Mumbai, Diagnostics, the cornerstone of effective healthcare, has emerged as a pivotal sector in India, contributing significantly to early detection, disease management, and better patient outcomes. As the country faces the dual challenge of a growing disease burden and evolving healthcare demands, the diagnostics industry has taken on the critical role of bridging gaps in accessibility, affordability, and innovation. Against this backdrop, the 3rd Edition of the National Diagnostics Forum & Awards 2025, organized by Voice of Healthcare (VOH), was successfully held at the Westin Goregaon, Mumbai, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of diagnostics.
The event began with an inaugural session, during which Mr. Sanjay Jha, Secretary of Voice of Healthcare, delivered the opening address. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of diagnostics in creating a robust healthcare ecosystem and highlighted the forum’s vision of fostering collaboration to address the industry’s evolving challenges.”Diagnostics form the backbone of the majority of clinical decisions in medical practice, playing a crucial role in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and guiding effective treatment strategies. However, this vital aspect of healthcare is often underappreciated, with patients and even some doctors failing to recognize its significance. This oversight sometimes leads to reliance on non-accredited laboratories that lack the necessary infrastructure, standardization, and qualified MD pathologists. Such practices not only compromise the accuracy of diagnostic results but can also have a direct impact on patient outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and stricter adherence to quality standards in diagnostics.”
Dr. Naveen Nishchal, Founder of Voice of Healthcare, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the need for partnerships to overcome barriers in diagnostic care “As we gather here today, let’s recognize the power of diagnostics to transform lives and communities. Diagnostics is shaping the future of healthcare, and it’s exciting to see the impact that innovations like AI and personalized medicine are having. Diagnostics is not just about testing and treatment – it’s about empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health. Today, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations who are advancing the field of diagnostics. As we look to the future, let’s remember that diagnostics is the foundation upon which all progress is built. Together, we can unlock new possibilities for healthcare in India, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and build a healthier, more equitable future for all Indians.” Dr. Daksha Shah, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, delivered a compelling special address focusing on the integration of diagnostics with public health strategies “As we navigate the future of healthcare, collaboration, innovation, and accessibility will be key. With technology, diagnostics, and policy working together, we can ensure health and well-being for all. We’re committed to making healthcare accessible and affordable for every person in our community while prioritizing mental health effectiveness, improving infrastructure, and advancing technological innovation. Together, we can achieve universal health coverage and create a brighter future for all” Dr. Ravi Gaur, Founder of DRG Path Lab and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at Oncquest Laboratories Ltd, presented the theme address, outlining the forum’s role in driving innovation and resilience in the sector. “ Today, we explore the transformative power of diagnostics, a giant force that bridges uncertainty and clarity, question and answer, and illness and hope. Better care begins with better diagnosis, and we’re proud to be part of this journey, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare, thanks to the great initiatives by Voice of Healthcare (VOH)”
Dr. Avinash Phadke, Founder- Dr. Avinash Phadke Labs; President & Mentor -Agilus Diagnostics, a veteran of the diagnostic industry graced the panel with his words of wisdom and his words of encouragement for the event and initiative “Diagnostics are the backbone of the majority of clinical decisions made in medical practice. However, patients and doctors do not always recognize this and sometimes rely on Non-accredited laboratories which are not manned by qualified MD pathologists!”
The forum featured six insightful panel discussions that addressed key aspects of the industry:
The first plenary session, Leadership in Diagnostics: Building Resilient and Future-Ready Systems, delved into strategies for fostering innovation, adaptability, and leadership in the diagnostics sector. Eminent panelists such as Dr. Avinash Phadke, Vijay Kumar, and Puneet Gupta shared their expertise on overcoming challenges and building a sustainable future for diagnostics.
The second plenary session, Emerging Biomarkers: Unlocking New Frontiers in Early Diagnosis and Prognosis, highlighted the transformative potential of biomarkers in precision medicine. Experts like Dr. Sridhar Sivasubbu and Dr. Rajesh Bendre discussed advancements, clinical adoption challenges, and their applications in improving patient outcomes.
The third session, Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: A Multistakeholder Approach to Emerging Infectious Diseases, focused on the growing threat of AMR. Renowned experts such as Dr. Subhash Hira and Dr. Kuldeep Singh Sachdeva explored the role of diagnostics in early detection and the integration of advanced tools to address AMR effectively.
In the fourth session, Digital Diagnostic Solutions: Transforming Pathology and Radiology, speakers including Rahil Shah and Dr. Kirti Chadha examined the impact of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced imaging, showcasing innovations that enhance diagnostic precision and efficiency.
The fifth plenary session, Pre-Analytical Challenges and Solutions in Diagnostics, provided valuable insights into minimizing errors in the pre-analytical phase through automation and technology. Panelists, including Dr. Reena Nakra and Ravi Tomar, shared best practices for ensuring accuracy in sample handling and transportation.
The day concluded with the sixth session, Future of Diagnostics: Investments, M&A, and Building Healthcare Innovation, where industry leaders such as Deepak Sahni and Rahul Agarwal discussed the financial trends driving growth and innovation in diagnostics. The session highlighted how investments and mergers & acquisitions are reshaping the sector to meet future healthcare demands.
The event culminated with the National Diagnostics Excellence Awards 2025, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the field. The awards recognized trailblazers for their role in redefining standards of care and inspiring advancements in diagnostics across the nation.
The forum not only showcased innovative solutions and emerging trends but also served as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive diagnostics ecosystem in India.
