Dr. Arvind Lal, a Padma Shri awardee and industry trailblazer, has led Dr. Lal PathLabs through decades of technological advancement and expansion. Under his leadership, the company introduced cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced IT systems, and a hub-and-spoke model that brought quality healthcare to millions across India. In this regard, Veloxx Media interacted with (Hony) Brig Dr Arvind Lal, Executive Chairman, Dr Lal PathLabs Ltdabout his journey, the impact of AI and machine learning, and how innovation continues to shape preventive healthcare and accessibility in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Below are the given edited excerpts:
What inspired you to venture into the diagnostics and pathology industry, and how has your journey evolved over the years? How do you see the role of pathology and diagnostics shaping the future of preventive healthcare in India?
Inspired by his late father, Dr (Maj) S K Lal, who established one of North India’s first private labs in 1949, Dr Lal took over the family lab in 1977 and grew it into one of India’s largest diagnostics chains, Dr Lal Path Labs. Today, the network spans nearly 300 labs, 6,500 collection centres, and over 12,000 pick-up points across 1,500 cities, serving around three crore patients annually. The organization has pioneered advancements in diagnostics, introducing new tests, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and transforming diagnostics into a core component of patient-centric healthcare. Dr Lal emphasizes that pathology and diagnostics are vital for preventive healthcare in India, especially with the rising burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases. Early detection through reliable diagnostics is crucial for effective disease management, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of timely and scalable testing in improving health outcomes.
Dr. Lal PathLabs has been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technology. What are some of the latest innovations that have transformed diagnostic services?
Dr Lal PathLabs has embraced cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, digital pathology, and automation to transform diagnostic services. AI is now used to analyse histopathology slides and genetic data for early disease detection and personalized treatment. Innovations such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsy have made genetic testing more accessible and enabled non-invasive cancer monitoring. The lab has pioneered digital histopathology with Whole Slide Imaging (WSI), allowing for remote reporting, expert consultations, and AI-assisted analysis, which boosts diagnostic accuracy and access. Automation and robotics further streamline operations, enhancing speed and efficiency. Additionally, predictive algorithms and real-time patient data monitoring are shifting healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive wellness. These advancements collectively make diagnostics more accurate, faster, and tailored to individual patient needs, positioning Dr Lal PathLabs at the forefront of modern healthcare innovation.
How do you foresee Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in the near future?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are set to greatly improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency by detecting complex patterns in medical data, advancing precision and personalized medicine. At Dr Lal PathLabs, AI is integrated into digital histopathology to prioritize urgent cancer cases, enhance tumour grading accuracy, and objectively assess biomarkers, reducing variability. AI-powered speech-to-text tools streamline reporting, while AI-based pattern recognition improves autoimmune diagnostics. The lab is also validating AI tools to predict breast cancer biomarker status directly from slides, potentially cutting costs and turnaround times. Looking forward, integrating AI with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) will enable real-time, adaptive diagnostics, further augment clinicians’ capabilities and making diagnostics more objective and patient-focused.
Accessibility to quality diagnostics in tier-2 and tier-3 cities remains a challenge. How is Dr. Lal PathLabs working to bridge this gap?
Dr Lal PathLabs is bridging the diagnostic accessibility gap in tier-2, tier-3, and tier-4 cities by rapidly expanding its network of collection centres and establishing new laboratories in underserved areas. These centres connect remote populations to high-quality diagnostics through robust IT systems and logistics. The company also promotes awareness about non-communicable diseases, preventive health, and early detection through screening camps, educational outreach, and partnerships with local stakeholders. These initiatives aim to improve health-seeking behaviour and empower individuals in smaller cities to take timely, responsible action for their health.
What are some of the key public-private partnerships that have successfully improved diagnostic outreach?
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been crucial in expanding diagnostic outreach during health crises like the Swine Flu and COVID-19 pandemics, with private labs contributing significantly to increased testing capacity. However, these collaborations have largely been reactive. There is now a pressing need for sustained, proactive PPPs to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as only 32% of the eligible population has been screened under current national programs. Integrating private sector expertise can help scale up NCD screening and early detection. To achieve this, PPPs must be institutionalized with clear frameworks, scientific pricing, timely payments, quality standards, and mutual trust, utilizing unspent public health funds to build a resilient healthcare system by 2047.
What key advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make an impact in the healthcare industry?
Dr. Lal advises young healthcare entrepreneurs and professionals to pursue a meaningful purpose, always prioritize patients, and uphold the highest ethical standards. He encourages focusing on real-world problems, especially in underserved areas, and leveraging technology without losing compassion and patient-centricity. While aiming for scale, maintaining quality and reliability is essential, as patient trust is invaluable. Challenges in regulations and infrastructure should be viewed as opportunities for innovation rather than obstacles. Aligning ambition with positive impact, he believes, will open doors to success and fulfilment in the healthcare industry.
