India’s role in shaping global thinking on patient safety and healthcare management was highlighted on the opening day of the Apollo Hospitals International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2026.
The international conference brought together doctors, policy makers, digital health professionals and experts to discuss ways to build safer and more equitable healthcare systems.
Themed ‘Global Voices, One Vision’, the event saw the opening day focus on patient safety as a leadership and management issue, not just a clinical concern.
Speakers said India’s experience in delivering healthcare at scale, while continuously improving quality, transparency and accountability, is influencing global health policy discussions and patient safety frameworks. Dr. Sangita Reddy, CEO, Apollo Hospitals Group, said the International Health Dialogue was created to promote learning across health systems around the world. She said that IHD 2026 saw more than 5,000 registrations and participation from 75 institutions across the world, indicating the growing international interest in India’s healthcare models. “Patient safety is no longer a local issue. It is a shared global responsibility,” she said.
Dr Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, emphasized the importance of public policy and inclusion in patient safety. He said solutions must reflect the diversity of the real world and emphasized that digital health initiatives should ensure equitable access so that technology-based security measures reach all parts of society.
Dr Madhu Sasidhar, President and CEO, Apollo Hospitals, said patient safety should be part of the day-to-day organizational practice. “It can’t be left to one department,” he said, adding that it should be “led from the top.” Global experts also warned of a “safety mess,” citing excessive checklists that increase staff workloads without improving patient outcomes.
Dr Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO of the National Accreditation Council for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, reiterated the goal of patient safety, saying, “Zero harm is the only acceptable number.”
Published – 31 Jan 2026 07:30 IST
