CoE IoT Official Blog

As the healthcare sector evolves, the route to affordable and accessible high-quality medical attention relies on reducing the dependence on scarce and expensive resources, including specialist doctors with significant clinical experience. Innovative and scalable technologies have extensively helped enhance healthcare in India, enabling effective deliveryof care and well being. An example of how technology can help in such a situation is seen in the radiology domain. It is a known fact that the accuracy of interpretation of results of radiological scans and consequent diagnosis correlates strongly with the amount of experience of the clinician reading the scans. This makes it very hard to train new doctors to speed up this process and bring them up to equivalent accuracy levels. This dependence on a handful of senior specialists has resulted in turnaround times of the order of 48 hours from scan to diagnosis

The reducing price of storage and computing power as well as the shift to digital media over the years now makes it possible to bring in automation in the form of AI and Machine Learning algorithms to process clinical data and generate accurate and repeatable diagnoses. This makes a strong case for the inclusion of AI algorithms into clinical workflows.

The future of innovation in healthcare is reflected in the two themes which can be outlined as:

• The first is Advanced imaging, visualization, and reporting. This would involve building solutions for CT Scanning and X-Rays, leveraging Edison^TM capabilities for Computer-Aided Detection and Diagnosis. This could also be extended to a diagnosis of certain cancers.
• The other theme is that of Virtual Hospitals – coordinating care between various healthcare providers, building capability in remote patient health monitoring, and better integration of data and workflows.

Both of these themes have operational underpinnings of the use of AI for building operational and clinical efficiency for better patient outcomes and financial viability, while also ensuring safety for frontline health workers.

To promote innovation in the healthcare ecosystem and accelerating innovation opportunities for startups, GE Healthcare embarked on its first-ever global startup collaboration program Edison^[TM] in 2019, bed rocked at the Edison platform to drive innovation in the healthcare sector. This initiative has given startups the elbow room to maneuver, explore their potential and develop avant-garde solutions to address the major challenges prevailing in the healthcare ecosystem.

The thought behind the start-up Collaboration Program

At the core of the Edison^TMAccelerator program is the idea of leveraging collaboration to compound the capabilities of the Edison^TMplatform. Edison^TMis an advanced intelligence offering used by GE Healthcare’s internal developers and strategic partners to develop new healthcare applications, services, and AI algorithms. It comprises of applications, smart devices, and the Edison^TMplatform.

The Edison^TMAccelerator program aims to bring in competent startups who can build their solutions using this platform resulting in mutual benefit to all three stakeholders – GE, the start-up in question, healthcare practitioners, and most importantly, the individual consumer. Through this program, we work with the start-up community to accelerate product development and reach new markets while building trust within the start-up ecosystem.

The Edison^TMAccelerator program was launched in India due to the Bangalore R&D centre – the John F. Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC), GE’s largest integrated, and multi-disciplinary R&D center outside of the USA – being a strong R&D site coupled with a mature local start-up ecosystem. In this context, launching the program from India turned out to be an advantage.

Through this program, we have been able to showcase that innovation and collaboration from India are possible and can be made successful with buy-in from India and global leadership.

How  does  the program help start-ups?

The Edison^TMAccelerator program helps its start-ups at multiple points in the product development life-cycle, assuringfacilities like Product development, Market access and Global expansion. Senior scientists and product managers from the GE Healthcare R&D and Project Management functions are assigned to the selected start-ups at the start of the program. These scientists engage with the start-up’s product development research team regularly, to fine-tune algorithms and to help with integrating the start-up’s solution on the Edison^TMplatform.

This program involves the business teams of GE which helps the start-up reach new customers. This allows an on-ground independent validation of the solution which is also valuable.Depending on the relevance of the solution, the GE Healthcare India teams help the start-up reach other GE Healthcare locations worldwide, with a view to commercialize the solution in the said geography.

The first edition of Edison^[TM], has created a buzz among the startup realm and innovators. A large number of startups had applied for the second cohort of Edison^[TM]; the organization has selected six startups after three months of diligent evaluation. The brainstorming solutions of these startups are stimulating operational and clinical advancements.

Here comes the list of startups who have made it to Cohort 2 of the India Edison^[TM]Accelerator. Each of these startups with their own unique inventionare solving complex challenges in the healthcare sector.

1. BrainSightAI: AI-enabled platform that integrates artificial intelligence and neuroscience to curate evidence-based treatment hooks for psychiatrists and neurologists.
2. AarogyaAI: aims to revolutionize the method of treating Tuberculosis. The software is empowered with a Machine Learning algorithm which is used to prime the machine, use portable DNA sequence of the patients and generate a comprehensive input; these inputs are uploaded on SaaS which is designed to enable immediate detection of RTB.
3. In-Med Prognostics: In-Med Prognostics embarked on the mission of bringing affordable, accessible, reliable, and data-driven brain health prognostics and diagnostics tools to India and other emerging markets. It has developed NeuroShield™ to accelerate the medication of brain diseases.
4. Fluid AI: Fluid AI is steadfast about leveraging this disruptive technology to provide solutions focused on customer experience and decisioning products. It has inculcated digital human on a tablet to deploy at offices, stores, branches, and other outlets to maintain contactless interaction with the customers.
5. Wellthy Therapeutics Platform: The firm has integrated clinical intelligence, behavioural science, and state-of-the-art technology to develop a platform that can provide healthcare professionals with precise patient’s data, enabling timely and effective treatment. It has devised a patient-facing app (iOS and Android), to support patients acquire their desired health goals with the help of AI-driven insights.
6. Onward Assist: This advanced cancer prognostics startup based in Hyderabad delivers computer vision and ML-based automated diagnostics tools, treatment decision support tools, and Oncology analytics tools to support Pathologists, Histopathologists, Radiologists, and Oncologists to smoothly execute their medication process.

The graduation of these six starupsis scheduled on the demo day which will be held on the 8th of April 2021. This virtual event will be graced by the presence of personages from across the industry, starups ecosystem, investors, and other corporates. The selected startups will be showcasing their clinical solutions, problems solving innovations, and business models to the virtual audience.

By: Girish Raghavan: VP, Software Engineering, GE Healthcare

NASSCOM Center of Excellence IoT has launched its flagship initiative in manufacturing titled The Forum for Manufacturing, Automation, Digital Transformation & Innovation Excellence (MADE), which will explore the intersection of innovation & technology in manufacturing and how this can aid the next wave of digital transformation.

At the Digital Transformation & Supply Chain- Inflection Summit & Awards 2019 held in Mumbai recently, strategies for transformation of functions in the disruptive business environment were discussed at length. Industry thought leaders representing pharma, automotive, logistics, retail, FMCG and service providers gathered to share their best practices, celebrate successful innovations and understand futuristic trends at Inflection.

NASSCOM CoEIoT-DSAI participated in two meetings – a Panel Discussion on Game Changing Trends in Automotive Supply Chain – Fuel to Future and the second, a closed group roundtable with industry leaders on Opportunities & Impediments to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Ecosystem within Indian industry, led by Jayen Desai, Lead – Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0 for NASSCOM CoEIoT-DSAI.

Key Inflections for the industry

The EV revolution in India is waiting to happen, and changes being witnessed at the industry and policy level indicate the next wave of environment-friendly transport. The newly-elected government is supposedly deliberating means to establish a robust EV infrastructure. The Indian EV market is poised to reach an excess of $700mn by 2025, and government schemes are expected to provide a fillip.

Secondary data from McKinsey, Deloitte and PwC indicate some interesting trends:

• One in 10 cars by 2030 will be shared vehicle
• City type will replace country/region as key parameter for sales segmentation
• Vehicle unit sales will grow ~2% annually but will be highly customized to fleet operators
• 15% of new cars sold in 2030 will be fully autonomous

During the roundtable, a conscious move from internal combustion to EV to Autonomous vehicles was recommended. Already, there is a significant change in the mindset of GenYfrom Ownership to User-ship, which exacerbates the relevance of an eco-friendly vehicle.

In addition to capitalising on a cost-effective and eco-friendly model, major disruptions in the future dealer model with OEMs can be expected mainly due to the expansive role played by technologies such as AI and the power of real-time data analytics. Additionally, Potential disruption in auto supply chain with wider adoption of 3D printed spare parts closer to point of use builds a stronger case for digital transformation.

Collaboration, Innovation and Solution Providers: An Unstoppable Combination for the Industry of the Future

The industry stands at an inflection point today. With reams of data on user preferences and climate parameters, now is the time for greater collaboration between manufacturing companies and digital technology providers. The abundance of data has also provided a bank of industry-relevant use cases, which can be leveraged with appropriate solution providers. This encourages digital transformation teams to look beyond the ecosystem.

The findings of this roundtable set the precedent for NASSCOM CoEIoT-DSAI’s newly- launched flagship industry-driven initiative called MADE – the Forum for Manufacturing, Automation, Digital Transformation & Innovation Excellence.

Key Takeaways

1. There is significant work happening in the industry around supply chain automation and ecosystem.
2. Most companies are taking end to end approach when it comes to industry 4.0 vs piece meal.
3. A lot of focus right now on getting demand forecasting and last mile delivery when it comes to innovation in supply chain.
4. Retail moving from stocking to more mass customization and just in time delivery models and this is going to be disruptive with tremendous opportunities for supply chain innovation.
5. There are lot of opportunity within retail for having roadmaps for data integration and visualization to get maximum benefit for real time feedback.
6. Within Pharma industry there are significant challenges in cold chain, storage, logistics, trace and track, counterfeits and this is both for domestic and international trade.   Technology adoption and working at a national platform level would be highly beneficial and again this is something the COE – IOT/AI can work with the eco-system partners.

If you are an enterprise or startup keen to participate in MADE, contact Jayen Desai (t-jayen@mail.nasscom.in)

Make way for the new era of digital transformation in manufacturing

Date

26^th Feb 2019

Round Table

A Billion Dollar Market – India’s Health Insurance Market Is At A Precipice Of Change

Context

Health insurance is not a luxury but a necessity today. Given the propensity and range of diseases that man is prone to, having a healthcare premium is imperative. India has more than 60 insurance companies, of which nearly 40 are dedicated to health insurance.

There are a plethora of needs in the healthcare sector, which require insurance intervention. By 2021, health insurance is expected to reach US$3.5bn, representing growth of more than 12% annually since 2006. Moreover, the increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India such as diabetes, cardiac issues and cancers require cost-heavy intervention. A sound healthcare premium will go a long way in safeguarding citizens from skyrocketing costs.

Due to imminent changes in the eco-system, the sector is constantly in a state of flux. While Government spend is increasing with various schemes announced by Central and State Governments, the healthcare insurance market is challenged with process compliance, fraudulent practices, skewed claims ratio, low coverage, increased out-of-pocket expenses and policy support.

The healthcare insurance market is dynamic, offering myriad opportunities for innovators, investors, enterprises and policy makers. Yet, it is imperative to address existing challenges, identify high-opportunity areas and chart a roadmap for future success.

At the BioAsia Conference 2019 in Hyderabad, an industry roundtable led by NASSCOM Center Of Excellence IoT’s flagship healthcare initiative Lifesciences & Healthcare Innovation Forum (LHIF), where industry participants comprehensively discussed the opportunities & challenges around healthcare insurance market and role of technology and policy in easing the situation for the public.

Challenges

1. Delays in claims processing is a major concern not only for the patients but also for the hospitals. Any extra day spent by the patient occupying a bed waiting for a discharge due to delays in insurance paperwork, may not result in higher returns to the hospitals.
2. Health Insurance companies are not able to assess the risk exposure from their customers. Many of them do not disclose pre-existing ailments and no sooner they take health insurance, these customers start availing the claims. As the risk profile and historical medical records are not available for the insurers, they have no option but to offer same policy to all.
3. Policy provisions are neither clear on the websites, nor do the customers read and understand the available terms and conditions. Many of them realize the inclusions and exclusions once they start using the claims process.
4. Inflation in the healthcare delivery costs is steadily increasing the claims, however there is a challenge in increasing the insurance premiums. As the affordability of the premiums is reducing, it is difficult to acquire new customers. Increased competition and untenable provisions offered by some companies, is putting pressure on other companies in this space. Customers only see the cost of the premium without realizing the provisions within.
5. There is no regulatory body, which controls the health insurance procedures at Hospitals. Some providers tend to overuse the facilities for the customers having health-insurance.
6. Due to inadequate staff to monitor the enrolled hospitals and also due to some unscrupulous individuals, there is 15% incidence of abuse.
7. 60-70% of the populations living in rural India. Many of them are illiterate to Health Insurance. They only know abouthealth cards issued by government and not sure the provisions there under.Despite large penetration of PM-JAY, the insurance companies are yet to see a viable financial model for them to succeed in enrolling into the Ayushman Bharat. The cost of the packages fixed by government may impede the quality of care.
8. Though Ayushman Bharat equally emphasises on wellness, the Health Insurance companies do not see a possibility of participation in preventive health compared to curative health, mainly due to no incentives provided to them on preventive health.
9. There is no clarity or clear guidance from either regulatory or the government on the same day procedures – Out-Patient Surgeries, that can be covered under health insurance. As a result, individuals prefer to get admitted for at least a day to claim the insurance. This increases the cost of the claim. Also, many individuals lack awareness on the same-day procedures. Though some hospitals are offering same day procedures, it is not clear if the insurance companies are accepting these claims.
10. Smaller bills are cleared fast without necessarily checking for the potential frauds, whereas large bills need go through more diligence for validation and verification. This results in genuine customers switching the insurer due to dis-satisfaction.
11. Non-payment of claims arises from three factors. (a) Lack of proper documentation, (b) Lack of awareness of inclusion and exclusion criteria in the policy and (c) difference in costs from the same hospitals for same procedures.

Opportunities

1. A uniform platform for sharing health profile of individuals (similar to the credit profile) will really help Insurance Companies to customize the insurance products based on individuals. Those will better health profile tend to get lower premiums.

1. Nearly 60% of the population do not have health insurance coverage, even 10% of them buying the health insurance policies, will dramatically increase the revenues for the Insurers and they may be able to provide better services.
2. Government is increasing the focus on wellness and with the help of regulatory. We can see positive guidelines & directions in this space.
3. Insurance companies provide health-check coupons to their customers, but only 7-8% of them are utilized. But a push in wellness from government and corporates can increase the utilization. More utilization of these coupons may result in better data for Insurance companies to customize their premiums.
4. Hospitals and Health Insurance companies can work together to provide a better customer experience.

Role of Technology

1. Technology can play a major role in prevention campaigns in local language (due to increased mobile penetration). Insurance companies are willing to push customized content through these campaigns on basic problems like nutrition, sanitation, stress and prevention measures.
2. Technology can help Third Party Administrators (TPAs) with documentation process and the aggregate data on the ailments and the procedures. This helps in customizing the offerings and speeding up the claims process.
3. A well implemented EHR/PMR Systems at Government and Private Hospitals can provide a lot of insights for both the insurers and hospitals. PMR data can help in understanding the customer well before offering a suitable insurance product.
4. Integration of Hospital Billing systems to TPA claims processing system can ease out on the time for processing a claim. Technology can also help in discharge process automation within Hospital environment to reduce the time for discharging a patient.
5. AI can play a significant role in fraud detection process and disease predictions.
6. Affordable wearables can help monitor the customers data by the Insurers and their empanelled doctors and provide timely advise on preventive health.
7. Insurance companies can work with telemedicine platform providers to engage with their customer to reduce the hospitalization through early interventions.
8. There is an increased opportunity for Health Insurers to engage with Healthcare Startups.
9. Managing NCDs is a biggest opportunity towards wellness and preventing potential complications arising out of NCDs. Use of technology in engaging with the customers on managing NCDs will help the Insurers in avoiding future hospitalization.

Better pricing, continuous engagement with the customer and preventive measuresto help the health insurance sector can boost the sector’s organic and robust growth.

Participants