New Delhi, July 17: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said the transformative role of technology is making healthcare more accessible and affordable in India.
He said this while addressing the 2nd Healthcare Summit organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM) at Hotel Taj. Dr Singh, who oversees multiple portfolios including Science and Technology, underscored India’s emergence as one of the top six bio-manufacturers globally, known for cost-effective and high-efficiency bio-manufacturing.
He commended the summit’s theme, ‘Accelerating Innovative and Accessible Healthcare: Technology Transformation,’ as timely and essential for addressing contemporary health challenges in India.
In his address, Dr Singh expressed gratitude to AMCHAM for providing a platform to articulate the government’s vision for healthcare. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to creating a healthy India by tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, improving health indices and ensuring accessible healthcare as a fundamental right.
Reflecting on India’s achievements, the union minister highlighted the success of the world’s largest vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring India’s capability and commitment to public health. He noted India’s evolution into a leading destination for medical tourism and preventive healthcare, reducing the need for citizens to seek medical treatment abroad.
The minister credited technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), for revolutionising healthcare delivery in India. He cited examples such as the Digital Healthcare Mission and PM Jan Aushadhi, which have enhanced healthcare accessibility across the country. Dr Singh also shared insights into the profound impact of telemedicine in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in remote areas like Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the importance of public-private partnership in healthcare, Dr Jitendra said the government initiatives like opening up the space sector have spurred significant private investments and startup growth.
The summit, attended by industry leaders including Ranjana Khanna, CEO of AMCHAM, and representatives from major healthcare and technology firms, aimed to foster collaboration between India and the United States in healthcare innovation and development.
