Preventive healthcare sector in India to reach USD 197 billion

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the inaugural “ICC Healthcare Management Conclave” at NEDFi House in Guwahati, Assam on Sunday with the aim of enhancing healthcare in the northeastern region. The event, focused on North East, marked a significant step in addressing the region’s unique healthcare challenges and needs.

The ICC aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, public sector representatives, industry leaders, and decision-makers. The conclave emphasized the potential of Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) to enhance healthcare outcomes in line with India’s ‘Act East’ Policy.

The ICC conclave covered various crucial topics, including patient engagement, healthcare quality and technology, healthcare delivery systems, the role of healthcare professionals in patient safety, and the integration of alternate medicines in healthcare. The discussions were moderated by Dr Gitartha Roymedhi and Dr. Jeet Patwari, among others, focusing on the integration of modern and traditional medical practices and the opportunities in rural and remote healthcare.

Dr Subhash Khanna, Chairman of the ICC NER Health Committee, highlighted advancements in robotic technology for surgery, noting its impact on improving surgical precision, reducing complications, and enhancing patient recovery. “Robotic technology in surgery is transforming patient care by enhancing surgical accuracy and reducing the risk of complications,” said Dr Khanna.

Rajat Banerji, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Amway India Enterprises Pvt Ltd, underscored the importance of preventive healthcare. He stated, “The preventive healthcare sector in India is estimated to reach US$ 197 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 22%. At Amway India, we recognize that good health starts with the right nutrients and a ‘health-first approach.’

Indrani Laskar, ACS Joint Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Assam, discussed the government’s initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes, focusing on reducing maternal mortality and combating communicable diseases. “We are committed to reducing the maternal mortality rate (MMR) and ending preventable deaths of children under five,” said Laskar.

Prof. (Dr) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, provided a keynote address on the future of healthcare in India, emphasizing advancements like regenerative medicine and artificial organs, and the role of digital health solutions in bridging the rural-urban healthcare gap. “The future is very bright,” he remarked, praising innovations and government initiatives like telemedicine and Ayushman Bharat.

Dr N C Borah, Founder of GNRC Group of Hospitals & AHM, spoke on patient engagement in healthcare decision-making, stressing its importance in improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction. “Engaging patients in their healthcare journey leads to better health outcomes,” noted Dr Borah.

In the vote of thanks, Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director NER from ICC, expressed gratitude for the support and participation from all sectors. “The discussions and insights shared today will undoubtedly pave the way for significant advancements in the healthcare landscape of North East India,” he said.

This conclave marked a significant milestone in addressing North East India’s healthcare challenges, setting the stage for a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable healthcare system. Hub News