Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President and Head of US Oncology at AstraZeneca, draws on his upbringing in engineering and innovation to bring a fresh perspective to healthcare. Having transitioned from engineering to healthcare, he emphasizes the importance of innovation and problem-solving in transforming lives and addressing complex challenges.
In order to ensure equitable access to healthcare and foster community well-being, Manrao stresses the need for targeted interventions to reach underserved populations outside the healthcare system. He encourages healthcare leaders to prioritize patient navigators, community outreach, and partnerships with organizations that enhance access to quality healthcare for individuals facing barriers such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Manrao emphasizes the importance of adopting a tailored approach that acknowledges the cultural, social, and economic contexts of communities in community outreach efforts. By collaborating with community leaders, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, healthcare organizations can gain diverse insights into the lived experiences of individuals and families, leading to effective and sustainable solutions for improving health outcomes.
Manrao believes that innovations like AI hold transformative potential in advancing health equity by improving access to care. He highlights the use of AI-powered analytics to identify at-risk populations, analyze demographic data, health records, and social determinants of health, and tailor preventive care strategies to the specific needs of each community. By integrating and collaborating across disciplines, healthcare leaders can create tailored solutions that maximize the technological benefits for patient care.
While there are challenges involved in achieving health equity, Manrao is optimistic about building a future where healthcare is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or location. He emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in driving positive transformation and enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. Despite significant progress, there is still work to be done to create a healthier future for all individuals.