Sustainability means making healthcare accessible and affordable to all: SIMATS chancellor

The Hindu Sustainability Dialogues 2026 convened on Tuesday in Chennai, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss how the health sector can align with broader sustainability goals. The chancellor of the South Indian Institute of Medical and Technological Sciences (SIMATS) opened the session by stating that sustainability is not limited to environmental measures but must also address economic and social dimensions of health care. He argued that without affordable access, advances in medical technology risk widening existing inequalities, especially in rural and low‑income communities across Tamil Nadu.

Panelists examined the growing presence of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. They highlighted examples where AI algorithms have improved early detection of diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers, but also warned about the need for clear guidelines to prevent misuse and bias. The discussion underscored that AI should complement, not replace, human expertise, and that robust data protection policies are essential to maintain patient trust. Participants called for investment in training programs that equip health workers with the skills needed to work alongside AI tools.

The dialogue concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at integrating sustainability into health policy. These include expanding tele‑medicine services to reach underserved areas, subsidising essential medicines, and establishing a regulatory framework for AI deployment that balances innovation with ethical considerations. By linking environmental stewardship with equitable health outcomes, the organizers hope to set a model that other Indian states can adapt, reinforcing the idea that a sustainable health system must serve all citizens effectively.