Subsidised rates to 3D-printed organs: How South India is reimagining healthcare

From subsidised rates to cutting-edge training with 3D-printed organ models, South India’s healthcare story reflects a unique balance of access and innovation. Leaders like Dr. Arun N Palaniswami, Executive Director, Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital and Ashwani Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) say the region’s strength lies in decades of institution-building, a dense network of medical colleges, and a culture that blends empathy with technology. This mix is creating integrated hubs where affordability, education, and advanced care go hand in hand. At the India Today Conclave South 2025, Dr. Palaniswami said that several medical institutions in South India are long-standing, growing and expanding, and attracting talents from all over the country. Ashwani Kumar added that "the strength of our healthcare system lies in the way we conduct education, with a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and the quality of clinical care and services we provide."