New Delhi: Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST, GoI has said that the Science and Technology play vital roles in the Healthcare industry today. Usage of Biomedical devices are in vogue today. Almost 80% of them are imported. The challenge is to develop a scientific environment within our country to develop such devices indigenously. The Secretary was addressing Inaugral session of APAC Glocal India Healthcare Conclave organised by APAC News Network on 27-28 August 2020 and attended by 55+ Healthcare Leaders across the country with 1000+ delegates presense.
Detailed Text of His Address –
The pandemic has taught us that India has the capability to do so. Prior to the COVID-19 times, a lot of medical equipment such as ventilators, diagnostic kits, N95 masks etc. were imported, whereas production of these does not require any new scientific knowledge. We realised the stakeholders were working in silos. But now, as the academia, startups, corporates and medical fraternity work in tandem, production of such equipment has been made possible without having to depend on imports.
Within a month, the startup ecosystem was recognised and utilised. We deployed technologies like AI, ML, IoT which eased the R&D and manufacturing of ventilators and other medical equipment. To continue with this, we need to work long term together with all the stakeholders to complement and supplement each other.
The basic scientific knowledge has to be imparted at all levels. Regulation and standardisation are other important aspects, which should ensure quality service and safety to the consumers while not hindering the innovation. Clinicians should interact with other stakeholders to encourage and imbibe innovation in the healthcare sector.
With all these factors, India could be a producer for the globe. We need technologies which can be of grassroot level and inclusive in nature.
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