India’s role in shaping global thinking on patient safety and healthcare governance was highlighted on the opening day of the Apollo Hospitals International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2026.
The international conference brought together doctors, policymakers, digital health professionals and experts to discuss ways to build safer and more equitable healthcare systems.
The event, themed “Global Voices, One Vision”, saw the opening day focussing on patient safety as a leadership and governance issue, rather than only a clinical concern.
Speakers said India’s experience in delivering healthcare at scale, while steadily improving quality, transparency and accountability, is influencing global health policy discussions and patient safety frameworks.
Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of the Apollo Hospitals Group, said the International Health Dialogue was created to encourage learning across health systems worldwide. She said IHD 2026 saw over 5,000 registrations and participation from 75 institutions globally, pointing to 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, underlined the importance of public policy and inclusion in patient safety. He said solutions must reflect real-world diversity and stressed that digital health initiatives should ensure equitable access so that technology-driven safety measures reach all sections of society.
Dr Madhu Sasidhar, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Apollo Hospitals, said patient safety should be part of everyday organisational practice. “It cannot be left to one department,” he said, adding that it should be “led from the top,”
Global experts also cautioned against “safety clutter”, referring to excessive checklists that add to staff workload without improving patient outcomes.
Reiterating the goal of patient safety, Dr Atul Mohan Kochhar, Chief Executive Officer of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers, said, “Zero harm is the only acceptable number.”
Published – January 31, 2026 07:30 am IST
