Actor and fitness advocate Mandira Bedi said that society’s understanding of machines in health care has evolved over the years and though technology can support health care, it cannot replace the human element.
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Mandira, in a candid talk with THE WEEK’s Director and Chief Associate Editor Riyad Mathew at THE WEEK India Hospital Procurement Leaders Summit, presented by Helmier, in New Delhi, said that when she began her career 32 years ago with the television show Shanti on Doordarshan, technology was limited, but today machines and digital tools have become an integral part of health care and daily life.
She noted that wearable devices and health gadgets have made individuals more aware of their health by allowing them to track heart rate, sleep and physical activity. However, she added that the most important machine people must take care of is their own body. Mandira said machines have made health care simpler, faster and more efficient, but they work best when combined with human expertise and emotional strength.
Sharing a personal example, she spoke about her 86-year-old father, who was diagnosed with cancer and is responding well to treatment. She credited modern medical technology for making advanced treatment possible, but emphasised that human willpower plays a crucial role in recovery.
Mandira also highlighted India’s growing capabilities in health care and medical technology. She said that India has highly skilled doctors now and is also increasingly manufacturing medical equipment domestically.
According to her, strengthening India’s medical technology ecosystem will make health care more accessible and smoother for patients because health services cannot come to a standstill due to dependence on imports.
Speaking about her own fitness journey, Mandira said her focus on health began when she participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2008. What started as an effort to look fit, gradually became a commitment to staying healthy. Today, she aims to walk 15,000 steps daily and uses wearable technology, including a smart ring, to track her health data. She said while such devices can be expensive, accuracy and quality are more important than price when it comes to health data.
She also spoke about mental health, saying that seeking therapy or counselling was considered taboo about two decades ago, but attitudes have changed significantly, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
She encouraged people to seek professional help if they need it, saying talking to someone can make a significant difference. She said therapy helped her become a happier person and added that mental health is as important as physical health.
Talking about her diet, Mandira said she focuses on protein intake. Though largely vegetarian, she includes eggs in her diet and believes that people who exercise regularly need adequate protein. She admitted she has a sweet tooth but believes in balance, portion control, and eating healthy without completely depriving oneself.
