NHS delegates in India to promote innovation in healthcare

Sir Malcolm Grant is leading a four-day trade mission to India to focus on disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and promote collaboration between the two countries.

A delegation, comprising representatives from top NHS hospitals and leading healthcare suppliers, is visiting India from 4-8 February to encourage innovation in healthcare.

Led by Sir Malcolm Grant, chairman of NHS England, the mission is travelling to Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, while also participating in the inaugural India-UK Createch Summit on 6 February.

The British High Commission in India said the mission will “focus on innovation in healthcare, and address the changing needs of medical provision as disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, wearable sensors, and virtual reality become increasingly commonplace.”

The British healthcare delegates will demonstrate to their Indian counterparts how they can drive efficiencies in costs, increase patient access in remote areas, and provide more personalised healthcare solutions through new technology.

India’s healthcare market is estimated to grow to $280 billion (around £198 billion) by 2020, according to a report by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and KPMG.

“As the National Health Service reaches its 70th anniversary year it continues to be ranked amongst the foremost health systems in the world. We are proud of our strong heritage in science and technology development, but we continue to invest in innovation to improve patient care and meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Sir Grant said in a statement.

“Through this trade mission, we want to nurture the common and growing interest between India and the UK regarding the latest smart systems and pioneering new healthcare solutions.”

The trade delegation would attend a Future of Healthcare event in Delhi with senior management of hospitals, medical institutes, colleges and healthcare companies, in addition to a round-table meeting with 10 CEOs of local hospitals.

In Mumbai, the delegation would attend the India-UK Createch Summit, whereas in Hyderabad, it would visit the site of an Apollo Hospital.