ISB's Max Institute of Healthcare Management hosted the 6th Thought Leadership Summit on May 4, 2019, at ISB’s Mohali campus. This summit was organised in association with the Healthcare Executive magazine. The day-long event themed ‘Redefining the Healthcare Cost Curve’ showcased innovative, cost-effective healthcare delivery systems, facilitated dialogue between private and public stakeholders and explored conducive cost models for India.

The day-long event featured two panel discussions and three case studies. One of the highlights of the summit was the oration by Dr V K Paul, Member – NITI Aayog, and Chairman Board of Governors – MCI. He spoke on the transformations occurring in the healthcare system in India. He elaborated on India’s need for a scheme like Ayushman Bharat that provides comprehensive primary healthcare through health and wellness centres and promises health assurance through Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

A cross-section of experts and important decision makers from the industry participated as speakers and panellists. Alok Kumar, Advisor (Health and Nutrition), NITI Aayog, delivered the keynote address on Architecting 21st Century Health System for India. The summit featured engaging discussions around incentivising doctors to increase productivity, the influence of hospital M&As on end-payers, the effect of technology on affordability, the potential of Ayushman Bharat and sustainable practices for state schemes.

The summit had speakers from the government, industry and academic, who discussed the emerging trends and business models that are redefining healthcare cost drivers. Some of the prominent names are Professor Sarang Deo, Executive Director – Max Institute of Healthcare Management at ISB; Professor DVR Seshadri, Clinical Professor – Marketing, ISB; Vivek Desai, MD – HOSMAC; Vikram Damodaran, Chief Product Officer – GE Healthcare; Dr G Chandrasekhar, Vice Chairman – LVPEI; Sunil Thakur, Managing Director – Quadria Capital.

While the panel discussions saw agreements and disagreements, the message received was crystal clear: to achieve the aim of availability, affordability and accessibility to quality healthcare in India, both private and public stakeholders need to work hand in hand.