New Delhi: Hon’ble Shri Prataprao Jadhav addressed the Indo-UK Health Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the importance of strengthening healthcare cooperation between India and the United Kingdom through education, professional training, scientific research, innovation and institutional partnerships.

The conclave was jointly organised by BAPIO Training Academy, United Kingdom, and Marengo Asia Hospitals Group, bringing together distinguished healthcare professionals, policymakers, academicians and representatives of healthcare institutions from both countries.

In his address, Jadhav emphasised that the longstanding friendship between India and the United Kingdom provides a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in healthcare. He noted that both countries have a rich history of cooperation in medicine, education and scientific advancement, and stressed the need to translate shared knowledge and expertise into practical initiatives that directly benefit patients and communities.

He extended his appreciation to Professor Sir Stephen Powis, Dr. Richard Mitchell, Dr. Hemant Nemade and Professor Geeta Menon for their contributions to healthcare and their commitment to strengthening professional and institutional cooperation between the two countries. He also congratulated Professor Parag Singhal, CEO of BAPIO Training Academy, and Dr. Raajiv Singhal of Marengo Asia Hospitals Group for their leadership in bringing together healthcare professionals, institutions and policymakers on a common platform.

India Highlights AYUSH and Evidence-Based Holistic Healthcare

Highlighting India’s healthcare transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jadhav outlined the government’s focus on accessibility, affordability, quality, preventive healthcare and the adoption of modern technology.

As the Minister responsible for AYUSH, he emphasised India’s traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy, and their potential contribution to preventive healthcare and overall wellbeing when supported by scientific research, appropriate clinical evidence, quality standards and responsible integration.

He welcomed BAPIO Training Academy’s efforts to strengthen awareness, academic engagement and evidence-based collaboration in holistic healthcare in the United Kingdom. He also appreciated the constructive engagement of healthcare leaders and institutions associated with the NHS in Leicester and Bristol in exploring opportunities for holistic wellbeing and responsible collaboration with India’s traditional systems of medicine.

Jadhav stressed that the future of healthcare should not be viewed as a choice between traditional knowledge and modern medicine. Instead, scientifically validated opportunities should be identified to enable both systems to contribute to improved health outcomes and patient wellbeing.

Training Programme for AYUSH Doctors Announced

The address also highlighted the launch of a structured training and capacity-building programme for AYUSH doctors through collaboration between BAPIO Training Academy and Marengo Asia Hospitals Group.

The initiative aims to strengthen clinical competencies, broaden professional capabilities and create new pathways for AYUSH graduates to contribute appropriately within multidisciplinary healthcare environments.

Jadhav described the initiative as an important step towards expanding cooperation beyond academic exchanges and professional training to more comprehensive institutional partnerships.

Indo-UK Cooperation in Healthcare Governance and Patient Safety

The conclave also focused on proposed cooperation in healthcare governance, quality improvement, patient safety, hospital administration and clinical excellence.

Jadhav highlighted the United Kingdom’s experience in clinical governance, professional accountability, patient safety and healthcare quality assurance. He noted that India brings extensive clinical experience, technological innovation, a highly skilled healthcare workforce and the ability to deliver healthcare services at scale.

According to his address, combining these complementary strengths could help develop efficient, patient-centred and accountable healthcare models that respond to the needs of communities in both countries.

Proposed International Hospital Project Near Mumbai

Jadhav also welcomed discussions concerning a proposed international hospital project in the Thane region near the Mumbai metropolitan area. The project is envisaged through collaboration involving BAPIO Training Academy and healthcare institutions and professionals associated with Leicester in the United Kingdom.

The proposed hospital aims to draw upon internationally recognised clinical governance practices, quality standards and patient-safety protocols. Jadhav described the vision as a promising opportunity for Indo-UK institutional cooperation.

If successfully developed, the project could provide a model for future collaboration in healthcare infrastructure, clinical governance, specialist services and professional training.

Focus on Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence and Viksit Bharat

Reaffirming the government’s commitment under the Viksit Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jadhav highlighted the importance of encouraging innovation, strengthening the healthcare workforce and promoting international cooperation aligned with India’s healthcare priorities.

He identified digital health, artificial intelligence, medical technology, preventive healthcare and skill development as areas offering considerable scope for future collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.

He also acknowledged Professor Parag Singhal’s contribution to international healthcare, noting that the Indian diaspora can serve as an important bridge for knowledge, expertise and goodwill between nations.

Strengthening the India-United Kingdom Healthcare Partnership

Concluding his address, Jadhav congratulated BAPIO Training Academy, Marengo Asia Hospitals Group and all participating institutions for organising the conclave. He expressed hope that the discussions would lead to concrete outcomes, sustainable partnerships and initiatives that strengthen healthcare systems in both countries.

He emphasised that healthcare cooperation is ultimately about improving lives, strengthening human dignity and building a healthier future for all.

The Indo-UK Health Conclave 2026 marked an opportunity to advance dialogue on traditional and modern healthcare, professional training, institutional collaboration and quality-driven healthcare delivery, reinforcing the shared commitment of India and the United Kingdom to better health outcomes.