SANBS CEO to headline AI and digital health future at HISA 2026

NATIONAL NEWS - The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has confirmed that its Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Reddy, will take centre stage as a featured speaker at the Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2026.

Now in its 11th year, the summit, hosted by IT News Africa, will be held from 27 to 28 May at the Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre.

Focus on AI and smarter healthcare systems

Under the theme “Connected Care, Smarter Systems: Building a Digitally Resilient African Health Ecosystem,” HISA 2026 will spotlight the rapid evolution of digital healthcare across the continent.

Reddy is expected to address the real-world application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, including:

Data-driven decision-making
Operational optimisation
Predictive healthcare systems
Strengthening healthcare delivery through digital tools

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way healthcare systems operate, make decisions and respond to patient needs,” says Reddy.

“The conversation is no longer about whether healthcare institutions should embrace digital transformation, but how quickly organisations can responsibly integrate these technologies to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes and system resilience.”

SANBS driving innovation in healthcare

As global healthcare systems accelerate digital transformation, SANBS continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation through advanced technology, data management and digitally enabled healthcare solutions.

Its participation at HISA 2026 highlights the organisation’s ongoing commitment to:

Innovation-led healthcare
Operational excellence
Advancing digital health conversations in South Africa and Africa

Continental platform for healthcare leaders

The Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare executives, policymakers, digital health specialists and technology providers.

Key topics on the agenda include:

Artificial intelligence in healthcare
Telemedicine
Interoperability
Cybersecurity
Connected care systems
Digital health infrastructure

Reddy joins a growing list of influential healthcare and technology leaders contributing to discussions aimed at building a more resilient, digitally enabled healthcare ecosystem across Africa.