Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya successfully conducted its first Healthcare Leadership Summit CONVERGENCE that centered around the Future of Integrated Care Services in India. The two-day event aimed at fostering discussion on rethinking healthcare delivery through integrated care by introducing innovative solutions for the future of healthcare. 

Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya inaugurated the conclave. In her address, she signified the need for a better healthcare ecosystem in India and how IIM Bodh Gaya supports the cause through its MBA-Hospital & Healthcare Management program. She emphasized the collaboration between academia and industry to nurture future healthcare leaders. Dr. Swapnarag Swain, Chairperson MBA- Hospital & Healthcare Management at IIM Bodh Gaya commenced the event by presenting the MBA-HHM program to the industry experts. The industry leaders appreciated the program curriculum and the unique approach of bringing industry to the MBA-HHM classroom. 

The summit witnessed three panel discussions that involved senior leaders from the healthcare industry sharing key insights on how multiple stakeholders like hospitals, pharma & life sciences, medtech, health insurance, and medical devices can collaborate to provide better patient-centric healthcare services.

The first panel hosted Dr. Rana Mehta, Senior Partner and Leader for Healthcare at PwC; Dr. Nitin Barekere Ramachandra, Vice-President, Global HR at Omega Healthcare; Mr. Gaurav Mundra, Vice-President, Product Management at IKS Health; Mr. Vikram Pawar, Country Head, Taiwan at Meril; Mr. Chhitiz Kumar, Founder of TDR Enterprises & Former Vice President of Philips Health Systems. The discussion revolved around IT innovations and medical technology supporting integrated care.

Dr. Nitin BR noted that the wellness industry is rapidly evolving, with software solutions like chatbots has opened up new opportunities for innovation. And, Mr. Gaurav Mundra emphasized bringing together the right stakeholders, including educational institutions, citing the example of IIM Bodh Gaya to drive meaningful integration in healthcare. 

The second panel included Mr. Ranjan Pandey, CHRO at Fortis Hospitals, Dr. Gaurav Tripathi, Senior Vice-President, Health Management at Aditya Birla Health Insurance; Mr. Prem Anand K, Lead Talent Acquisition for India at Narayana Health; and Mr. Sumeet Sharda, Senior Vice-President at HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Ltd. 

The panel members provided insights on transforming hospitals and insurance models for integrated care. Mr. Ranjan Pandey stressed on providing growth opportunities for healthcare professionals to address manpower challenges. The speakers noted that as the industry shifts from high-touch to high-tech, affordability and efficiency must remain priorities, alongside necessary policy adjustments to create a cohesive healthcare ecosystem.

The third panel focused on the role of pharmaceuticals and life sciences in integrated care, and hosted distinguished speakers, including Mr. Saji Daniel Mathew, Vice-President, Institutional Business at Agappe Diagnostics, and Mr. Salil Pandey, Vice-President, Cluster Head at Sun Pharma. 

Mr. Salil Pandey highlighted the importance of partnerships and engaging multiple stakeholders, including patients and doctors, to improve healthcare outcomes.The discussion concluded by highlighting the industry's evolution from a product-based to a service-based market. It emphasized the contributions of personalized medicine and value-based pricing, showcasing how technology, healthcare systems, and life sciences are converging to create a more integrated, patient-centric ecosystem.

The summit underscored IIM Bodh Gaya's commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, preparing future leaders for the dynamic world of healthcare management, and nurturing an environment where healthcare innovation thrives. The institute remains at the forefront of shaping the future of healthcare through cross-disciplinary dialogue and actionable insights.