30 June 2022, Delhi: On the eve of 1 July commemorated as Doctor’s Day, ET Edge, an Economic Times Initiative, brought together a number of prominent leaders from the medical community. The event acknowledged the contribution of the healthcare superheroes in our lives and recognised their efforts at the 5th Edition of The Economic Times Doctors Day Conclave 2022
At the event, stalwarts from across the medical sector and notable authorities covering the entire gambit of the healthcare sector were present, deliberating on everything from medical education to medical policy to private healthcare deliveries. National award recipients such as Padma Bhushan Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir V. Shah, Padma Shri Dr. (Prof.) A.K. Bhalla, among others, were present at the event.
Doctors and medical experts shared thoughts on all aspects that deal with healthcare capacity and startups, revolving around the need for global healthcare and public-private partnerships in healthcare that are transparent, and data-driven.
Our country has advanced in terms of offering accessible healthcare to the majority of its citizens, all the while working toward self-reliance as a long-term objective. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India stated, “We have a dream of a self-reliant India by 2047 and we believe that a healthy India can be self-reliant. This journey couldn’t be complete without doctors, who have been warriors in a very difficult situation during the pandemic. India showed its commitment and took steps in the right direction during the pandemic. When we launched the National health policy – The Ayushmann Bharat initiative, it was appreciated at the global platform. The first component of this policy was offering financial aid and the second was to build up health centres. The facilities like tele medicine, have made access to medical aid easier. We came up with digital solutions like Aarogya Setu and Cowin, which helped to keep track of the medical history of an individual.”
“This pandemic has taught us that there is an additional need for community help and family medicine depots,” said Prof. Dr JA Jayalal, Immediate Past National President, Indian Medical Association stated in a panel discussion on tackling the evolving challenges through the right mix of technology and best health practices. Dr K Madan Gopal, Sr Consultant (Health), NITI Aayog added that telemedicine helped in curbing the spread of the second wave of the pandemic. Additionally, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS stated, “During the pandemic, we could manage patients from miles away with the correct data and infrastructure.”
“Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi’s vision to protect the country from the pandemic was hugely supported by the doctors and we salute them for the exemplary work done. It would have been impossible to fight this deadly disease without the immense support of doctors,” spoke Mangal Pandey, Hon’ble Health Minister, Government of Bihar in his keynote address.
The pandemic created significant challenges across the spectrum, bringing the world to a standstill, thereby leaving doctors and the medical fraternity the herculean task of saving humanity. Sonu Sood, Actor, Producer, Humanitarian, Philanthropist averred, “In the last 2 years, what doctors did for the entire world, they appeared as real Gods. Their contribution is going to be remembered forever.”
At the special address on making foundations of healthcare stronger by improving policy framework, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana and Lt. Governor of Puducherry averred, “I thank The Economic Times for acknowledging the family doctors who were the frontliners, particularly during the pandemic. We need to focus on occupational and mental health. On Doctor’s Day, we need to take of our health, not for the patient but also for the doctor. I laud the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce the Ayushmann Bharat scheme, under which under 90 days, conducted 6 lakh cardiac surgeries for those were in urgent need of medical care.”
On the engaging communities in the decision-making process makes people accept the health mandates of the Government wholeheartedly, Dr Kiran Bedi, IPS(Retd), Former Lt Governor, Puducherry explained, “A healthy life comes not just from medicine but also from a peace of mind and soul and through laughter and love. Doctors in the new millennium should be known for their leadership and humanity. We need to increase trust factors among local panchayats. Thanks to the efforts during the pandemic, people still trust the government, that’s why the country succeeded in overcoming waves during the pandemic.”
As our nation has moved ahead in terms of providing affordable healthcare to most of its population, with the government of India delivering on its motto of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas, there has been a great emphasis on the synergy of community and policymakers in the healthcare sector.