In a major step towards promoting the use of IT for developing the healthcare system of the country, HIMSS Asia Pacific India is organising a unique healthcare meet in India for the first time. Interestingly, this meet has been strategically timed to tap the government's ambitious plan to push its digital India campaign which is focused on exploring and extensively implementing information technology for upping health, education and governance.

The two-day meeting is going to be flagged off in Gurgaon on August 5 and 6 with key focus on improving the healthcare delivery using effective and efficient healthcare information technology and management systems,

Experts cite that this meet will present a perfect opportunity for the think tanks from the industry and the government to come together and deliberate over modalities for implementing the vision of the Prime Minister on Digital India. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, chairman of HIMSS Asia Pacific India board stressed that this two-day interactive meet will be the defining point for the way forward, especially since the report of the proceedings will be sent to all the key policy makers and made available free of charge to ensure the maximum reach and effectiveness.

He further informed that one of the main goals of the meet is also to showcase the capabilities of the private sector in transforming of healthcare in India through information technology.  “Most importantly, we also plan to update the private sector on government’s plans and policies. While providing opportunities to delegates to learn about and evaluate the latest innovations in healthcare and how health IT is at the forefront in transforming the healthcare experience and building a healthier India," Gupta, who is also a leading public policy expert and author of the BJP’s Election Manifesto amongst others, added.

This is the first event for HIMSS in India, wherein, key policy makers would be participating in the meet from across ministries. It is expected that J P Nadda, Union minister of health & family welfare will be inaugurating the event that will discuss future of healthcare IT in India; cloud and big data; universal health coverage; mHealth and predictive analytics in healthcare; rural health; smart cities and HCIT; chronic disease management, etc.