The Future of Healthcare: Insights from Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty

Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon and visionary in Indian healthcare, believes that digitization will transform healthcare as we know it. As the Chairman of Narayana Health, he has spearheaded advancements in cardiac care and introduced innovative concepts like Micro Health Insurance, benefiting millions. In a recent interview, Dr. Shetty shared his thoughts on the future of healthcare in India, the role of technology, and the challenges the country faces in delivering quality care.
Dr. Shetty emphasizes that technology will disrupt healthcare, making it safer and more efficient. Narayana Health is heavily investing in tools like electronic medical records and hospital management systems. By building these systems in-house, Dr. Shetty aims to enhance patient care and safety.
On making cardiac care accessible, he highlights the success of health schemes like Yeshaswini, which has helped millions of farmers receive affordable surgeries. He is optimistic about Ayushman Bharat, India’s largest health insurance program, and believes it will be a game-changer in providing access to healthcare for millions.
However, the biggest challenge in Indian healthcare is the shortage of skilled professionals—doctors, nurses, and technicians. Dr. Shetty stresses the importance of increasing medical education and producing more specialists, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where quality care is often lacking.
Looking to the future, he predicts that 90% of hospital beds will be ICU beds within the next decade, with routine care being managed online. This shift will require major changes in how nurses and medical staff are trained. He also believes that AI will play a crucial role, with software making smarter diagnoses than doctors, and second opinions from AI systems becoming legally mandatory.

1. The Future of Healthcare: Insights
from Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty

3. Introduction to Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty
Chairman and Executive Director of Narayana Health
Awarded the 'Padma Shri' and 'Padma Bhushan' (2003 & 2012)
Coined the term "Micro Health Insurance"
Spearheaded the launch of Yeshaswini health insurance for farmers in
Karnataka

4. Transformation of Healthcare through Digitization
Believes that digitization will transform healthcare
Huge investments in:
Electronic medical records
Hospital management systems
Predictive tools for patient care
Technology will make healthcare safer and more efficient

5. Accessibility of Cardiac Care in India
Started a micro health insurance in Karnataka covering millions of
farmers
Farmers pay 11 cents per month for comprehensive coverage
Ayushman Bharat launched by the government, expected to be a game
changer
Covers half the population for major surgeries

6. Infrastructural Challenges in Cardiac Care
Shortage of medical specialists, nurses, and technicians is a major issue
Government reforms in medical education with the National Medical
Commission
More doctors in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities will improve cardiac care

7. Limitations of Healthcare Provision
Two main limitations:
Skilled manpower
Capital investment
Poor covered by Ayushman Bharat, rich through private insurance, but
middle-class lacks financial support

8. The Future of ICU Beds & Smart Healthcare
In 10 years, 90% of hospital beds will be ICU beds
Routine care will be online or home-based
Smart software will assist in diagnosis, and doctors will need second
opinions from AI systems before treatment

9. Thank You