India’s apex industry chamber, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is set to host the 18th edition of its prestigious annual healthcare conference, FICCI HEAL, on November 5-6, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. This year’s theme, ‘Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat,’ encapsulates India’s vision for a healthy and developed nation, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between health and overall progress.
Supported by NITI Aayog, Government of India, FICCI HEAL serves as a critical platform for national and international stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, industry leaders, and innovators. The conference will provide an opportunity for these diverse groups to share insights, best practices, and strategies aimed at transforming the healthcare landscape in India.
Dr Harsh Mahajan, Chair of FICCI’s Health Services Committee and Founder & Chairman at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, highlighted the significance of the conference, stating, “A robust healthcare system is the backbone of national development. ‘Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat’ is not merely a slogan; it represents a comprehensive vision that integrates health and progress. By fostering innovation and ensuring universal access to healthcare, we are laying the groundwork for a society where every citizen can thrive, irrespective of their socioeconomic background. This conference is an opportunity to explore how we can collectively advance these goals and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.”
Dr Anupam Sibal, Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Group Medical Directorand Senior Pediatrician, Apollo Hospitals, who is Chairing the Conference shared, ‘Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat’ represents India’s twin priorities of health and development. With our healthcare sector projected to reach $372 billion by 2025 and a 12% annual growth in health-tech innovation, we’re building a healthier, more productive workforce. This investment in health is directly boosting our economy – reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 62.6% to 48.2% and contributing to India’s projected 7% GDP growth. A healthy India is indeed a developed India.”
The two-day event will kick off with the inaugural session followed by the Theme Session. Other sessions will explore the multifaceted aspects of the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for a robust and inclusive healthcare system and addressing critical issues such as healthcare affordability, quality of care, medical education, enhancing efficiencies, technological advancements, and the importance of trust in healthcare. It will also showcase some startups in healthcare along with oral paper presentations by professionals as well as students.
Some of the eminent government and industry leaders to address the conference are:
- Prof Vinod K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India
- Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research
- Mr Rajesh Bhushan, IAS Retd., Former Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
- Justice Indu Malhotra, Retd Judge and Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court of India
- Mr B L Vohra, Retd. Director General of Police
- Dr Harsh Mahajan, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Founder & Chairman, Mahajan Imaging and Labs
- Prof Jonathon Robin Gray, Director of Innovation and Improvement, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
- Dr Anupam Sibal, Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals
- (Hony) Brig Dr Arvind Lal, Chair, FICCI Swasth Bharat Task Force; Executive Chairman, Dr Lal PathLabs and Managing Trustee, ALVL Foundation
- Dr Sanjeev Singh, Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee; Medical Director, Amrita Institute- Faridabad and Chief Medical Superintendent, AIMSRC Kochi
- Dr Narottam Puri, Advisor- FICCI Health Services Committee; Principal Advisor- QCI; Board Member & Former Chairman- NABH and Advisor-Medical Operations, Fortis Healthcare
- Dr Abhijat Sheth, President, National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Ms Navika Kumar, Group Editor, Times Network and Editor-in-Chief, Times Now Navbharat
- Mr Varun Khanna, MD, Quality Care India Limited (Care, KIMS & Evercare)
- Mr Gautam Khanna, CEO, PD Hinduja Hospital & MRC
- Ms Malti Sachdev, Senior Vice President & Head – Varian (India & territories) Siemens Healthcare Private Limited
On the evening of the first day, the 16th FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place, recognizing the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations in the healthcare sector in the presence of Mr Kapil Dev, Sports Personality. The participants have been evaluated on three criteria: Innovation, Impact and Sustainability & Scalability, by a distinguished independent jury panel chaired by Mr C K Mishra, Former Secretary, Government of India.
FICCI HEAL 2024 aims to catalyze collaborations that will drive meaningful change in India’s healthcare landscape, aligning with the nation’s broader goals of sustainable development and economic growth. The Conference deliberations will align with the vision of ‘Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat’, through which India aspires to emerge as a prosperous, vibrant, and resilient nation on the global stage.