Bodh Gaya, September 13, 2026

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya hosted Convergence 3.0, its flagship healthcare summit, on 13th September 2026, bringing together industry leaders, healthcare professionals and practitioners to discuss “The Next Frontier of Healthcare: Leading Change, Building Capability and Scaling Impact.” The summit featured discussions on three broad themes- Healthcare Leadership: Vision, Governance and Strategic Transformation; Future of Healthcare Workforce: Talent, Skills and Organisational Transformation; and Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Scaling Innovation, Intelligence & Impact, examining the changing demands of the sector and the capabilities required to strengthen healthcare delivery.

The event commenced with Ganesh Vandana, followed by ceremonial lamp lighting. Prof. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, welcomed the participants and reflected on the institute’s journey and its responsibility towards fulfilling students’ aspirations, remarking, “Every student has stars in their eyes,” and emphasising that helping them realise these aspirations is a key responsibility of the institute. Speaking on the relevance of the healthcare sector, she emphasised the need to develop capable professionals who can understand the changing healthcare environment and contribute to strengthening healthcare delivery. Highlighting the institute’s connection with Bihar, she stated, “Bihar is our place of work and contribution,” reaffirming IIM Bodh Gaya’s commitment to the state and its people. Prof. Swapnarag Swain, Chairperson, MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management), highlighted the need to rethink healthcare amid rapid transformation and the programme’s role in preparing management professionals through academic learning and industry exposure. Shri Kundan Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, discussed the wider healthcare ecosystem beyond hospitals, referring to the programme as “the need of the hour” and noting Bihar’s potential through its talent, connectivity, infrastructure and academic ecosystem.

The opening panel, “Healthcare Leadership: Vision, Governance and Strategic Transformation,” explored the changing dynamics of the healthcare sector and the factors shaping its future. Discussions covered rising private equity investments, hospital expansion and consolidation, growing insurance penetration, gaps in access to healthcare services and emerging healthcare needs. Panellists included Dr. Nishchal Naveen, Founder & Director, Voice of Healthcare; Mr. Abhishek P. Singh, Executive Director, Deloitte; Mr. Harshit Agrawal, Head of Marketing, AVIVA India; Mr. Mukesh Sinha, Director, OSEL Devices and MD, SFL Hearing Solutions; Dr. Debesh R. Das, President, Cadila Pharmaceuticals; and Dr. Vijay Charlu, President, India Business, CORONA Remedies. 

The session on “Future of Healthcare Workforce: Talent, Skills and Organisational Transformation” examined evolving workforce needs and organisational readiness, with discussions spanning technological adaptation, patient relationships, HR-led transformation, AI and digitalisation, talent development, customised learning and capability building. Panellists included Mr. S. V. Kiran, Group Chief People Officer, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd.; Dr. Satyajit Kr. Singh, Sr. Urologist & MD, Rurban Group of Hospitals; Mr. Balkishan Sharma, Chief Human Resources Officer & Business Transformation Officer, Paras Healthcare Ltd.; Mr. Rupak Rathore, Head HR, L&D, Zydus Life; Ms. Monika Garg, Associate Director, HR Operations Support, Fresenius Medical Care; and Mr. Farasat Khan, AVP Human Resources, Agilus Diagnostics & Lab.

“Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Scaling Innovation, Intelligence & Impact” explored the role of AI and digital technologies in expanding access, improving healthcare delivery and enabling informed decision-making. The discussion also addressed patient education and the importance of building trust alongside technological adoption. Panellists included Dr. Saurabh Lal, Chief Operating Officer, KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad; Mr. Ankit Jhamb, Chief Learning Officer, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP; Mr. Rajesh Ramamurthy, Senior Regional Manager, India Sub-Continent, Boston Scientific; Mr. Stephen Chacko, Vice President, La Renon Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Gurcharan Singh, Associate Director, Healthcare, KPMG, India.

Convergence 3.0 brought together participants from business, BDS, physiotherapy and engineering backgrounds. The discussions covered investment, access, workforce capabilities and digital transformation, with speakers also addressing the changing needs of healthcare organisations and the role of technology in improving healthcare delivery.

The summit also showcased IIM Bodh Gaya’s MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management (HHM) programme, which combines academic learning with industry exposure and practical understanding of the healthcare sector. Senior professionals from healthcare, consulting, pharmaceuticals, technology and human resources brought diverse industry perspectives to the discussions. Their expertise gave participants a clear understanding of current practices and emerging requirements in healthcare management.