Express Healthcare

Industry experts welcome National Health Policy

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The National Health Policy 2017 appears to be very detailed and certainly looks to address lifestyle diseases, maternal and infant mortality and certain communicable diseases. However, while the grand plan is good, the methodology to implement these measures and achieve the objectives becomes equally important. As the largest cancer care provider in the country, that has played a role in creating a paradigm shift in cancer care over the last 10 years, it is important for us to know and understand how we can work with the nation to implement such preventive measures. For example, how can we reduce the increasing obesity in the middle and upper class; in rural areas, how do we improve hygiene to wipe out cervical cancer; and how can we decrease the incidence of smoking amongst the youth? Could we perhaps implement tobacco taxation to tackle such chronic diseases and use this funding to encourage private enterprise to address issues concerning these diseases? I would like to see the government forming a committee by involving private leaders in healthcare, particularly those in cancer and cardiac care, who understand the ground level problems in the country and whose expertise will help us address the nation’s health needs in a more effective manner.

Dr BS Ajaikumar, Chairman and CEO, Healthcare Global Enterprises and a practicing oncologist


CII welcomes the National health Policy which is will prove to be the game changer in Access to healthcare for all. With shift to wellness and prevention from sick care, and the increase in public health expenditure to 2.5 per cent of the GDP, the National Health policy 2017 has its heart in the right place. CII welcomes the National Health Policy, it shows the commitment of the government to put Health of its citizens first”, he added.

Specific focus on reducing specific disease burden, improving their treatment levels provides a direction. The game changer will be the integration of AYUSH by way of promotion of cross referrals, co-location and integration in practices.

The focus on ‘Make in India’ on devices and drugs was expected and along with it we welcome the emphasis on improving the regulatory environment and ease of doing business.

The private sector is already partnering the government in this journey and has submitted draft frameworks for PPPs in several areas viz Medical Education, NCDs, Teaching hospitals etc. The CII will offer its assistance through the Healthcare Council which has membership from all segments of the healthcare industry – medical device equipment manufacturers, pharma and biotech, health insurance, healthcare providers and Ayurveda groups.

Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman, CII National Healthcare Council and CMD, Medanta – the Medicity

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