After finishing the book, I found myself pondering how best to categorize it. Is it a biography of a doctor, a narrative on innovations in a specific medical field, or an exploration of the scientific advancements within a specialized medical discipline. In truth, the book is all of these things and more, perhaps even a reflection of Dr. Sangwan’s own multifaceted personality—compassionate doctor, problem solver, and mentor to many. The story isn’t just about Dr. Sangwan, but also about his deep-seated curiosity—a desire to experience what Richard Feynman famously described as “the pleasure of finding things out.” This book showcases his ability to turn those curious explorations into sustainable solutions that benefit many. First and foremost, I must commend Rajroshan for the remarkable job After finishing the book, I found myself pondering how best to categorize it.

Is it a biography of a doctor, a narrative on innovations in a specific medical field, or an exploration of the scientific advancements within a specialized medical discipline. In truth, the book is all of these things and more, perhaps even a reflection of Dr. Sangwan’s own multifaceted personality—compassionate doctor, problem solver, and mentor to many. The story isn’t just about Dr. Sangwan, but also about his deep-seated curiosity—a desire to experience what Richard Feynman famously described as “the pleasure of finding things out.” This book showcases his ability to turn those curious explorations into sustainable solutions that benefit many. First and foremost, I must commend Rajroshan for the remarkable job in making the story accessible and engaging. I couldn’t put the book down—reading it from cover to cover with an eagerness to discover what was next. The characters within are so vividly portrayed that I could almost imagine meeting them in real life.

For anyone with a curious mind, this book stands as a testament to the passion and joy of a village boy’s journey to becoming part of the world’s leading scientific minds. A big part of his success stems from staying grounded and true to the purpose of his profession.

At the same time, the book also tells the story of a nascent scientific discipline within a growing, yet often underappreciating, country. These early examples of innovation form the foundation upon which future generations can stand, as the famous adage goes: “on the shoulders of giants.”

The book reminded me of Seema Singh’s book on Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, which I have recommended to many as a story of the rise of the biotech industry in India. Similarly, Indian ophthalmology boasts world-class institutions like Aravind Eye Care and LVPEI. After reading this book, one can truly understand why they are considered great. I highly recommend this book to anyone who believes in solving problems with limited resources, driven by a sincere and honest pursuit of progress.

The post Book Review- The Prosperity Paradox appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

In the latest episode of the InnoHealth Magazine podcast, host Dr. Soumya Singh sat down with Mr. Sanjay Jain, Founder and CEO of Akhil Systems Pvt. Ltd., to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare IT in India. With over three decades of experience in healthcare digitization, Mr. Jain offered rich insights into the journey of Akhil Systems, the digital transformation of hospitals, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

A Three-Decade-Long Journey

Founded in 1994, Akhil Systems emerged out of a vision to fill the glaring gaps in healthcare automation. Mr. Jain recalled joining the company as a software developer, eventually becoming its co-leader with Rekha Murthy, his business and life partner. Their commitment to improving healthcare delivery through technology has fueled the company’s success across India and in more than 10 countries globally.

The company’s first major milestone came in 1995 with Mulchand Hospital in North India. This was followed by key partnerships with hospitals like Yashoda and Teerath Ram. An international breakthrough came in 2001 with an implementation project in Saudi Arabia—an experience that exposed Akhil Systems to sophisticated insurance and electronic medical record (EMR) requirements, far ahead of India’s at the time.

Turning Points in Health IT

A critical turning point arrived in 2004 with an ambitious project for STS Apollo Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh (now Evercare). The goal was to build a paperless hospital on par with European standards. Mr. Jain proudly shared that for the last 20 years, patients at that facility haven’t carried a single paper prescription—proof of the system’s enduring success.

Challenges of EMR Adoption

Despite technological advancements, EMR adoption remains inconsistent in India. Mr. Jain emphasized that the barrier is rarely technological—it’s often behavioral. Even when hospitals are equipped with capable software, implementation falters due to inadequate planning, insufficient training, and resistance to change among medical staff. He stressed the importance of top-down commitment and continuous support to ensure successful adoption.

“One of the biggest lessons,” Mr. Jain said, “is that mindset matters more than the system. The same EMR works wonders in one hospital and is barely used in another.”

Key Features for Successful Implementation

Akhil Systems developed unique solutions like single-window billing and multilingual pharmacy packaging to streamline patient experiences. These innovations, supported by user-friendly apps and doctor-focused tools, highlight the importance of customizing IT systems to suit local workflows and user needs.

Mr. Jain offered practical advice to hospitals considering a Health Information System (HIS) purchase:

• Start with a clear needs assessment
  
• Involve consultants or expert teams
  
• Focus on patient-centric design
  
• Ensure interoperability and clinical documentation standards
  
• Plan for seamless scalability and integration
  

Data Security: A Growing Concern

With increasing digitization, cybersecurity has become a critical issue. Mr. Jain admitted that this area has often been neglected but is now gaining attention following recent ransomware attacks. He stressed the importance of data encryption, secure communication protocols, regular backups, and robust firewall protections—whether data is stored on-premise or in the cloud.

“Security should be baked into the infrastructure and application from the start,” he warned, highlighting the role of standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and India’s upcoming DPDP Act.

The Future: AI, IoT, and Digital Ecosystems

Looking ahead, Mr. Jain is optimistic. He believes the next five years will be transformative for Indian healthcare, driven by:

• Wider EMR adoption under national initiatives like ABDM
  
• Remote patient monitoring using IoT and wearable devices
  
• AI-powered diagnostics that assist clinicians with early detection
  
• Mobile-first platforms that offer patients real-time access to their data

His company is preparing for this future with “Agastam,” a new cloud-native, microservices-based platform aimed at overcoming traditional EMR adoption challenges.

Final Thoughts

Mr. Jain’s journey is a testament to how passion, persistence, and purpose can drive meaningful change. From a developer to a leader in digital healthcare, his story mirrors India’s own transition from paper-based systems to intelligent, connected healthcare networks.

As he aptly summarized: “Digital transformation in healthcare is no longer optional. It is a necessity—and the time to act is now.”

Authors Biography

Sanjay Jain, Managing Director of Akhil Systems Pvt. Ltd., boasts three decades in healthcare IT. He transformed Akhil systems into a top global provider, implementing HIS in over 450 hospitals and earning multiple industry awards.

The post The Digital Backbone of Modern Healthcare: India’s Health IT Transformation appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

More Than Meets the Eye

As modern societies grapple with smog-filled skies, polluted rivers, and mounting waste, the true cost of environmental degradation remains hidden—in our lungs, blood, and minds. In this special episode of the InnoHEALTH Magazine Podcast, Dr. Tanu Jindal, environmental scientist and Group Additional Pro Vice Chancellor (R&D) at Amity University, highlighted how our health is inextricably linked to the environment.

“Our environment is our health.”

Air Pollution: Beyond PM2.5

While PM2.5 and PM10 dominate air quality discussions, Dr. Jindal emphasized a broader threat—gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone. These compounds, often released from open drains and industrial activity, combine with particulate matter to wreak havoc on human health.

She described how fine particles act as carriers for toxins, entering our bloodstream and causing respiratory, cardiovascular, and even neurological damage.

“If they damage machines, imagine what they do to our lungs.”

Water Quality: The Crisis Beneath Our Feet

Dr. Jindal warned that while attention is on river pollution, groundwater contamination—especially in urban areas like Delhi—is a graver threat. Toxic waste from open drains leaches into the water table, carrying ammonia, chlorine, and fecal matter.

“The real danger is not just pollution of Yamuna, but the infiltration of contamination into groundwater.”

Air and Cognitive Health: A Silent Threat

Recent research by her team found a link between air pollution and diminished cognitive performance, especially in asthma patients. Pollutants impair sensory input, affect heart function, and ultimately reduce brain efficiency—most significantly among children and the elderly.

Waste Management: The Broken System

India generates over 62 million tons of waste yearly, yet only a fraction is processed effectively. Dr. Jindal advocates for decentralized, community-driven solutions like segregation at source and home composting.

“When scrap dealers come to your home every month, why not give them your plastics and bottles?”

She also pointed out the inefficiency of sewage treatment plants, suggesting that households consider mini-STPs, similar to using inverters for power cuts.

Environmental Policing: Turning Awareness into Action

Dr. Jindal proposed establishing Environmental Policing Units to enforce eco-regulations, drawing parallels with traffic policing. Simple penalties for littering or dumping puja waste could foster a culture of accountability while creating jobs.

“Let’s train people and create accountability with awareness.”

Low-Cost Innovations for Everyday Sustainability

To bridge the gap between awareness and action, her team has developed:

• A ₹100 water testing kit
  
• A sustainable air purifier that blends with home décor
  
• Algae-based biofuel suitable for cold regions
  

“Why send your water sample to a lab for ₹12,000, when you can test it at home for ₹100?”

Festivals, Firecrackers, and Finding Balance

Dr. Jindal urged a balanced view during festival seasons. She advocated for regulated, community-based firecracker displays and centralized celebrations to reduce pollution without eroding cultural traditions.

Climate Change: Everyday Actions That Matter

With global warming intensifying, she suggests practical steps:

• Keep five indoor oxygen-releasing plants
  
• Reforest riverbanks
  
• Use seed bombing to regenerate forests in arid areas
  

“Let’s give lungs to our homes.”

Agricultural Reform: Moving Beyond Pesticides

India’s liberal pesticide use causes widespread contamination. Dr. Jindal recommends shifting to controlled-release formulations, biopesticides, and stronger support for organic farming through farmer training programs.

“When we spray pesticides, only 1% hits the target. 99% pollutes our air, water, and food.”

Sustained Campaigns, Not Short Bursts

Many government initiatives lose momentum without consistent enforcement. Dr. Jindal emphasizes institutionalizing green practices in communities, schools, and workplaces—with reward systems to maintain momentum.

“Awareness without enforcement is like cleaning a drain while still pouring sewage into it.”

Final Thoughts: A Shared Responsibility

Environmental harm is a slow form of societal damage. Dr. Jindal urges every citizen to take small, consistent actions—waste segregation, tree planting, reduced plastic use, and supporting eco-innovations.

“Slow poisoning a society is also murder.”

Let This Be the Beginning

Our environment is not separate from us—it is us. Every breath, every drop of water, and every bite of food is shaped by how we treat our surroundings. The time to act is now.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

Authors Biography

Prof. (Dr.) Tanu Jindal, Pro Vice Chancellor (R&D) at Amity University, is an environmental scientist with 25 years’ experience in pollution research, sustainability, and academic leadership across multiple institutes.

The post The Invisible Ties Between Environment and Health: A Call for Sustainable Action appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.