Tech jobs driving growth in India’s healthcare sector

MUMBAI, INDIA — The Indian healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by an increase in technology-related roles, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
Munira Loliwala, AVP-Strategy and Growth at TeamLease Digital, highlights that AI integration in healthcare is expected to affect approximately 23% of the current workforce, creating new opportunities for tech professionals. This shift is anticipated to result in a 15-20% salary increase for niche AI roles in the near term.
“Salary in healthcare is likely to increase by 15-20% this year in niche AI roles,” Loliwala stated.
Mid-level positions are expected to maintain a stable salary range of 15 lakh per annum (LPA) to 28 LPA, while entry-level jobs may see a wider payout range from 4.5 LPA to 20 LPA.
Disruptive technologies fueling sector growth
The introduction of disruptive technologies is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry, with tech roles experiencing a growth of 24-27% in FY24, compared to 18% and 21% in FY22 and FY23, respectively.
The sector’s growth, fueled by rapid digitalization, reached about 22% in FY24. With the Indian healthcare market projected to grow by 25% between 2024 and 2028, the demand for tech professionals is expected to rise significantly.
“While there has been a steady increase in demand for tech professionals, year on year, the focus is more on disruptive technologies and cyber breach-related roles,” Loliwala noted.
Advanced technologies like AI, ML, and the Internet of Things are revolutionizing healthcare delivery, enhancing efficiency, and reducing errors in healthcare operations.
India’s tech workforce meets U.S. healthcare demands
India’s expanding tech workforce is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for offshore healthcare roles in the United States. As AI and ML technologies become more integrated into healthcare systems, the need for skilled professionals in data-driven decision-making, diagnostics, and predictive analytics is increasing.
Indian tech professionals, particularly those specializing in AI and data science, can fill these roles, providing expertise in telemedicine, virtual assistants, and data analytics.
The potential for collaboration between the Indian and U.S. healthcare sectors is significant. India’s tech talent pool offers a cost-effective solution to the U.S.’s healthcare staffing challenges. This synergy promises to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes on a global scale.
Government policies and future prospects
Supportive government policies are expected to bolster the healthcare sector, enhancing accessibility and affordability of services across India.
The current workforce of 7.5 million is projected to rise to 9 million by 2027, with an anticipated creation of 2.7 to 3.5 million new technology jobs. These developments underscore the transformative impact of technology on the healthcare sector, promising widespread improvements in public health outcomes.
As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, investments in devices, R&D, and infrastructure are crucial to sustaining growth and meeting future demands. The upcoming Union Budget 2024-25 in India is poised to influence the overall healthcare ecosystem, addressing core delivery challenges and infrastructure gaps.