Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Tata Group Chairman, emphasizes the urgent need for technological intervention in healthcare due to doctor shortage and delayed access to primary healthcare, especially in Northeast India.
Coimbatore: Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the Tamil Nadu-born Chairman of Tata Group, has highlighted the critical need for technological intervention in India's healthcare sector. Chandrasekaran, the first non-family member to lead the Tata Group, made these remarks while laying the foundation stone for the K.G. Cancer Research Center in Saravanampatti, Coimbatore.
During his address, Chandrasekaran pointed out several challenges facing India's healthcare system. "There's a delay in accessing primary healthcare, and India faces a severe shortage of doctors. The ratio of one doctor per 1,700 people in India is significantly lagging," he stated. He also noted that while two-thirds of India's population resides in rural areas, most doctors are concentrated in urban centers.
The Tata Group Chairman highlighted the stark disparity in healthcare access, particularly in Northeast India, where people often have to travel up to 20 kilometers to receive basic medical care. "There's a need for more doctors and hospitals, but building this infrastructure will take time. We currently have a shortage of 500,000 doctors," Chandrasekaran explained.
He emphasized that this gap is where digital technology needs to step in. Chandrasekaran cited examples of countries like Japan, which are conducting research to provide a better quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy through new technologies.
In a subsequent interaction with journalists, Chandrasekaran elaborated on the contrasting healthcare scenarios in India. "On one hand, many people struggle without access to basic healthcare, while on the other, those with means are facing an increase in lifestyle diseases. Meanwhile, technology continues to advance, enabling modern treatments for conditions like cerebral palsy," he said.
Chandrasekaran stressed the importance of not just longevity but the quality of life. "It's not enough to live long; one must live healthily without chronic diseases," he stated. He pointed out the alarming rise in diabetes cases in India, projecting an increase from the current 75 million cases to potentially 100 million in the near future.
The Tata Group Chairman concluded on an optimistic note, suggesting that India's diverse disease landscape could lead to new medical discoveries. "Due to the variety of diseases in India, there will be new inventions, which could then spread globally," he said, highlighting the potential for India to become a hub for medical innovation.
During his address, Chandrasekaran pointed out several challenges facing India's healthcare system. "There's a delay in accessing primary healthcare, and India faces a severe shortage of doctors. The ratio of one doctor per 1,700 people in India is significantly lagging," he stated. He also noted that while two-thirds of India's population resides in rural areas, most doctors are concentrated in urban centers.
The Tata Group Chairman highlighted the stark disparity in healthcare access, particularly in Northeast India, where people often have to travel up to 20 kilometers to receive basic medical care. "There's a need for more doctors and hospitals, but building this infrastructure will take time. We currently have a shortage of 500,000 doctors," Chandrasekaran explained.
He emphasized that this gap is where digital technology needs to step in. Chandrasekaran cited examples of countries like Japan, which are conducting research to provide a better quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy through new technologies.
In a subsequent interaction with journalists, Chandrasekaran elaborated on the contrasting healthcare scenarios in India. "On one hand, many people struggle without access to basic healthcare, while on the other, those with means are facing an increase in lifestyle diseases. Meanwhile, technology continues to advance, enabling modern treatments for conditions like cerebral palsy," he said.
Chandrasekaran stressed the importance of not just longevity but the quality of life. "It's not enough to live long; one must live healthily without chronic diseases," he stated. He pointed out the alarming rise in diabetes cases in India, projecting an increase from the current 75 million cases to potentially 100 million in the near future.
The Tata Group Chairman concluded on an optimistic note, suggesting that India's diverse disease landscape could lead to new medical discoveries. "Due to the variety of diseases in India, there will be new inventions, which could then spread globally," he said, highlighting the potential for India to become a hub for medical innovation.