Astrong healthcare system is the backbone for any nation, as was made evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. Other than highlighting the need for sound healthcare infrastructure, the pandemic also pushed governments and big players to amplify their efforts. As a consequence, the APAC region saw a nine percent increase in overall spend on healthcare. Although the pandemic is behind us, yet APAC is expected to maintain the increased spend on healthcare.
With time, the number of patients availing healthcare services has increased manifolds. Reports suggest that based on type of disease, Asia has seen a 15 to 30 percent in crease in demand for healthcare products and services. The demand is however overshadowing the supply. The region is marred by challenges such as overcrowded facilities, disproportionate patient-physician ratios, unavailability of medicine and unaffordability of healthcare services.
The healthcare sector is Asia (much like the rest of the world) also has a gender inequality challenge. Although women makeup nearly 70 percent of the total healthcare workforce yet they hold a meagre 25 percent of the leadership roles. There exists a gaping gender pay gap. Women also have to face grave challenges such as tough work conditions, implicit bias, gender-based discrimination etc.
No matter what the challenges are, women continue to be the backbone of the Asian and global healthcare sector. They take charge at the grass-root level, tackle disasters and act as frontline warriors in healthcare. Women healthcare professionals are creating resilient health systems and are improving the way healthcare is provided.
Women Entrepreneur magazine salutes women who are vital for Asian healthcare system and brings to you their stories. In this edition we introduce our readers to Dr. Rachna Kairon, MD, Founder, Synagene Group of Companies & Synapse Laboratory. With a profound understanding of medical laboratory medicine management and clinical research, Dr. Rachna seamlessly transitioned from medicine to entrepreneurship, establishing Synapse Laboratory and driving innovation in healthcare.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Rachna’s career came in 2006 with the establishment of Synapse Laboratory, a groundbreaking milestone that marked her foray into genetics and molecular medicine. Through this venture, she realized her vision of embracing cutting-edge technologies in laboratory science.
In this issue we also highlight the professional journey of Sweta Mangal, Co-Founder, Ziqitza HealthCare. Her venture, Ziqitza Healthcare, was established with a vision to assist in saving human lives by providing a leading network of fully equipped advanced and basic life support ambulances across India.
An inspirational leader providing excellent healthcare emergency services to society, Sweta has received numerous notable recognition and awards for her work such as the Times of India Social Impact Award (2013) from then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, Spirit of Humanity Award from Americare Foundation, Tata TIE Stree Shakti Award from Tata Group, and Godfrey Philips Bravery Award for Social Act of Courage (2007) from then President of India, Prathiba Patil.
Read on to know more about these exemplary women leaders redefining the face of healthcare in Asia.
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