International Health Dialogue 2025: Apollo Hospitals and Global Leaders Drive Healthcare Innovation
New Delhi: The International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2025, hosted by Apollo Hospitals, convened global healthcare leaders and policymakers to address pressing healthcare challenges and explore practical solutions.
The event also marked the launch of the World Economic Forum’s India Digital Health Activator, a significant step in advancing digital healthcare in the country.
Shri J.P. Nadda, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India, inaugurated the event, emphasizing India’s growing role in global healthcare transformation.
He stated, “India is poised to lead the global healthcare revolution by leveraging technology alongside human-centered care. The vision of IHD 2025 aligns with our national goals to enhance the reach, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services across India and beyond.”
IHD 2025 brought together specialized forums, including the 12th International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), which provided a platform for discussions on patient safety and quality care improvement, and the Technology for Health Innovation and Transformation (THIT) conference, where the World Economic Forum announced the India Digital Health Activator initiative.
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the visionary founder of Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the importance of integrating technology with empathy in healthcare. “We must embrace both innovation and compassion to create a future where healthcare knows no bounds,” he remarked, reinforcing the need to balance technological advancement with the essential human touch.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, underscored the ongoing transformation in global healthcare. “Healthcare is undergoing a global transformation. With our ‘Heal in India’ initiative, we are using state-of-the-art technology to make care more accessible and beneficial for all. Even as we deploy advanced tools like AI and wearables, the human touch remains essential. We must act swiftly, accurately, and with genuine compassion,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, who emphasized Apollo’s mission to make healthcare universally available. “At Apollo, our mission is clear: healthcare should be accessible, available, and affordable to everyone. We are advancing vaccine development and embracing the latest technologies. I believe that one day, the world will look to India for genuine and effective care.”
On the evolution of healthcare systems, Dr. Sangita Reddy further added, “We are moving from a process-driven approach to one focused on real outcomes. Our model integrates ethical AI, robust digital security, and faster genomic testing. By incorporating technologies like ambient listening and robotics, we ensure that technology supports, rather than replaces, the essential human element in care.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized India’s rapid advancements in medical innovation. “India has made remarkable progress. We have evolved into a global hub for medicine and therapy. Our biotechnology sector is expanding rapidly, with many startups and indigenous innovations—from our own antibiotic breakthroughs to mobile teleconsultation clinics. This pragmatic, economy-driven transformation is reshaping healthcare for everyone.”
Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President and CEO of Apollo Hospitals, discussed the role of AI in accelerating clinical trials and improving disease detection. He stated, “AI is transforming our clinical trials by speeding up drug discovery and enhancing early disease detection. However, it is essential that we establish robust governance frameworks to ensure these innovations remain ethical, secure, and truly patient-centric.”
The second day of IHD 2025 focused on enhancing healthcare operations and patient care delivery. Reflecting on the discussions, Dr. Sangita Reddy noted, “This platform helps us come together to share information and knowledge, with a vision to heal and help the world. It also recognizes the role of Indian healthcare professionals in our healthcare diplomacy. By sharing knowledge, ideas, technology, and improved frameworks, we aim to build a better global healthcare ecosystem.”
Dr. S. Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Govt. of India, emphasized India’s commitment to global healthcare collaboration. He remarked, “From specialty hospitals to primary healthcare centers, we have strived to make a meaningful impact through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Sharing our medical expertise has always been a core part of our global approach. Through the International Health Dialogue, India has emerged as a hub for global collaboration in the pursuit of equitable and accessible healthcare for all.”
IHD 2025 provided a vital forum for practical discussions among healthcare professionals, technology experts, and policymakers. The event not only showcased solutions but also offered a comprehensive vision for a future where healthcare is more accessible, efficient, and patient-focused through collaboration and innovation.
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.