Apollo Hospitals sign MoU with Osler for Collaborative Care and Research

NEW DELHI: Apollo Hospitals and William Osler Health System (Osler) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing a unique partnership between the two organizations that aims to positively impact the health and wellness of the patients they serve.

The agreement signed in Delhi recently by Dr. Anupam Sibal, Senior Consultant and Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals and Dr. Naveed Mohammad, VP Medical Affairs, William Osler Health System and Lead Physician of Osler's Global Health Program, brings together two leading health care organizations in efforts to improve health outcomes across the world. Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited and Apollo Hospitals Senior Leadership team members across India were present via video conference as well.

The partnership focuses on two unique areas including research and continuity of patient care.

Through the research collaboration, scientists at the two organizations will begin by identifying areas of cooperation, collaboration and innovation, particularly around the range of diseases like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer, which are highly prevalent among the population in regions served by both Osler and Apollo. A recent assessment report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that the diabetic population in India is rising constantly and is projected to reach 101.2 million in the next 15 years.

"Every year, nearly 36 million lives are lost to lifestyle diseases and more than 60 per cent of the population in India bear the brunt of chronic diseases. It is estimated that the incidence of chronic disease will cost India$6.2 trillion (USD) by the year 2030, adding to the already-existing financial burden, calling out for a paradigm shift in disease management", said Mr. Rahul Reddy, SVP Strategic Relationships & New Initiatives, Apollo Hospitals Group.

The organizations will also initiate a pilot project to enhance the continuity of care for patients with complex needs traveling between India and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada for extended periods of time. As part of the pilot, Apollo and Osler physicians will identify patients and provide them with an option of going to Apollo and Osler hospitals when in the other country for chronic, acute or emergency care. In consultation with identified patients, medical records – including physician notes, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging tests and medication records – will be securely shared to ensure medical information is available to clinicians delivering care. In addition, consults including virtual grand rounds will be arranged between hospital clinical teams to enhance patient care.

"We share a vision of improving life for the communities we serve and by promoting management of an individual's health and wellness, said Dr. Mohammad. "The two organizations also share a common interest in providing coordinated, high-quality health care for their patients, whether they are residents or visitors. This pilot gives us an unprecedented opportunity to better understand how we can coordinate the continuity of care for these patients and dramatically improve their health outcomes – contributing significantly to their increased health and wellness and making a positive difference to the health system as a whole."

This agreement between Osler and Apollo Hospitals is viewed to be significantly beneficial in view of the rising burden of chronic disease in both countries, and will enable transparent and seamless health care delivery in both countries.