Written by : Nikita Saha
February 23, 2025
Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, and Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, alongside health ministers from Maldives, Guyana, Eswatini, and Fiji (not in order), at the 12th International Health Dialogue Conference 2025.
IHD 2025 served as a platform for diverse forums, including the 12th International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), which focused on enhancing patient safety, and the Technology for Health Innovation and Transformation (THIT) conference, where the WEF’s India Digital Health Activator was officially launched.
The International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2025, hosted by Apollo Hospitals, brought together global healthcare leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss practical solutions to modern healthcare challenges. A key highlight was the launch of the World Economic Forum’s India Digital Health Activator, aimed at accelerating digital health adoption and innovation across India.
Inaugurating the event, J P Nadda, Minister for Health & Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, emphasized India’s growing role in global healthcare.
“India is poised to lead the global healthcare revolution by leveraging technology alongside human-centered care. The vision of IHD 2025 aligns with our national goals to enhance the reach, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services across India and beyond,” he said.
IHD 2025 served as a platform for diverse forums, including the 12th International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), which focused on enhancing patient safety, and the Technology for Health Innovation and Transformation (THIT) conference, where the WEF’s India Digital Health Activator was officially launched.
Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder of Apollo Hospitals, said, “We must embrace both innovation and compassion to create a future where healthcare knows no bounds.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, spoke about the evolving healthcare landscape. “Healthcare is undergoing a global transformation. With our ‘Heal in India’ initiative, we are using state-of-the-art technology to make care more accessible and beneficial for all. Even as we deploy advanced tools like AI and wearables, the human touch remains essential. We must act swiftly, accurately, and with genuine compassion,” she noted.
Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, reinforced Apollo’s mission of accessible healthcare, adding, “At Apollo, our mission is clear: healthcare should be accessible, available, and affordable to everyone. We are advancing vaccine development and embracing the latest technologies. I believe that one day, the world will look to India for genuine and effective care.”
She also highlighted the shift towards results-driven healthcare, stating, “We are moving from a process-driven approach to one focused on real outcomes. Our model integrates ethical AI, robust digital security, and faster genomic testing. By incorporating technologies like ambient listening and robotics, we ensure that technology supports, rather than replaces, the essential human element in care.”
The event emphasized how emerging technologies like AI are revolutionizing healthcare operations. Dr Madhu Sasidhar, President and CEO of Apollo Hospitals, said, “AI is transforming our clinical trials by speeding up drug discovery and enhancing early disease detection. However, it is essential that we establish robust governance frameworks to ensure these innovations remain ethical, secure, and truly patient-centric.”
Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science & Technology, lauded India’s growth as a global hub for medical innovation, stating, “India has made remarkable progress. We have evolved into a global hub for medicine and therapy. Our biotechnology sector is expanding rapidly, with many startups and indigenous innovations—from our own antibiotic breakthroughs to mobile teleconsultation clinics. This pragmatic, economy-driven transformation is reshaping healthcare for everyone.”
The dialogue also stressed India’s commitment to global health collaboration.
Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, remarked, “From specialty hospitals to primary healthcare centers, we have strived to make a meaningful impact through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Sharing our medical expertise has always been a core part of our global approach. Through the International Health Dialogue, India has emerged as a hub for global collaboration in the pursuit of equitable and accessible healthcare for all.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Sangita Reddy added, “This platform helps us come together to share information and knowledge, with a vision to heal and help the world. It also recognizes the role of Indian healthcare professionals in our healthcare diplomacy. By sharing knowledge, ideas, technology, and improved frameworks, we aim to build a better global healthcare ecosystem.”
IHD 2025 highlighted India’s role as a leader in healthcare transformation, aiming for a future where healthcare is more accessible, efficient, and compassionate for all.