In an insightful fireside chat, “Diagnostics at the Crossroads?”, Ms. Ameera Shah, Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare, unpacked the evolving landscape of diagnostics in India. Moderated by Dr. Naveen Nishchal, Founder of Voice of Healthcare and Co-founder of Cygnus Hospitals and Meddo-Doxper, the discussion explored challenges around accessibility, quality, technology adoption, and leadership in the diagnostics sector.
India is often viewed as a price-sensitive market, but Shah urged a more nuanced perspective. “Price sensitivity is often linked to education and awareness,” she said. “For a minor illness, people may opt for lower-cost options, but when it comes to serious conditions—like cancer or neurological disorders—they prioritize quality.” She emphasized that accreditation like NABL, sets a baseline but does not define the upper limits of excellence. At Metropolis, Shah explained, the company strives to meet and sometimes exceed global standards, including those of the College of American Pathologists.
Quality, she noted, is not just about machines or automation. “Even FDA-approved machines don’t guarantee accuracy. Skilled pathologists are essential for interpreting results. Of the 4,500 tests we offer, nearly all require expert oversight.”
The conversation also highlighted the public health challenges in diagnostics. According to Shah, around 85% of labs in India remain unorganized, many run by technicians with minimal supervision. “Accessibility—not just affordability—is a major challenge. Rural areas still rely heavily on government facilities, while tier-three and tier-four cities are gradually seeing private chains. There’s tremendous potential for growth if we expand geographically and deepen services.”
Technology, AI, and point-of-care testing were recognized as transformative, yet adoption remains cautious. “Doctors are naturally conservative,” she said. “Point-of-care testing improves access but often sacrifices sensitivity. AI today is mainly a screening tool. For example, AI can flag chest X-rays, but only for about 40% of indications. Clinical judgment and trust remain central to diagnostics.”
Shah also spoke about her approach to acquisitions and leadership. “We look for long-term value—quality, fairness, and financial sense. Integration works when collaboration is democratic, and ideas are debated openly. Trust and communication are key.” On a personal note, she shared how she balances professional commitments with family, advocacy for women in the workforce, and broader healthcare initiatives.
The session also offered rapid-fire insights into Shah’s leadership philosophy. Questioning assumptions, learning from early mistakes, and prioritizing quality talent and technology were central to her journey. Trust in diagnostics, she stressed, is built through ethics, reputation, and rigorous processes, with patient feedback and respect acting as measurable indicators.
Reflecting on inspiration and advice, Shah mentioned leaders she admires, including Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for her courage and Bill Gates for his philanthropy. She underscored the underestimated value of data, the importance of courage and focus, and the rewards of execution over mere ideas in healthcare entrepreneurship.
Concluding the discussion, Shah highlighted her pride in Metropolis’s contribution to nurturing talent in the industry, the promise of technological innovations in radiology, and the importance of finding purpose in healthcare over superficial pursuits.
