Revolutionizing Global Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. Atul Gupta, Chief Medical Officer Diagnosis and Treatments at Philips

The 2024 Web Summit in Lisbon provided a platform for some of the most brilliant minds across industries, and among the healthcare leaders present was Dr. Atul Gupta, Chief Medical Officer of Diagnosis and Treatment at Philips. It was a privilege to continue the dialogue with Dr. Gupta in a follow-up interview streamed live on LT Forum and Digital Health Portugal.

Dr Gupta, an accomplished interventional radiologist and diagnostic expert, shared his journey from practising medicine to leading innovation at Philips. This dual role—practitioner and innovator—has allowed him to tackle healthcare challenges on a broader scale. Reflecting on his transition, he said:

“As a physician, I treated eight patients a day. At Philips, I can impact billions.”

The Three Global Challenges in Healthcare

Dr. Gupta outlined the three universal challenges healthcare systems face:

1. Ageing and Complex Populations: Longer lifespans are a testament to medical progress, but they bring an increase in chronic and complex diseases. Portugal, for example, has 25% of its population over the age of 65, creating immense pressure on healthcare resources.
2. Staff Shortages and Burnout: From Portugal to the UK and the US, the shortage of healthcare professionals is a critical concern. Dr. Gupta emphasized that filling the 15 million global healthcare worker deficit by 2030 will require leveraging AI, robotics, and automation.
3. Shrinking Budgets: With rising healthcare costs, providers are forced to "do more with less." Technology, particularly digital health tools, has become indispensable in streamlining operations and improving patient care.

End-to-End Healthcare Solutions

One of Philips’ key differentiators is its holistic approach to healthcare delivery. Dr. Gupta highlighted the company’s efforts to address stroke care as an example. Philips is pioneering solutions across the continuum—from early diagnosis in ambulances using AI-enabled imaging to faster treatment in interventional suites and post-procedure monitoring via telemedicine.

This integrated approach isn’t limited to stroke care. Dr. Gupta stressed that collaboration across stakeholders—governments, patients, hospitals, and technology providers—is essential to address healthcare challenges effectively.

“Healthcare is too big and too important for any one company to solve alone.”

The Power of Real-World Evidence

Dr. Gupta explained the critical role of real-world evidence in accelerating technology adoption. While randomized controlled trials remain the gold standard, real-world data from devices, wearables, and electronic medical records provide actionable insights at scale. He cited a study using Medicare claims data that demonstrated a 30% reduction in amputations with Philips’ intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology.

A Bright Future for Digital Health

Dr. Gupta expressed optimism about the future, particularly the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Philips is already embedding AI into imaging systems, wearable patches, and other devices to enhance diagnostics, predict disease, and personalize treatment. The goal? To provide equitable, high-quality care globally.

Collaboration as the Way Forward

Dr. Gupta concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and ecosystem-building in healthcare innovation. By working alongside companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Meta, Philips is integrating emerging technologies like augmented reality into clinical workflows, advancing minimally invasive procedures and patient outcomes.

As we step into 2025, Dr. Gupta's insights remind us of the immense potential technology holds to reshape healthcare. His optimism is grounded in actionable innovation and collaboration, providing hope for a future where healthcare is accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.

To all policymakers, healthcare professionals, and innovators: the evidence is clear. The time to act is now.

Watch the Interview Life

Don’t miss the chance to watch the full recording of our insightful interview with Dr. Atul Gupta, Chief Medical Officer of Philips! Join us for live-streaming events on December 27, December 30, and January 3 across our social media channels. Follow the Health Data Forum for updates and access to this inspiring conversation about the future of healthcare innovation.

About Digital Health Portugal

Digital Health Portugal (DHP) is a civic platform dedicated to advancing digital transformation in healthcare. We connect healthcare professionals, policymakers, tech innovators, and researchers to foster collaboration, innovation, and impactful solutions.

Our Mission

• Enable sustainable, inclusive healthcare through digital technologies.
• Advocate for ethical data use and forward-thinking policies.
• Build capacity and educate healthcare professionals for a digital future.

Core Activities

• Collaboration: Bringing stakeholders together for meaningful dialogue and partnerships.
• Advocacy: Shaping policies that foster innovation and protect data privacy.
• Events: Hosting forums like the Health Data Forum Global Hybrid Summit to spotlight healthcare transformation.
• Thought Leadership: Driving the conversation on data ethics, AI, and innovation in healthcare.

DHP is a trusted hub for fostering impactful partnerships, advocating responsible innovation, and shaping a digitally empowered healthcare system. Together, we can revolutionize healthcare and improve lives.