Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation organised the 10th edition of the International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with Information Technology (THIT) on the 13th &14th of February at Taj Palace, New Delhi. After a three-year pause in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global healthcare community reunited to examine the different aspects of Digital Health along with accompanying standards and policies.

With this year's theme of 'Butterfly effect in action', the conference aimed to accelerate the digital reform of healthcare around the world and reaffirm the industry’s commitment to drive digital health to improve health outcomes. Besides interactive sessions, educational programs and social activities, the THIT conference also featured a trade exhibition showcasing the latest products, technology, services and industry information.

The THIT conference was supported by different endorsing partners and national organisations such as the National Health Authority (Government of India), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, the Telemedicine Society of India, ISeTF, Computer Society of India, Indian Medical Association, leading universities and several Government organizations. Organisations like WHO, IIT, AIIMS Delhi, Indian Institute of Science, faculty from several overseas universities and established MNCs also participated in the conferences.

Speaking about the THIT conference, Dr Sangita Reddy, Jt. Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group said “This year’s THIT conference featured sessions on care, data, connectivity and a new dedicated track on digital excellence. Thought leaders and healthcare professionals took to the stage to spotlight opportunities for health leaders to join forces to promote digital transformation and healthcare innovation. We are honoured to have the opportunity to organise this conference with the goal of spearheading international health dialogues on the importance of healthcare technology and demonstrating many of the exciting ways technology can improve and enhance patient experiences.”

Some of the esteemed speakers at the conference included Prof Ilona Kickbush, Founding Director and Chair, Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Prof Nicolas Peters, Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust London, Prof Rifat Latifi, Former Health Minister, Republic of Kosovo, Dr Basant Garg, CEO, NHA, Govt. of India, Sashi Sreedharan, Managing Director, Microsoft India, David TC Davies, MP, Secretary of State, Wales, England, Marten van den Berg, Ambassador of The Netherlands to India and Ram Kumar S, Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Meghalaya.

Prof K Ganapathy, Director at Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation said “Technology drives healthcare more than any other force, and in the future, it will continue to develop in dramatic ways. While we can glimpse and debate the details of future trends in healthcare, we need to be clear about the drivers so we can align with them and actively work to ensure the best outcomes for society as a whole. The THIT conference highlights the urgency for healthcare leaders and stakeholders to promote digital transformation and healthcare innovation so that the industry can withstand the challenges ahead and further improve public health.”

“Digital technology has become an integral part of healthcare and is all set to revolutionise the practice of medicine. In terms of medical care standards, operational efficiency has been substantially enhanced by digital technology. Both patients and healthcare workers now have much better overall experiences because of the transition. And it is anticipated that this shift will persist in the years to come. The future of healthcare will be altered by innovations like artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, blockchain, wearable technology, and many other similar ones. There is no limit to how far digital technology may advance healthcare as long as organisations serving the healthcare industry and their personnel remain open-minded and develop the necessary infrastructure and systems. It is indeed heartening to see that the THIT conference resulted in a genuine and action-oriented International Health Dialogue” said Vikram Thaploo, CEO of Apollo Telehealth and Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation.