Focus on Innovation, Equity, and Global Collaboration in Healthcare
By Pradeep Kumar Singh
Lucknow, NSB.News
On Friday, October 18, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Uttar Pradesh organized the 6th edition of the CII UP Health Summit 2024 in Lucknow. The summit brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and innovators to discuss the future of healthcare in the state.
Shri Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the significant investments made in the health sector over the past four years. He emphasized that these efforts lay the groundwork for a robust healthcare system, praising the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for addressing critical healthcare needs while also presenting substantial business opportunities. He noted that the scheme empowers citizens to demand better services, fostering innovation and improving health outcomes. Additionally, he announced that Uttar Pradesh is the first state to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy for medical colleges, enhancing medical education and healthcare delivery.
Shri Ranjan Kumar, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, discussed the transformative potential of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission. He outlined how digital technologies are being leveraged to create a more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem in the state. He also noted that the implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) empowers hospitals to manage patient care and medical records with enhanced accuracy.
Dr. Upasana Arora, Vice-Chairperson of CII UP and Managing Director of Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals Pvt Ltd, proposed partnerships between CII and the government to enhance the skill ecosystem in healthcare. She emphasized the importance of Information Technology, capacity building, and the multiskilling of nurses in managing non-communicable diseases and primary care specialties. She suggested that the CII Model Career Centre could assist in placing suitable candidates in various healthcare service centers.
Mr. Saurabh Garg, Chairman of POCT Group, noted improvements in key health indicators in the state, such as reduced maternal and infant mortality rates and increased immunization coverage. He credited these advancements to ongoing healthcare development efforts, including public-private partnerships and community engagement.
Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Executive Director of PSI India, stressed the centrality of the health sector to the state’s growth and development. He highlighted the significant progress made in public health infrastructure and access to healthcare services in Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Kanupriya Singhal, Health Specialist at UNICEF, raised concerns about alarming findings from a recent study indicating elevated blood lead levels among children in Lucknow, calling for urgent public health interventions to mitigate lead exposure and improve air quality.
The summit attracted over 120 participants, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Uttar Pradesh.