Data has emerged as one of the biggest catalysts, driving innovation and improving patient care in the evolving healthcare space. Every healthcare organization around the world is leveraging data and analytics to enhance their operations, eliminate barriers between teams, and ensure better outcomes. The real strength of data lies not only in the vast amount of information available but also in the insights it can offer to revolutionize industries. Leading this data-driven transformation is Vikas Mahajan, an experienced leader with a passion for using data to make a real difference.
Mahajan is the AVP of Data and Analytics at Indegene, a digital-first, life sciences commercialization company. Indegene’s clients include the world’s top 20 biopharma companies, many biotech and medical device companies. Along with his team, Mahajan is helping healthcare organizations navigate the future, using data and technology to create more efficient and patient-focused systems. With over 20 years of experience in the field, his journey showcases how data, when applied thoughtfully, can reshape the way we approach healthcare, delivering better outcomes for patients and driving significant improvements across the industry.
Let’s delve into the details below!
A Career Driven by Data
Mahajan’s professional journey in data and analytics started more than two decades ago, driven by his deep interest in the hidden stories data can reveal. “From the very beginning, I’ve been fascinated by the stories data tells,” he shares. His passion for uncovering meaningful insights has been a constant across his work in various industries, including healthcare, telecom, and finance. But for him, the most exciting application of data has been in healthcare, where the potential to improve patient care is enormous.
At Indegene, Mahajan’s primary focus is helping pharma leaders create data-centric cultures that enable them to make smarter decisions, faster. “What excites me most is the opportunity to use data to empower organizations to make more informed decisions that truly impact patient outcomes,” he explains. His work is rooted in the belief that data is the foundation of everything in healthcare, influencing every process, decision, and innovation.
Shaping new and innovative D&A solutions at Indegene
Indegene’s purpose is to help healthcare organizations be future-ready. Mahajan believes Indegene has always invested in digital and new tech ahead of the curve, and the company’s expertise is one of the key differentiators. By leveraging advanced analytics, technology accelerators, and automation, he helps organizations design the right data strategy to not only grow but also make a real-world impact on stakeholders such as physicians, patients, and payers.
Mahajan’s responsibilities include creating and executing data strategies that bring together different parts of the life sciences value chain. “We aim to break down the silos and connect all areas of healthcare through data,” he says. By developing these unified approaches, his work helps organizations accelerate the insights-to-decision cycle, thereby enhancing patient care and improving overall efficiency.
Real-World Impact Through Data Solutions
Mahajan cites a few examples of how Indegene has implemented data-driven solutions that have made a significant impact on healthcare organizations. One of the standout examples involved using Indegene’s NEXT suite of technology accelerators to help a client reduce their sales and marketing costs by 14%. At the same time, this initiative expanded the client’s reach to 250,000 additional healthcare professionals (HCPs) for several brands nearing the end of their exclusivity.
Another notable example involves improving a client’s forecasting accuracy. By using Indegene’s data-driven forecasting platform, the client saw a 90% reduction in forecasting errors and reduced the time it took to make key decisions by 50%. These results highlight the value of data in making more precise, timely decisions that drive real business outcomes. “Ultimately, data isn’t just about numbers; it’s about driving real-world impact,” he emphasizes.
Overcoming Challenges in Healthcare Data
While the potential for data to transform healthcare is enormous, Mahajan acknowledges that there are significant challenges to overcome. One of the biggest issues is managing the vast and complex volumes of healthcare data that organizations collect from multiple sources. “The challenge is integrating all this data into a single, actionable source of truth,” he explains. Inconsistent and redundant data can create roadblocks, making it difficult to generate meaningful insights.
Another challenge is using this data to deliver personalized healthcare experiences. Life sciences companies are eager to tailor their interactions with both patients and healthcare professionals, but doing so in a seamless, omnichannel manner is a complex task. Mahajan believes that overcoming these obstacles requires not only advanced data management tools but also a clear strategy for aligning insights across various channels.
Innovation in Patient Care and Operational Efficiency
The data and analytics leader shared examples of several projects that have made a significant difference in both patient care and operational efficiency. In one instance, the Indegene team implemented a machine learning-powered recommendation engine for a life sciences client. This led to a 10-15% increase in new HCP leads for brand targeting. “Integrating Explainable AI into the system helped increase transparency, resulting in a 70% higher adoption rate by sales reps,” he shares.
Another successful project involved improving patient analytics for a global pharmaceutical company. By building an efficient data pipeline and using regression models to analyze treatment persistence and brand adherence, the team reduced the time required to gain patient insights by up to 80%. These innovations not only help organizations improve their operations but also ensure that patients receive more timely and personalized care.
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare
Looking ahead, Mahajan believes that several key trends in data and analytics will play a major role in shaping the future of healthcare. One of the most exciting is Generative AI (GenAI), which he sees as a game-changer for personalized care. “GenAI can create synthetic data to train medical algorithms, which is crucial when real-world data is scarce or when privacy is a concern,” he notes. This technology holds the potential to revolutionize patient care by enabling more accurate and personalized treatment plans.
Another trend that Mahajan is closely watching is the rise of Automated Machine Learning (AutoML), which automates the creation of machine learning models. “AutoML removes the need for specialized data science skills, allowing organizations to become more agile and data-driven,” he explains. This democratization of AI has the potential to significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of decision-making across healthcare organizations.
Additionally, Mahajan sees hyper-automated ecosystems becoming increasingly important in healthcare. These systems use AI, machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA), and natural language queries (NLQ) to create a seamless flow of data, from extraction to insights. “The goal is to provide a complete view of each patient, using automation to connect all data sources and generate actionable insights without human intervention,” he says.
Advice for Emerging Healthcare Leaders
For those looking to make an impact in healthcare through technology and analytics, Mahajan offers valuable advice. “Keep purpose at the forefront,” he advises. “Technology isn’t about innovation for the sake of it; it’s about solving real human problems in healthcare.” He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on how data and technology can improve patient care and outcomes.
He also stresses the value of continuous learning. “Be a lifelong learner,” Mahajan encourages. “The more open you are to new ways of solving challenges, the more effective you’ll be as a leader.” Finally, he highlights the importance of building a positive team culture. “Healthcare is serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep things fun and curious with your team,” he adds. “The best results come when your team feels excited and involved.”
A Vision for the Future of Data in Healthcare
For the road ahead, Mahajan envisions a future where data and analytics play an even more central role in healthcare, creating hyper-connected ecosystems that improve patient care and operational efficiency. “The goal is to build a seamless system where everything is integrated, making healthcare more efficient, personal, and impactful,” he explains.
As Indegene continues to strengthen its portfolio of data and analytics solutions, Mahajan is focused on three key areas: hyper-automation, hyper-personalization, and integrated customer views. Staying agile and constantly upskilling the teams can help prepare to meet future challenges head-on. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that we remain ahead of the curve to help our clients be future-ready,” he concludes. “This isn’t just about business growth – it’s about transforming how care is delivered.”
