The Happiest Health’s Technology & Innovation in Healthcare Summit 2025 recently convened industry leaders to discuss the future of healthcare. Prominent experts, including Mr. Mukesh Jain (CTO, Capgemini), Mr. Kumar KV (Group CLO, Narayana Health), Mr. Nandkishor Dhomne (CIO, Manipal Hospitals), and Mr. Srinivas Iyengar (VP, IG Head – Healthcare & Life Sciences, Happiest Minds), delved into the role of technological advancements, patient-centric care, and sustainable practices in transforming hospitals into centres of wellness and operational efficiency.
From Treating Illness to Promoting Wellness
One of the key insights from the Technology & Innovation in Healthcare Summit is the shift in healthcare’s focus—from merely treating illnesses to actively promoting wellness. This transformation is placing patients at the centre, with a range of services designed to enhance their quality of life. Panellists emphasized that advancements such as genetic therapies, precision medicine, and innovative approaches to managing chronic conditions are ensuring that even individuals with ongoing health challenges can maintain a high standard of living.
Key Takeaways:
- A patient-first approach to care.
- Emphasis on preventive care rather than reactive treatments.
- Improved quality of life through targeted, personalized interventions.
Smaller, Smarter, and More Efficient Hospitals
Tomorrow’s hospitals won’t be judged by the number of beds they house but by the quality of outcomes they deliver. Technology is redefining how healthcare is provided, with digital innovations enabling more care to be delivered remotely or in the comfort of patients’ homes. Tools like robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and IoT devices are making hospitals more efficient, precise, and accessible.
What’s on the Horizon:
- Remote monitoring and home-care solutions.
- Robotics integrated with AI for precision surgeries.
- Diagnostic tools empowering patients to conduct tests at home.
Empowering Healthcare Workers Through Technology
Contrary to fears, technology is not replacing healthcare workers—it’s empowering them. AI-driven tools and digital assistants are reducing administrative burdens, improving decision-making, and freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on what matters most: patient care.
How Technology Supports the Workforce:
- AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Real-time data insights for informed decision-making.
- Upskilling programs to equip workers with new tech competencies.
Bringing Healthcare Closer to Home
The traditional model of traveling long distances for specialized care is being replaced by integrated care hubs that are closer to communities. Decentralized healthcare models are enabling localized access to vital services through clinics and daycare centres.
What This Means for Patients:
- Neighbourhood healthcare hubs for easy access.
- Enhanced outpatient and daycare services.
- Personalized care in familiar, local settings.
Sustainability: A Green Revolution in Healthcare
As resources become scarcer, the future of hospitals must also be sustainable. Facilities are adopting eco-friendly practices, from energy-efficient designs to waste reduction strategies, ensuring that healthcare systems are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.
Green Practices in Healthcare:
- Energy-efficient infrastructure and sustainable designs.
- Prioritizing waste reduction and resource recycling.
- Smaller environmental footprints through optimized processes.
Tech Innovations Driving Change
Healthcare is rapidly evolving, with cutting-edge technologies leading the way:
- AI and Machine Learning: Transforming patient care through predictive analytics, personalized medicine, and operational efficiency. For instance, longitudinal health records condense years of data into actionable insights.
- Digital Twins: Simulating real-time patient conditions to predict and personalize treatments.
- Robotics and Edge Computing: Enhancing surgeries and diagnostics with precision tools and real-time data processing.
Challenges on the Path to Progress
The road to the hospitals of tomorrow isn’t without hurdles. Some of the key challenges include:
- Seamless integration of new technologies into existing systems.
- Training the healthcare workforce for a tech-driven future.
- Adapting to new business models while meeting rising patient expectations.
- Ensuring equitable access to innovations for underserved communities.
Real-World Applications:
- Edge computing is enabling instant diagnostics, such as real-time eye scans.
- AI-powered radiology accelerates imaging analysis for quicker diagnoses.
- Integrated electronic health record (EHR) systems streamline clinical, operational, and financial data management.
What Lies Ahead?
The hospitals of the future will be patient-centric, digitally integrated, and sustainable. Technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics will revolutionize how care is delivered, while decentralized care models will ensure services reach even the remotest areas.
As one industry leader aptly stated, “The pace of technological change today is the slowest we will ever see in our lifetimes.” The coming decade promises an unprecedented transformation in healthcare, pushing boundaries to bring care closer to patients and creating a system that is more accessible, efficient, and outcome-focused.