“Fortis has embarked on a transformative journey to implement Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) across its healthcare network, laying the foundation for a data-driven approach to patient care”, informs Bipin Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Fortis Healthcare.
Bipin Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Information Officer, Fortis Healthcare
Fortis Healthcare registered a significant growth in earnings in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), as per the company’s annual filing for the year. Notably, the digital revenues of Fortis reached a peak of ₹2000 cr (29.6% of overall revenue) in the same year, as per the filing. All of this comes on the back of the hospital chain’s continued focus on generating revenue through digital channels. The healthcare chain has rolled out or is in the process of rolling out major IT platform initiatives like Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
Fortis Healthcare, the hospital chain with 27 hospitals in its network, expanded its EMR footprint in FY25. “While the project (EMR) is still underway, a key milestone achieved in 2024–2025 was the successful digitisation of medical records in the OPDs of 15 hospitals and the IPD of one hospital, significantly improving clinical efficiency and patient care,” said the company in its annual filing.
Fortis is implementing the EMR application in Outpatient (OP) and Inpatient (IP) departments in a phased manner. This would enable interoperability across its network hospitals. The company’s top management also gave it a mention in their message to the shareholders, “HIS, EMR will ensure greater clinical accuracy, faster access to information, and enhanced patient safety,” says Leo Puri, Chairman, Fortis Healthcare. The healthcare chain’s MD & CEO Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi termed the implementation as a “crucial shift towards a more integrated and data-driven approach to patient care.”
FE CIO exclusively spoke with Bipin Kumar Chaudhary, CIO, Fortis Healthcare on the progress of the EMR adoption at the hospital chain.
How does the clinician benefit from digitising and organising medical records?
Fortis has embarked on a transformative journey to implement EMRs across its healthcare network, laying the foundation for a data-driven approach to patient care. This strategic shift brings tangible benefits for clinicians, patients, and the organisation as a whole.
EMR implementation has significantly enhanced clinical efficiency and decision-making.
Clinicians now have immediate access to patients past prescriptions and test results during consultations, enabling more informed care. The system also issues alerts regarding ongoing medications, reducing the risk of over-prescription. Real-time data availability supports collaborative care, while improved interoperability ensures faster and more cost-effective data sharing across treating teams.
Integrating a drug database -- Current Index of Medical Specialities (CIMS) – with the EMR improved patient safety by providing real-time alerts for drug interactions and dosage checks. It also increases clinical efficiency by supporting standardised, evidence-based prescribing.
How does the EMR enhance the efficiency of a hospital chain from an organisational perspective?
The adoption of EMRs reinforces patient trust and confidence, as it ensures secure, long-term digital storage of medical histories and treatment records. Moreover, it supports proactive compliance with regulatory and government healthcare initiatives, including platforms like National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), and is designed to contribute to evolving Electronic Health Records (EHR) ecosystems, positioning Fortis as a forward-thinking healthcare provider.
EMRs also enhance interoperability across healthcare systems, enabling seamless data exchange between providers, specialists, and diagnostic platforms. This ensures continuity of care and more informed clinical decision-making.
How are patients impacted?
Patients benefit from digitally available prescriptions that are easy to access, legible, and securely stored over time. Historical investigation data can be easily reviewed and analysed to track treatment outcomes, enhancing transparency and engagement in the care process.
What’s the future plan with EMR?
As Fortis continues to implement and expand EMR capabilities, further integration with ancillary systems and advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning is anticipated. This will enable deeper trend analysis, support predictive insights, and pave the way for personalised, outcomes-driven treatment strategies.
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