Technology will transform healthcare: Prathap Reddy     

Technology will transform the healthcare industry going forward, that is the word coming from Dr. Prathap Reddy, the founder and executive chairman of the Apollo Hospitals group. Speaking to Fortune India on the sidelines of the Next 500 Annual Summit held last month, Reddy added that midsize companies and startups will be the ones spearheading the innovation for the future.

He went on to say that the government must take policy decisions that ensure bright entrepreneurs are encouraged and their ideas nurtured.

Going ahead, he said he has a dream of making India a healthier country and added that every Indian citizen must become more aware and conscious about their own health.

“Apollo will continue to grow as we have so far, but I think the thrust in the future is going to be raising an army to fight the tsunami of NCDs [non communicable diseases] that is coming our way,” he said.

Speaking on the debate surrounding the regulation of the pricing done by hospitals, Reddy said an affordable price is important when it comes to healthcare, but quality is vital. “We need to improve the quality first and then figure out how to bring down the cost,” he said, adding that technology and innovation can help bring down costs significantly through methods like telemedicine.