by Suman Gupta
NABH to Launch New Digital Health Standards, Accelerating India’s Hospital Digitisation Drive
CII-Deloitte Knowledge Report: “Unlocking Data Governance in Alignment with the DPDP Act and Rules”
CII-PwC Knowledge Report: “AI Shaping the Future of Healthcare”
Maharashtra Eyes Global Healthcare Leadership with Push for Innovation, MedTech and Digital Health — Hon’ble Shri Jaykumar Rawal
CII released the CII-Deloitte Knowledge Report, “Unlocking Data Governance in Alignment with the DPDP Act and Rules,” at the CII Hospital Tech Summit 2026 today. The report highlights the need for robust data governance practices in healthcare, covering data discovery, privacy and consent management, secure data sharing, cybersecurity preparedness and the responsible use of AI. It outlines a roadmap for healthcare organisations to build trusted, secure and AI-ready digital healthcare systems aligned with India’s evolving data protection framework.
CII also released the CII-PwC Knowledge Report, “AI Shaping the Future of Healthcare.” The report explores how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare delivery across diagnostics, patient care, hospital operations and clinical decision-making. It emphasises responsible AI adoption, quality data management and governance frameworks as key enablers of improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency and innovation.
Maharashtra is positioning itself as a global destination for healthcare innovation, medical technology, digital health, biotechnology and advanced medical device manufacturing, said Hon’ble Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Minister for Protocol, FDI, Diaspora Affairs & Agro-Marketing, Government of Maharashtra, while delivering the keynote address at the 9th edition of the CII Hospital Tech Summit.
Addressing healthcare leaders, policymakers, technology experts and international delegates, Shri Rawal highlighted that Maharashtra’s vision aligns with the national goal of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He said the state aims to leverage its strong healthcare infrastructure, pharmaceutical and biotechnology base, medical institutions, skilled workforce and global partnerships to create a world-class healthcare ecosystem.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s commitment to accessible and inclusive healthcare, he noted the impact of initiatives such as the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), which provides financial protection and access to quality medical treatment for economically weaker sections, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state. He also invited international companies, research institutions and investors to collaborate, innovate and invest in Maharashtra, while emphasising the role of FDI, technology transfer and diaspora partnerships in advancing healthcare outcomes and supporting the state’s vision of becoming a global hub for healthcare innovation and excellence.
Speaking from a national perspective, Mr Rizwan Koita, Chairman, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) and Co-Founder & Director, Koita Foundation, outlined NABH’s significant progress in driving digital health adoption across India. He announced that NABH is preparing to launch new standards for medical imaging systems and quality management software, creating a comprehensive digital framework to support hospitals of all sizes. He emphasised that widespread digital adoption is essential for enabling initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, electronic claims processing, and higher standards of patient care and safety.
Padma Shri Dr Ramakant Deshpande, Chairman, CII Western Region Healthcare & Life Sciences Sub-Committee 2026–27 and Chairman, Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) – Cumballa Hill Hospital, underscored the importance of preventive healthcare alongside treatment. He highlighted growing concerns around obesity and lifestyle diseases and called for greater focus on public awareness, preventive interventions and collaborative initiatives to improve health outcomes. He also noted India’s growing position as a global healthcare destination and stressed the importance of innovation, accessibility, affordability and skilled healthcare professionals.
Mr Joy Chakraborty, Chairman, CII Hospital Tech 2026 and Deputy CEO, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, said that healthcare transformation requires stronger collaboration among government, industry and healthcare providers. He highlighted the role of initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in strengthening healthcare access and digital infrastructure. He noted that artificial intelligence, diagnostics, therapeutics and digital health technologies are reshaping healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes. He also emphasised the need to support small and medium-sized hospitals through greater access to technology, skills development and capacity building.
Mr Saurabh Agarwal, Co-Chair, CII WR Sub-Committee on Healthcare & Lifesciences 2026–27 and Executive Vice President, Lupin Ltd, highlighted the future shifts shaping healthcare, including AI-enabled hospital operations, predictive and preventive healthcare, sustainability, smart hospitals and workforce upskilling. He stressed that technology adoption alone is not enough and that healthcare organisations must focus on measurable patient outcomes, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability through meaningful implementation.
International speakers reinforced the importance of global partnerships in healthcare innovation. Mr Terry Van Heden, Consul General, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai, highlighted growing opportunities for India-Netherlands collaboration in MedTech, digital health, diagnostics, AI and healthcare innovation. He emphasised the importance of co-creating solutions that can address global healthcare challenges while being scalable and patient-centric.
Mr Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, highlighted the opportunities arising from the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and underscored the potential for greater collaboration in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, R&D, manufacturing and healthcare services. He noted that the agreement will further strengthen innovation partnerships and healthcare investments between the two countries.
