The health infrastructure is being propagated across the country via the PPP model with a microcosm of public hospitals mushrooming along with private medical colleges says Chief Guest, Ms. Roli Singh, Additional Secretary & Mission Director (NHM), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India in the event Healthcare Summit and Awards ”Accessible and Affordable Quality Healthcare” organized by ASSOCHAM.

Improving Healthcare with digital intervention and new tech is the next goal. She noted ”1.25 lakh centers for wellness and healthcare have been upgraded and will provide access to health”. Wide range of services and regulations have been implemented along with inclusion of community health managers, 105 medicines given free in the primary medical centers, 63 lab tests and 172 medicines at PSC health and wellness centers. She urged Industry body like ASSOCHAM to come up with model PPP contracts. Clarity should be there in how to create a robust healthcare system is the need of the hour at door-to-door level, she said.

In her special address, Ms. Preeti Sudan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India said health is the major concern that one should be cautious about. ”Every state should have a private medical college and privatization in healthcare sector should increase by PPP system”, she added. There is a need to address the issue of rural-urban divide and PPP model will bridge the gap of finances and accessibility for rural population to eliminate unforeseen situations.

She recognized India’s efforts and said 50% of global demand of vaccines are met by India and is 3rd in pharma products in terms of volume. However, there is a need for voluntary donations in the field of rare diseases.

Padma Shri Dr. D S Rana, Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Wellness Council & Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital gave his welcome address and said healthcare is the determinant of the nation and health and wellness facilities should be utilized by everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the fast-moving world to a standstill and colossally impacted almost all aspects of everyone’s life. It strongly illustrated the need for the improvisation of health infrastructure and services and priority should be given to expectant mothers and young children. Obese and diabetic individuals should be aware of their health too, he added.

Ms. Neelima Dwivedi, Executive Director, Public Policy, Corporate Communications & Market Access, MSD India highlighted to provide equitable access of healthcare to everyone. She stated ”PPP will act as a booster dose for the sector as there has been strong catalyzed collaboration being witnessed in the pandemic by public and private entities”. The synergy among the Indians was remarkable and to provide quality healthcare till last mile should be the next step.

Dr. Upasana Arora, Co-Chairperson, ASSOCHAM Healthcare Council and Chairperson, Yashoda Super speciality Hospital gave her vote of thanks and appreciated the roadmap Healthcare Infrastructure and requested support from all the industry speakers, panelists and stakeholders for further PPP collaborations.