India’s healthcare sector stands at the cusp of a bold transformation. With a 12.59% surge in the Union Health Ministry’s 2024-25 budget, totaling ₹90,658.63 crore, the nation is making an unprecedented push to expand access, modernize infrastructure, and drive innovation. The digital health segment, powered by initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and wearable technology, is poised for robust growth at a CAGR of 29.5% through 2032.
Strategic policy shifts by the CDSCO, along with expanded initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and tax relief on life-saving drugs, are making healthcare more inclusive, affordable, and globally competitive. These transformative strides are not just reshaping systems—they’re building a resilient, tech-empowered ecosystem poised to lead the future of global health.
The Times Now Doctors’ Day Conclave is a prestigious platform celebrating India’s healthcare heroes. Since 2018, it has brought together over 200 leading doctors and 30+ influential policymakers annually, with notable figures like the Late Pranab Mukherjee, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, and Sudha Murthy gracing past editions.
The upcoming 8th edition will spotlight the doctor-patient bond and highlight breakthrough innovations in AI-driven diagnostics and medical technology. Continuing its tradition of excellence, the conclave will also honor top medical professionals across key specialties, reinforcing its legacy as a driving force in Indian healthcare.
India’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation—with Out-of- Pocket (OOP) health expenditure falling to 39.4% in 2021–22, the lowest in over a decade. This session explores the structural shifts driving this decline, from increased public health funding and insurance coverage to expanded access to affordable medicines and diagnostics.
As health technology continues to evolve, every interaction—from wearable devices to telemedicine—creates a digital health footprint. This session explores the potential benefits and risks of this footprint. Is it a blessing, improving access and personalized care, or does it pose serious data security threats? We’ll uncover the implications of cyber health data collection, the risks of breaches, and how to protect sensitive health information in an increasingly connected world.
Doctors share real-life stories that are absurd, hilarious, or light-hearted—moments that promise guaranteed laughs!
This address explores how celebrities are using their influence to drive health awareness and social impact. From breaking taboos to championing causes like mental health and preventive care, it highlights the power of public figures in shaping India’s healthcare conversations — both on and off the screen.
In an era driven by instant answers, the “Click-to-Cure” culture has made self-diagnosis through online searches a common habit. While access to information is empowering, it often leads to confusion, anxiety, and misplaced trust. This session explores how we can shift from digital shortcuts to real medical expertise, rebuilding trust in doctors and the value of accurate, professional care.
The deliberations at the session will revolve around
The future of healthcare: blending technology with human expertise for better patient care.
As India charts its journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, healthcare stands as both a pillar and a promise. This session explores the strategic shift from short-term health rollouts to long-term systemic reforms — building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready primary healthcare systems. Anchored in the vision of a $32 trillion economy, the discussion will spotlight how policy, infrastructure, and innovation must align to create a healthier, stronger Bharat.
The life of a doctor is demanding—long hours, high stress, and the emotional toll of patient care. For many healthcare professionals, balancing the intense demands of their careers with personal priorities such as family, fitness, and self-care is an ongoing challenge. This session looks at the emotional, physical and psychological challenges that doctors face while dedicating themselves to the purpose of care and cure.
Doctors share which alternative career path they might have pursued if they hadn’t become doctors, offering a glimpse into their other interests and talents.
As the world grapples with rising healthcare inequities, the question of access to essential medicines has never been more urgent. This session explores bold strategies to make healthcare universally inclusive and medicines sustainably accessible. From innovation in supply chains to policy reform and global collaboration, join key changemakers as they reimagine a future where no one is left behind in the race for healthcare equity.
India’s healthcare transformation isn’t possible without its most critical stakeholders— doctors. As the nation steers toward universal health coverage, technology integration, and improved public health outcomes, it is imperative to align policy reforms with the on-ground realities and expectations of the medical community. This session explores how medical professionals can shape and support health reforms, and what policy shifts are needed to empower and protect them in return.
The landscape of healthcare is evolving rapidly, with technology and innovation at the forefront of transforming how patient care is delivered. The shift toward patient- centric care emphasizes the individual needs of patients, ensuring personalized treatment and enhanced outcomes. Through advancements such as telemedicine, AI- driven diagnostics, and wearable health technology, healthcare providers can offer smarter, more effective care.
The divide between urban and rural areas remains one of the most significant challenges to equitable development in many countries. While cities often enjoy rapid economic growth, better infrastructure, and more advanced healthcare and educational opportunities, rural regions frequently face limited access to basic services and economic opportunities.
Doctors bring something they always carry in their coat pocket (physical or metaphorical) and share the story behind it. Emotional, humorous, or surprising — audience loves the reveal.
The road to recovery is rarely a smooth or easy one. It’s filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, amidst the struggle, there are people who offer hope, comfort, and expertise — the medical professionals who walk alongside us in our journey toward healing. In this powerful session, a renowned public figure will take the stage to share their personal journey of healing.
In the high-stakes world of medicine, where science, precision, and protocol reign supreme, creativity often takes a backseat. Yet, within the very grey matter that drives diagnosis and treatment, lies the power to heal through something profoundly human—words. This evocative session explores the intersection of neuroscience and creativity, shining a light on how doctors harness poetry, storytelling.
*Agenda is work in progress and subject to changes.
India, with its vast population and diverse healthcare needs, owes much of its progress in health and wellness to the dedicated doctors who have selflessly served the country over the years. These healthcare professionals are the true architects of a Swasth Bharat (Healthy India). This talk will delve into the significant contributions of doctors in shaping the healthcare landscape of India, highlighting their roles in prevention, treatment, education, and public health policy.
In the complex and demanding world of healthcare, the relationship between a doctor’s duty and their rights is a nuanced and vital issue. Doctors are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the health of individuals and communities, but their professional and personal rights must also be respected.
The relationship between the armed forces and healthcare is one of profound significance, where the two intersect in ways that ensure the physical and mental well-being of soldiers and civilians alike. From battlefield medicine to advanced medical research, doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals working within the armed forces play a vital role in ensuring the safety and health of the nation’s defense personnel.
The deliberations at the session will revolve around
In today’s rapidly evolving world, smart governance plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of societies. It involves the integration of advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and efficient management systems to enhance governance and public service delivery.
The life of a doctor is demanding—long hours, high stress, and the emotional toll of patient care. For many healthcare professionals, balancing the intense demands of their careers with personal priorities such as family, fitness, and self-care is an ongoing challenge. The 5 AM shift symbolizes the early starts many doctors face, often sacrificing personal time to meet the needs of their patients.
In any democratic society, trust in public institutions is essential for the smooth functioning of governance and the well-being of citizens. However, trust is often eroded by corruption, lack of transparency, and disengagement between the government and the public. Strengthening trust requires a commitment to transparency, ensuring that decisions and actions are open to scrutiny; accountability, ensuring that institutions are responsible for their actions; and citizen engagement, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and their needs are addressed.
The landscape of healthcare is evolving rapidly, with technology and innovation at the forefront of transforming how patient care is delivered. The shift toward patient-centric care emphasizes the individual needs of patients, ensuring personalized treatment and enhanced outcomes. Through advancements such as telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and wearable health technology, healthcare providers can offer smarter, more effective care.
The divide between urban and rural areas remains one of the most significant challenges to equitable development in many countries. While cities often enjoy rapid economic growth, better infrastructure, and more advanced healthcare and educational opportunities, rural regions frequently face limited access to basic services and economic opportunities.
The road to recovery is rarely a smooth or easy one. It’s filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, amidst the struggle, there are people who offer hope, comfort, and expertise — the medical professionals who walk alongside us in our journey toward healing. Whether in a hospital, clinic, or recovery center, healthcare workers are not only doctors and nurses; they are therapists, mental health professionals, support staff, and more.
The global healthcare landscape is marked by stark inequalities in access to essential medicines, leaving millions in low-income and developing regions without the necessary treatment to combat diseases and improve their quality of life. While advances in medical science have paved the way for groundbreaking treatments and life-saving drugs, these innovations are often out of reach for those who need them the most.
In an ever-evolving global economy, the role of strategic reforms in driving economic growth has never been more crucial. Whether it's through regulatory adjustments, infrastructure improvements, or fostering innovation, the right reforms can accelerate growth, create job opportunities, and boost overall prosperity.