Dr Jitendra advocates public-private collaboration for healthcare excellence

New Delhi, Oct 06: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday said that for a country like India, the public-private synergy is imperative to meet global benchmarks in healthcare. He said a healthy supplementation of the resources from the two sides can also help provide world-class medical care at affordable rates.
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was delivering the inaugural address at the Global MedTech Summit 2023 organised by CII in New Delhi.
Stating that the monumental policy shifts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr Jitendra Singh, a renowned Medical Professional and Diabetologist, underscored the potential for substantial collaboration between Public Institutions and Private Industry within the MedTech & BioTech sectors, as well as the broader Healthcare sector.
He cited the remarkable success of Mission Suraksha in overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance program, covering existing diseases. Dr Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing India as a global Med-Tech leader.
He outlined key policies such as the Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma MedTech Scheme (PRIP), the New Medical Device Policy, the development of the Bima SUGAM portal by 2024, and the overhaul of the Drugs, Medical Devices & Cosmetics Bill. These policies are poised to revolutionize the Healthcare and MedTech sector, fostering innovation and research.
Dr Singh commended PM Modi for fostering an environment conducive to innovation, evident in the flourishing startup ecosystem. He noted PM Modi’s call for collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing that working in isolation was outdated. He elaborated on the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), envisioned by PM Modi, which aims to position India as a global R&D leader in the next five years. This initiative will blend scientific and technological innovation with humanities and social sciences, being primarily funded by non-government resources.
Addressing the private sector, the union minister urged a shift in mindset, advocating for self-reliance and a deeper understanding of India’s cultural heritage. He stressed that true progress would require a collective effort and a break from dependency on the government.
Distinguished speakers at the event included Dr Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, S Aparna, Secretary, DOP, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India, CDSCO, and Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman, CII National Healthcare Council.