Apollo Hospitals, varsity partner with University of Leicester to establish centre for digital health

Apollo University, Apollo Hospitals, and University of Leicester, United Kingdom (U.K.), have partnered to establish the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine at the campus of Apollo University in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.

Prathap C. Reddy, Chancellor of Apollo University and founding chairman of Apollo Hospitals, inaugurated the centre on Monday. The facility will focus on revolutionising patient care by developing novel digital and personalised solutions using advanced analytical approaches to routinely collect healthcare data, a press release said. “By revolutionising healthcare, we can reach the last mile,” he said, and stressed the importance of precision medicine and innovation.

Sangita Reddy, joint managing director, Apollo Hospitals, said the aim was to make healthcare personalised, data driven, and efficient. She also raised the need to make healthcare affordable and accessible to people across the world.

Vinod Bhat, vice-chancellor, Apollo University, said the centre was set up for digital health and precision medicine and would revolutionise healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Nishan Canagarajah, president and vice-chancellor, University of Leicester, said the partnership covered education, research, entrepreneurship and joint working.

Nilesh J. Samani, professor of Cardiology, University of Leicester, said there was an urgent need to find new solutions to deliver healthcare more efficiently. The need for harnessing new technology and artificial intelligence, and using genomic medicine for precision care was emphasised.

Sujoy Kar, adjunct faculty, Apollo University, and chief medical information officer, Apollo Hospitals, said they were looking to collaborate with industries and academic partners.

The centre will focus on research, including on cardiovascular diseases and care, acute and emergency medicine, and multi-morbidity, the release said. The two institutions will also launch programmes such as collaborative undergraduate programmes and healthcare focused masters programmes. Preetha Reddy, executive vice-chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, was also present.