Ahmedabad: In a move aimed at bridging the gap between medical practice and innovation, more than 50 doctors from Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat have pledged funds for healthcare and medical startups in the state. The announcement was made on Sunday, the final day of the two-day HITCON 2026 conclave.Dr Pragnesh Vachcharajani, convener of the event, said the initiative has been named Investment Rx to reflect its focus on the healthcare sector. “We have received letters of intent (LOIs) and are working out the final pledge amount. The objective is not merely to raise funds but also to involve doctors in the startup ecosystem, where they can invest in and mentor emerging ventures,” he said.The event also featured Code H, a platform where practising superspecialists presented real-world healthcare challenges and invited startups to develop solutions. City-based senior cardiologist Dr Jay Shah, one of the panellists, said he had proposed the development of a device for high-risk cardiovascular patients that could detect early signs of distress and alert treating doctors and hospitals about the possible need for intervention.Organisers said over 20 healthcare startups and representatives from 15 startup incubators participated in the event to better understand the sector’s requirements. The conclave also saw the launch of the Hospital Digital Readiness Score (HDRS) initiative in partnership with leading city hospitals, with the aim of encouraging medium and small hospitals to accelerate digital adoption.
