KPMG in India, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), has unveiled a landmark report titled Strengthening Postgraduate Medical Education in India. Released at the 18th edition of FICCI’s annual healthcare conference, FICCI HEAL 2024, the report underscores the urgent need for postgraduate medical education reforms to meet the demands of universal health coverage (UHC) in India. To delve deeper into these critical issues, BW Healthcare World spoke with Dr Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare at KPMG International, who offered valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping India's healthcare landscape.
Q: Your recent report highlights India’s significant strides in healthcare. Could you elaborate on the key challenges and opportunities arising from this progress?
India’s healthcare sector is undoubtedly evolving at a remarkable pace. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the workforce. A shortage of specialists and super-specialists in rural and underserved regions is a pressing concern. Moreover, the high costs associated with medical education, particularly postgraduate programmes, act as a significant barrier.
On the other hand, there are tremendous opportunities in digital health and technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and innovative solutions, India has the potential to enhance access to quality healthcare, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes significantly.
Q: The report emphasises the need to strengthen medical education. What specific recommendations do you propose to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals?
To meet the healthcare sector's future demands, India must expand postgraduate medical education. This includes increasing training positions, especially in specialised and super-specialised fields, and creating more opportunities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare professionals.
Incorporating technology and data science into medical education is equally critical. This equips future doctors and nurses with the skills to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape effectively.
Q: How can India utilise international collaborations to enhance medical education and training?
International partnerships can significantly elevate India’s medical education standards. Collaborations with globally renowned institutions provide Indian students with exposure to cutting-edge research and clinical practices.
Digital technologies also facilitate cross-border collaborations, such as remote learning, virtual simulations, and telemedicine, enabling knowledge exchange and skill development.
Q: With rapid advancements in technology, how should aspiring doctors and nurses be trained to effectively utilise AI and robotic surgery?
The future of healthcare is undeniably technology-driven. Medical education must adapt to focus on lifelong learning and continuous skill enhancement.
Doctors and nurses need training to harness AI's potential in predictive analysis, early diagnosis, and preventive care. Interdisciplinary collaboration will also be crucial to delivering holistic and patient-centered care.
Q: You’ve spoken extensively about the value-based healthcare model. How can India implement this to improve outcomes while controlling costs?
Value-based healthcare focuses on quality outcomes rather than the volume of care provided. India can achieve this by investing in primary care, promoting preventive healthcare, and leveraging technology to monitor patient health remotely.
Incentivising healthcare providers based on quality metrics rather than fee-for-service models can drive better patient outcomes while enhancing cost efficiency.
Q: What role can the government and private sector play in making healthcare affordable and accessible to underserved populations?
Both the government and private sector have vital roles. The government’s initiatives, such as Ayushman Bharat, represent significant strides towards universal health coverage. However, sustained efforts are needed to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and improve care quality.
The private sector can drive innovation through novel delivery models, investment in research and development, and affordable healthcare services. Public-private partnerships can further accelerate healthcare delivery and expand access for underserved communities.
Q: As you have mentioned about midvives, do you believe the concept of midwives is emerging in India, and does it have a future here?
Absolutely. Midwives play a central role in maternity and neonatal care globally, especially in countries where they are key to the system. They specialise in providing comprehensive care, focusing on early diagnosis, health screening, and ensuring the well-being of both mothers and unborn babies. By improving healthcare access closer to home, midwives can significantly contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in India.
Q: What, in your opinion, is the most impactful advancement in healthcare to reduce the burden on conventional hospitals?
Significant advancements can reshape healthcare and reduce hospital burdens, as highlighted in the "Healthcare Horizons Revisited" report, which identified five key design principles:
Q: How do you envision the role of AI in transforming healthcare delivery in India?
AI holds immense potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery in India. From early disease detection and personalised medicine to drug discovery and administrative efficiency, its applications are vast.
AI is leveraged to analyze disease patterns, identify vulnerable populations, and enable earlier interventions. A notable example from the US highlights AI-trained chatbots that can contact 200,000 people in a day during events like heat waves, showcasing its potential in proactive and large-scale healthcare responses.
To maximise these benefits, India must invest in AI research, establish robust data privacy regulations, and foster a culture of innovation. Combining human expertise with AI can lead to better-informed decisions and improved patient outcomes.
Dr Anna van Poucke’s insights provide a clear roadmap for addressing the complex challenges and leveraging the opportunities within India’s healthcare sector. By prioritising workforce development, embracing cutting-edge technology, and implementing value-based healthcare models, India can pave the way for a resilient and equitable healthcare system in the future.
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