The recently held Healthcare Changemakers Conclave-2023 celebrated healthcare professionals and organizations for their significant contributions to the healthcare sector in India. The unique Doctor Couple Changemakers Awards acknowledged the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of doctor couples working collaboratively to improve the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Chief Guest Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, MoS, External Affairs and Culture of India, applauded the event for assembling changemakers and expressing appreciation for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility through initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the expansion of AIIMS and viral testing labs across the country.
Guest of Honour Shri C K Mishra, former Secretary for Health Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, emphasized the need for continuous efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, affordability, quality, and equity. He believes that recognizing the work of changemakers is crucial for inspiring others to make positive contributions to the healthcare sector.
Dr. Upasana Arora, MD of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, advocated for a shift in attitudes and behaviors to make India’s healthcare system more scalable, affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly. She highlighted the construction of new green hospitals powered by solar energy as an example of sustainable development in action.
Commander Navneet Bali, Regional Director – North of Narayana Health, drew attention to the issue of healthcare accessibility in India. He stated that despite the introduction of Ayushman Bharat, approximately 80 crore Indians still lack health coverage, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses for medical care. Overburdened government hospitals struggle to provide timely care, with daily OPD patients ranging from 18-25 thousand. Bali argued that technological intervention could help address these challenges and revolutionize India’s healthcare landscape.
