren’s advocacy for AI and machine learning integration has boosted the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare solutions, positioning MyDigiRecords as a leader in the health tech industry. In conclusion, Viren’s efforts has positioned MyDigiRecords as a prominent player in the industry, poised for continued success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

88 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM 30UNDER30 Youngsters Impacting Healthcare Dr.Annurag Batra The Buzz of Internet of Medical Things (LtoR) Mr. Harbinder Narula (Moderator), Mr. Vishal Gondal, Mr. Lokesh Prasad, Mr. Sidharth Srinivasan The New Healthcare Landscape: Understanding the Need for Continuous Learning for Healthcare Professionals | (LtoR) Mr. Srinivas Kannan, Ms. Devika Pareek (Moderator) - AI and evolution of 4Ps of Patient Outcome (LtoR) Ms. Dhanushya Sree Ramesh (Moderator), Dr. (Prof.) U. S. Vishal Rao, Mr. Rajesh Khanna, Mr. Siva Teja, Kakileti Patient Safety - Role of younger healthcare professionals (LtoR) Dr. Astha Saxena (Moderator), Dr. Kamini Rao, Dr. Swati Bhat Telepsychiatry for Mental Health - Bringing services closer for all | (LtoR) Dr.Annurag Batra (Moderator), Ms. Anoushka Jollyy Data Protection in Healthcare (LtoR) Mr. Viren Aggarwal, Mr. Shivam Tyagi (Moderator),Mr. Harsh Parikh (On-screen) Building Sustainable Hospitals (LtoR) Ms. Manisha Kumar (Moderator), Dr. Karan Thakur, Vice President, Sustainability, ESG & Public Affairs, Apollo Hospitals Group (On-screen) The Vision for Healthcare Advancements Mr. Randeep D. Diagnostics Post Covid - How Tech is playing a Role | Dr. Velumani

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 89 The Opportunities and Challenges for Startups (LtoR) Ms. Sabhyata Verma (Moderator), Mr. Sunil Khurana, Mr. Rishabh Telang, Mr. Binil Mathew The Saga of Social Media – How is it helping in creating awareness in Healthcare | (LtoR) Mr. Harbinder Narula (Moderator), Mr. Harsh Kedia, Ms. Kripa Jalan, Dr. Ashish Bajaj Launch of the Coffee Table Book “The Heart of the Matter” (LtoR) Mr. Rahul Adakmol, Mr. Lokesh Prasad, Mr. Harbinder Narula, Dr.Annurag Batra, Mr. Sunil Khurana, Dr. Velumani Winners Launch of the latest edition of BW HealthcareWorld Magazine (LtoR) Mr. Rahul Adakmol,Mr. Harbinder Narula, Dr. Velumani, Dr.Annurag Batra, Mr. Sunil Khurana, Mr. Lokesh Prasad - Role of Technology in regulating Pharma Supply Chain (LtoR) Mr. Darpan Roy Chowdhury (Moderator), Mr. Rahul Adakmol, Mr. Nakul Pasricha, Ms. Anubha Dixit (On-Screen) Empathy Meets Business (LtoR) Mr. Harbinder Narula (Moderator), Mr. Shantanu Naidu

90 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM COLUMN By Minnku Buttar Unravelling Stress And Anxiety – A Journey From Darkness To Light Ha v e y o u e v e r imagined a world that existed with greater harmony and cooperation, between communities and countries, in which, you as a highly sensitive, empathic individual /professional, was contributing to the world’s collective consciousness?I hope you have. Because we can. Adopting a global perspective to foster a sense of responsibility for the well-being of humanity as a whole, demands that first, “you” find your own inner calm and sanity amidst life’s embroiled drama, unforeseen and rigorous challenges, abnormal work culture workload pressures, negative situations, gloomy turmoil, stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances. Anything easily becomes a trigger for stress - arguments in relationships, losses, financial worries. (Not to mention the un-needed drama and conflict by toxic people in our life Drama queens/ kings, as I call them, who contribute to further trigger conflict, further, and challenge our sanity) What is Stress? It is a signal and a hormonal response, that your hypothalamus (a part of your Brain), sends throughout your nervous system and kidneys. And in turn the kidneys release stress hormones called adrenaline and cortisol into our system. That tingling in fingers, butterflies in stomach, breath quickening to gulp extra oxygen, muscles tightening, blood pressure rising, is actually our heart pounding faster to push the newly oxygenated blood into our key muscle groups. It helps increase your strength and stamina, speed up your reaction time, and enhance your focus— preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand. This is an amazing system. The subconscious mind controls 95 per cent of how our beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviour are shaped, and how our circumstances manifest

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 91 Scientific breakt h r o u g h s h a v e shown that our energy fields extend far beyond our physical bodies, and by cultivating our own inner peace, we can extend these uplifted vibrations and frequencies as a positive ripple effect, to our friends, family, and colleagues, community, and the universe. Eustress is healthy We all need a little bit of positive Stress (Eustress) to get us up and running, to motivate us, focus our energy to improve performance and meet deadlines at work. The adrenaline feels exciting (like your first kiss each time), and luckily the short-lived high is within our coping abilities. What if stress is left unchecked? It becomes unhealthy and toxic. I want you to look in the mirror and tell me what you see. Do you look older? Does your skin have more wrinkles? Do you notice dark circles around your eyes or white hair on your head? An unhealthy lifestyle and thought process will do that for you. And if you are not watchful, allowing ourselves to be intensely upset and obsessed, or overburdening our mind with incessant worries from excessive or prolonged personal and work-related stress situations, will all lead to other chronic illnesses such as heart disease, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and burnouts. Quick fixes anyone? You are forever fed with encouraging sayings, titbits of wisdom, and inconsequential short-lived suggestions with a promise of calm amidst chaos – relaxation techniques that help banish negative thoughts, positive affirmations to manifest a stress-free life of your dreams. Yes, some of these strategies and tools are undeniably effective in providing immediate relief to the process of restoring symptoms of work stress like anxiety, exhaustion, and elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, back to pre-stressor levels. (I use some of these myself, especially, mindfulness and breathing patterns to stabilize my vitals when anxiety creeps in). But they are akin to putting band aids on a wound. A mere scratch or brush against the same wound and it becomes a trigger for it to bleed again. What I am suggesting instead, is adopting a more sustained lifestyle and mental reset. Throw in dashes of knowledge and self-awareness to know what works for you + Do the actual practice. For effect, sprinkle oodles of courage and resilience that are non-optional for this recipe. Then maybe, we can be more rock solid, and less prone to getting impacted by the hidden patterns and triggers that throw us off balance so fast. My magical blueprint for Sustained Lifestyles and Stress Management 1) Cut the bullshit and become the Director of your life story! It’s time to stop punching holes in your story Lines – instead become a witness to your inner scenes that create anxiety. Stress is in fact, an ignorant state and will make you believe that that everything is an emergency. Actually? There is no need to hurry… no compulsion to always sparkle, nor is victory the only exhilaration in life. (Here, I am not implying have no goals and vision in life, just that stop chasing futile agendas that don’t fetch you value, nor uplift spirits). Just that wait it out, with a chisel carving your own priceless path through dense woods. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly”. 2) Re-Claim your Identity – by Living beyond Labels! Who are you? Yes, you! You are not your past as it never lasts, nor are you the worries of your future, nor are you the shattered and limited identity, nor a barcode in an assembly line that your soul doesn’t understand. Yet you allowed the world’s social categorization heuristic to stamp labels on you so you can be predictable to it. And what will make you less anxious of judgement, detachment, and separation? It’s your life’s experiences! They will open your heart to more authentic relationships and perhaps a more accurate view of our ever-changing reality. Anxiety can never stay in the same home as love, oneness and bliss. “Don’t you see? You can save yourself. You can be anyone you want to be now” ~ Neal Schusterman. MINNKU BUTTAR Founder & Director – The Circle of Joy Retreats

92 BW HEALTHCARE OCT-NOV2023 WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM Whether you are on e o f t ho s e rare and lucky women who sail through menopause without an issue, or you experience the full-blown impact of the hormonal rollercoaster ride you are on, the physical and emotional changes that accompany this phase of life are real and impactful. One of these tools is building and maintaining muscle, much underrated and underestimated in terms of its impact on health and longevity. Muscle mass is important at any age for obvious reasons: it helps with physical strength, balance, functionality, and joint stability, it supports our skeletal structure, and metabolic health. Having strong and toned muscles improves body composition and helps you to feel fit and confident. As women go through menopause and their hormone levels drop, muscle mass declines faster and is harder to regain, thereby increasing the risk for future Sarcopenia and frailty. This is not the only change that occurs during menopause: metabolism tends to slow down, which explains the so common gain in weight and the sudden onset of metabolic issues such as diabetes, insulin resistance, inflammation, and accelerated agTHE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING MUSCLE MASS FOR WOMEN COLUMN (PHYSICAL WELLBEING) By Monique Jhingon The importance of acquiring and maintaining muscle mass for peri-menopausal and menopausal women is very essential

WWW.B WHE ALTHCARE WORLD.C OM BW HEALTHCAREOCT-NOV2023 93 ing. The drop in oestrogen levels also increases the risk of bone density loss and cardiovascular disease. Building and actively working on retaining muscle mass counteracts all these changes in powerful ways and as such is a non-negotiable aspect of any menopausal health optimization approach. Let’s look at two important factors to consider when it comes to building muscle. 1. Use it or lose it: it is important to actively work on building and preserving muscle and this means engaging in some form of resis - tance training. Walking, biking, swimming, or other forms of cardiovascular training are great but not enough. Resistance training involves using your muscles to work against an external force, w h i c h c o u l d mean using your own body weight, free weights, resistance bands, or weight training machines. Besides buildi n g m u s c l e , which is metabolically active and as such can boost metabolism, resistance training also helps to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Furthermore it stimulates bone formation. It can initially be helpful to engage the support of a qualified personal trainer to learn how to do resistance training safely and work on all muscle groups with good form. 2. Muscle synthesis requires amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. It is therefore important to consume adequate protein in your diet to support healthy muscle gain. The optimal amount of protein intake depends on different factors, such as weight, stress levels, state of health, level of activity and age. With age anabolic resistance increases, which means you require more protein to build the same amount of muscle. Inflammation and oxidative stress levels also increase with age, thereby increasing protein requirements. A good benchmark to follow for the average person with healthy kidney function is somewhere between 1.2 and 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. Many women don’t consume nearly enough high-quality protein to meet these requirements. Animal sources of protein, such as meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs are considered complete proteins with optimal ratios of amino acids and therefore superior in quality. Plant based protein on the other hand may lack certain essential amino acids and is more difficult to digest and absorb. It is possible to meet protein requirements on a vegetarian diet, it just requires more planning and variety. A few f inal notes w ith regards to protein consumption: to support muscle building it is recommended to eat a high protein meal or a highquality protein powder drink within one hour of resistance training. Consuming protein powders can be a wonderful way to boost total protein intake and support muscle building. There are now a few good brands available in India that offer clean protein powders made with pea protein- and rice protein isolate or high quality whey and just a few other real ingredients. Building and preserving muscle mass is a key part of a healthy aging and longevity approach. As your body goes through the (peri) menopausal phase muscle building offers a great tool to take control, feel more empowered, and look after your health and longevity. My best advice to all women out there who are working their way through (peri) menopause is to take charge. Your health and wellbeing are nonnegotiable and there are many tools you can employ to support yourself, combat some of the ripple effects and ensure you are well positioned to spend the rest of your postmenopausal life feeling and looking great. MONIQUE JHINGON MSc Personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Consultant

94 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM Book Review by Kavi Bhandari BOOK REVIEW There are times when our body feels lethargic and tired. This is where Ayurveda can step in to give us energy and boost our immune system. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of four basics which are - the Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and Agni. There is immense significance of all these basics of the body in Ayurveda as they are extremely helpful for holistic wellbeing of an individual. Due to time being scarce and precious in today’s competitive world, people have started seeking solutions to problems in a very quick manner. Allopathic medicine tends to focus on the management of disease, but Ayurveda digs in to eliminate the root cause of the disease. In the book Everyday Ayurveda, Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya explains and guides us with the core principles of Ayurveda and shows us how to implement these in our daily routine. She takes the reader through a day in the life of living according to Ayurveda. She also clearly explains the logic behind the changes she recommends and how beneficial they are. Informative and accessible, this book is an excellent lifestyle guide to improve health and longevity in a completely natural way. Using scientific logic for modern scientists and observers this book Exploring The Advantages Of Our Roots provides the reader with in depth knowledge and the vastness of Ayurveda. Adopting ancient Ayurveda is proven to be a way of maintaining normal body rhythms and staying healthy. The book not only explains how we should adopt Ayurveda but also gives the reader immense knowledge about this subject. Divided into sections and sub-sections there is focus on beneficial factors and the use of Ayurveda as a holistic tool for healthy living in this piece of work which inspires everyone who reads it to contemplate about using Ayurvedic principles in everyday life. From mentioning relationships to the effects of alcohol and smoking, the book is truly diverse in nature. Adding to this,there is guidance provided on the right food and nutrition for healthy living. The book also guides the reader on cleansing our 5 senses in a very practical manner. Vitality and sleep are given extreme importance. From the topics of sex and intimacy to meditation and night-time yoga the book doesn’t deviate at all from all the things that can help us in our lives and help society to ponder over the benefits of Ayurveda. Worship, bathing and exercise is described in a way of purity of our existence and how we should live with these practices on a daily basis to create balance in our mind and body. Overall, the book is a very rich piece of work on the lines of healthy living with 360 degrees awareness and the benefits of simple solutions to any kind of problem in our overall existence. ABOUT THE BOOK Title: Everyday Ayurveda Author: By Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya Publisher: Simon & Schustor Number of pages: 300 Price: Rs 299 About the Author Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya is a Harvard-educated, MD physician-in-practice trained in family medicine and preventive medicine, dividing her time between Manhattan, Paris, and Benaras.

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96 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM Some of the challenges are as follows: Stigma and Cultural Factors: Stigma surrounding mental health remains a daunting obstacle. Traditional beliefs often attribute mental health issues to supernatural forces, curses, or karma. This cultural perspective contributes to the reluctance in seeking professional help and can aggravate the suffering of individuals dealing with mental health disorders. Lack of Awareness: A significant proportion of rural residents lack awareness about mental health and its importance. The absence of education and information campaigns prolongs misconceptions, preventing individuals from recognizing their symptoms or seeking help. Shortage of Mental Health Professionals: The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health professionals, are limited in rural areas. As a result, many individuals do not have access to appropriate care or treatment options. Financial Constraints: Poverty and limited financial resources further hinder access to mental health care. Many individuals prioritize immediate survival needs over seeking treatment for mental health issues. The consequences of inadequate mental health care reverberate through individuals and entire communities. Untreated mental health isCOLUMN (MENTAL HEALTH) By Meena Gupta Despite being a crucial aspect of human health, mental health issues in rural India often remain unnoticed, untreated, and stigmatized According to a study, about one-third of the respondents had poor mental health, and only 10 per cent had sought mental health services. The prevalence of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and the suicide rate increased with age. India comprises 56 million people suffering from depression and about 38 million from anxiety disorders. Rural India is home to a diverse population, with varying socio-economic backgrounds, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare resources. This diversity presents unique challenges in the field of mental healthcare in rural India.

WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM BW HE ALTHCAREOC T-NOV 2023 97 Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, influencing an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social state. In recent years, the awareness surrounding mental health has grown significantly, yet challenges persist, especially in rural areas of India. sues can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including: Reduced Productivity: Mental health problems can hinder an individual’s ability to work, contribute to their community, or support their family financially. Educational Disruption: Children and young adults facing mental health challenges may experience disruptions in their education, impacting their future prospects. Family Dynamics: Mental health issues can strain family relationships, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and isolation. Cycle of Stigma: Stigmatization of mental health problems can perpetuate a cycle of ignorance and discrimination, preventing affected individuals from seeking help and perpetuating social isolation. Resolving mental disor- ders in Rural India Tackling mental health challenges in rural India requires a multifaceted approach that takes into consideration the cultural, social, and economic dynamics of the region: Raising Awareness: Implementing community-level awareness campaigns is crucial to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help. These campaigns should be sensitive to cultural nuances and utilize local languages and communication channels. Training and Capacity Building: Empowering local healthcare workers, teachers, and community leaders to identify signs of mental health issues can bridge the gap in access to professional help. Integration into Primary Healthcare: Integrating mental health care into existing primary healthcare systems can enhance accessibility. Training primarycare providers to address basic mental health issues and offer referrals can be a cost-effective solution. Telemedicine and Technology: Leveraging telemedicine and digital platforms can extend mental health services to remote areas. Mobile apps, online counselling, and teletherapy can help individuals receive support without needing to travel long distances. Empowering Community Support: Creating safe spaces within communities where individuals can openly discuss mental health issues can foster a sense of belonging and mutual support. Mental health challenges in rural India are deeply entrenched due to a combination of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. By employing targeted strategies that respect cultural diversity, enhance awareness, and improve accessibility, mental health care in rural areas can be transformed. A collective effort involving government agencies, healthcare organizations, community leaders, and individuals themselves is essential to ensure that mental health becomes a priority, leading to healthier and more vibrant rural communities. MEENA GUPTA President, Society for Complementary Therapies – Mental Health and Healing Center

98 BW HE ALTHCARE OC T-NOV 2023 WWW.BWHEALTHCAREWORLD.COM On being asked about the challenge of standardisation of stents and other medical implants and devices in India, Dr Seth said that nowadays, stents, catheters, small devices and numerous consumable items are being manufactured in this country but it’s the more advanced consumables which actually come from the west and 80 percent of them come from the US. He further stated that for instance, in Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) , the valve is very expensive due to its research and development costing as high as 20- 22 lakhs as it gets imported from the west. “Fascinatingly, India has developed its own transcatheter heart valve, well researched first in human studies, to the extent that it’s now been exported in 60 different countries and is doing randomised trials for its approval in many other countries. So, that again is a huge advancement on a very complex science,” he informed. We Have To Reward Science: Dr Ashok Seth LAST WORD Dr Ashok Seth Dr Ashok Seth, Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute says that If science and research are not rewarded then there’s not going to be any advancement in these fields Our expertise in this country and what we make available to people in India is as good as the best in the world Whereas coming to the quality issues he said, In India the device regulations have come recently over the last 10 years and have still not perfected regulatory pathways compared with the west. “Because in our country, a safety study of only 100 patients over 30 days or a 6 month period will get a device or a stent approved,” Dr Seth explained. He stated that, there are good Indian companies who have been doing pivotal randomised trials but it’s not necessarily the case for all of them to do a randomised trial as they can get an approval on a 100 patients study. “And there are probably stents being made in uncertain facilities. And I know that there are 32 stents around in this country. I am not sure who’s getting those stents which have no data, or no randomised data.” At the same time, Dr Seth says that the research, development and quality products costs huge money to companies and therefore should be rewarded accordingly and capping the prices of stents at the same price as done for companies who are doing studies in just 100 patients would be unfair. “We have to reward science, research, and quality. And I think that is what is missing at the moment. If you are not going to reward science and research, then there’s not going to be any advancement in these fields. Now, if you say quality can come at a low cost and if you put the cost down extremely low, we have to understand that quality is bound to suffer and therefore one has to strike a perfect balance,” Dr Seth concurs.

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