This year’s theme focuses on ‘Health For All’
Every year on 7 April, World Health Day is celebrated globally, with an aim of working towards various health issues affecting people. This day also marks the birthday of World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO is celebrating its 75th anniversary this time which also marks an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades. It is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow.
This year’s theme focuses on ‘Health For All’
As WHO turns 75, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO said, “Turning history’s page on its deadliest conflict, countries came together in 1948 to heal a bloodied world. Following years of war, distrust and pain, nations elevated the physical and mental well-being of people to a new level, forging a global pact and purpose to safeguard and advance health for all. Lofty sentiment transformed into practical reality 75 years ago with the entry into force of the Constitution of the World Health Organization, and WHO’s founding as the specialized United Nations agency dedicated to promoting human health. WHO was given a unique mandate to advance the well-being of all people, and unique ability to convene all governments and partners at the same table.”
“Fast forward to today, as WHO celebrates its 75th anniversary year from World Health Day on 7 April, this mandate and convening ability remains as vital as ever. At the same time, the world needs a renewal of this commitment to put the health of all people first, from our grandparents to our children born today and in the future. COVID-19, conflict, climate change and commercial causes of ill-health, like unhealthy foods and tobacco, offer real reminders of how precarious our lives are, and how, without constant commitment to advancing our collective well-being, the fortunes of vulnerable communities worldwide will remain at risk”, he added.
Experts share their views on World Health Day 2023:
As we celebrate World Health Day and its theme of ‘health for all,’ it reminds us of the urgent need to ensure that every patient in the country has access to comprehensive quality healthcare. Cancer treatment is evolving in India, mainly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Hence, the scalability of technology in cancer care becomes essential for providing continuous care while keeping the highest standards across all geographies. In cancer care, enhancing primary prevention through effective screening and early diagnosis would be a practical approach. Screening has been shown to boost overall survival by spotting cancer in its early stages and placing it under the proper form of treatment. Patient-centric, precision approaches with cutting-edge technologies like radiation therapy, Artificial Intelligence, etc. need to be given strong emphasis and in turn with the implementation of value-based healthcare and hence the goal of achieving “Health for all”.
– Dr Lohith G Reddy, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Clinical lead – Radiomics & AI in cancer, Clinical Director – Immuno – RAD, HCG Hospital, Bengaluru
Today, many healthcare companies are leveraging technology to provide reliable care throughout the customer journey – making it easier to discover, make choices and avail services online – through either web, app or messaging. This enables faster access to primary care to everyone irrespective of their geographical location. Using technology, doctors in their practice are equipped with tools like differential diagnosis, automated dosage calculator, health risk assessment forms. Technology is empowering healthcare providers to offer high quality outcomes to the patients. There is an opportunity to further leverage technology – especially a combination of heuristics and Machine Learning to provide personalized care journeys based on individual requirements. This World Health Day, our aim at C&H care is to provide comprehensive and affordable health care solutions for everyone by using our high-quality service network and a state-of-the-art technology platform.
–Prashant Kashyap, Co-Founder & COO, Connect and Heal
In my past 25 years of diabetes practice, I have seen a dramatic change in the onset of diabetes and its complications. Diabetes was once considered a condition in the elderly and the middle aged; however, in the past five years, diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is at a much younger age, and the diagnosis of diabetes complications are much earlier or premature. With this changing trend, it is very important for metabolic physicians to manage blood glucose levels and more importantly focus on the prevention of diabetes related complications such as heart failure, chronic kidney diseases, fatty liver, sleep apnea and more. I am a strong advocate of a structured approach for diabetes management, which is beyond pharmacotherapy. I emphasise on quality of sleep, diet and nutrition, and physical activities. I also believe in a holistic care ecosystem; in addition to a physician, role of paramedics and home support needs to be acknowledged. Transformation in the way we care for people living with diabetes is the need of the hour, not only to improve the metabolic health of this generation but also to reduce the economic burden that diabetes is causing and will cause on the Nation.
– Dr Rajiv Kovil, Diabetes and Obesity specialist, also Co-Founder- Rang De Neela initiative
The healthcare industry is experiencing a surge in digital transformation, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread adoption of internet and smartphones, and government efforts such as the National Digital Health Mission and Make in India. This rapid digitisation is paving the way for innovative solutions in healthcare and is expected to create numerous opportunities for companies and manufacturers in the sector. As digital innovation continues to gather momentum, patients are likely to benefit from improved outcomes.
India’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges including a large population (1.4 billion estimated in 2023), social and gender disparities, geographical gaps, and a shortage of resources (the ratio of allopathic doctors to people is 1:1511 and the number of registered nurses is 3.3 million). The digitisation of India’s healthcare system is a crucial step towards overcoming these challenges. The Indian government is planning to establish a National Health Stack to bring all major stakeholders under one roof and facilitate the collection of comprehensive healthcare data electronically. This will reduce costs, save time, enable better monitoring, and improve patient outcomes. The portability of this data could even help prevent the outbreak of diseases and viruses. Moreover, this could also benefit pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, and medical devices manufacturers to address the long-standing healthcare challenges and create innovative solutions for improved healthcare in the country.
India has become a favorable environment for the growth of an ecosystem consisting of AI, robotics, telemedicine, electronic health records, IoT, and digital therapeutics, thanks to the various initiatives and incentives provided by the government, as well as changing patient demands. This ecosystem can help India plan a successful path for the future and guarantee access to healthcare for everyone.
– Vikram Thaploo, CEO-Telehealth, Apollo Hospitals
Health problems are alarmingly increasing across the globe due to several factors such as genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, lack of medical infrastructure, and diagnostic scarcity among others. Every year on World Health Day, medical facilitators globally sensitise people about the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis and encourage them to adopt preventive measures to curb the menace of rising health concerns. This year’s theme ‘Health for All’ represents the gravity of addressing growing health problems like heart attacks, tuberculosis, diabetes and kidney ailments among other debilitating diseases. We are aware of India’s plight of being overburdened with diseases which can be reversed by implementing efficacious and tangible diagnostic facilities that are economically viable. The government is currently diligently combating the escalating numbers of patients contracting communicable and non-communicable diseases, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19. Patients are also concerned about lingering symptoms, rendering them more susceptible to numerous ailments. The World Health Organisation’s data indicate that Tuberculosis (TB), which is the second most lethal infectious disease after COVID-19, followed by HIV/AIDS, necessitates urgent attention. Additionally, the proliferation of anti-microbial resistance (AMR), which the WHO recently declared a global health and development threat during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, is seriously impeding the government’s and healthcare providers’ efforts to eradicate the disease at the grassroots level through dedicated programs and initiatives like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program. To contain TB and its impact, it is imperative to provide patients with TB diagnostic kits like MDR-TB, which can promptly detect drug resistance. There is no doubt that TB, along with other communicable diseases, is a significant concern worldwide, and it necessitates an aggressive diagnostic approach, particularly in India.
–Dr Pavan Asalapuram, Co-founder, EMPE Diagnostics
To provide better health solutions Pharmaceutical companies are constantly striving to develop innovative new therapies that enable people to live longer and healthier lives. These treatments are researched, manufactured, marketed and distributed all over the world by pharmaceutical companies on a daily basis. Despite various enabling initiatives undertaken by the government in recent years, such as the introduction of the PLI scheme, increased allocation of funds and resources, new initiatives to support research and development and more, the Indian pharmaceutical industry still faces numerous challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the growing incidence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, coupled with the country’s healthcare infrastructure and service gaps. To achieve universal health coverage for all by 2030, the government must continue to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry needs to invest more in R&D and constantly upgrade its manufacturing and quality standards to ensure access to affordable medicines for all. Collaboration between government, industry, and academia, along with favorable policies, can accelerate innovation and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure. Despite the challenges, both the government and industry have made significant strides in making healthcare for all a reality. Moving forward, the pharmaceutical industry will continue to play a critical role in developing innovative and groundbreaking treatments to achieve the ultimate goal of “Health for All”.
–Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, Entod Pharmaceuticals
Private innovations can play a significant role in bridging the accessibility to affordability gap and strengthening the public healthcare ecosystem in India. Technologies like telemedicine, point-of-care diagnostics and artificial intelligence have great potential to address need gaps in the care continuum. But while such innovative solutions hold a lot of potential, they require more collaboration across the board to create sustainable impact – public-private partnerships that can leverage the innovation and expertise of the private sector, while also utilising the reach and distribution capabilities of the public sector to achieve greater impact.
– Neetha Joy, Director, ACT For Health
On this World Health Day, we must acknowledge that achieving the ABHA, or splendour, of good health is not an unattainable goal. Thanks to the advent of digitisation and the implementation of ABHA, India’s own health ID system, we are better equipped to ensure that each individual has access to quality healthcare services. India, with limited resources and an unequal distribution of healthcare facilities, is often plagued by a poor doctor-patient ratio, which causes considerable strain on the healthcare system. Therefore, the implementation of ABHA can help streamline the management of healthcare services. Digital technologies enable the creation and management of electronic health records, making it easier to store and share patient information across healthcare providers. Additionally, digitisation enables data-driven decision-making, improving healthcare outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to monitor patient health in real-time, identify potential issues accurately, and provide personalised treatments. Let us celebrate World Health Day by recognising the potential of digital health technologies to help us achieve our goal of good health for all.
– Deepak Tuli, Co-Founder & COO, Eka Care
Global economies, including India, are investing heavily in healthcare technology to improve the quality of care and increase access to medical services, especially in rural areas. We, at ZS, are optimistic that frugal innovation can help bridge the gap and improve access to quality care for underserved populations. Frugal innovation in healthcare involves developing affordable and effective solutions that can be easily implemented in resource-limited settings.
Over the years, ZS has been committed to achieving equity in healthcare and promoting it through various initiatives aligned with our vision of delivering innovative solutions to improve health outcomes for all. ZS’s experience of helping stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem has helped us better understand different stakeholder’s needs and preferences. Our work in digital connected health practice has enabled us to develop innovative solutions that meet those needs, to improve patient outcomes and support.
–Mohit Sood, Regional Managing Principal, ZS India
The best way to maintain good health is to preserve it. And the best way to do that is to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. When we are young, we tend to take our health for granted and ignore it, thinking we will always remain young and fit. But realisation dawns as we grow older. That is the time when we begin to worry about our health.
The thought of going for a health check-up may not be very appealing. Often, people do not understand what the check-up entails; they dread the procedures, and are apprehensive about the results; at times, they find it difficult to spare the time to visit their primary healthcare provider, especially when they are not sick.
But if your health has to be a top priority, this has to change. Routine check-ups will go a long way in making sure that you stay healthy for a long time to come. These check-ups will help not only to identify underlying medical conditions but will also guide you with options that speed up the healing process and help you maintain your overall health and well-being.
– Venkata Suman Cherukuri, Chairman & MD, TRUSTlab Diagnostics
Good health is not a privilege reserved for a select few; it is a fundamental human right that must be accessible to all. On this World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to achieving health for all, and not just some. Let us remember that health is not just the absence of illness, but a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a precious resource that must be protected and nurtured, and not taken for granted.
As we confront the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also address the underlying inequalities and systemic barriers that prevent many people from accessing essential health services. Health for all requires us to invest in public health infrastructure, promote preventive healthcare, and ensure equitable access to quality health services. It requires us to work together across sectors and borders, to leave no one behind. Let us make health for all a reality, not just a slogan.
– Rachita Kasliwal, Co-Founder, Medyseva
This year’s World Health Day is unique not only because it’s the 75th anniversary, but also because this year’s theme is public health. Due to its huge population, India faces unique challenges and issues regarding public health. Poverty, illiteracy, language barrier, quality, accessibility and last-mile delivery of healthcare services are some of the major challenges our country faces in improving public health outcomes of the masses.
However, it is heart-warming to note that India has made positive strides in public health in the last several decades. One of the biggest achievements of our public healthcare system has been the eradication of polio. We have come a long way in eliminating major communicable diseases, have set targets to eliminate malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) and are tackling malnutrition through subsidised food. Our neonatal mortality rates have also improved considerably, while the average life expectancy of an adult has risen from 64 to 68 years.
But there is still a long way to go. For example, India spends less than two per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare and our out-of-pocket expense is one of the highest. The road ahead would be increasing our health expenditure considerably, improving public health surveillance and diagnostic and improving last-mile delivery of healthcare services through proper governance and a robust public healthcare infrastructure.
– Dr Rajesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram
We all realise the urgency for a system that provides a life-saving, morbidity-reducing, childhood-nurturing healthcare for all. The need in the post-COVID India is even more loud and clear. But what could that system be? If we look at a completely fresh way of building such a system, it must have three things at the core of it – one, communities at the front and center, developing knowledge and agency in them to seek health and nutrition for themselves; two, governments delivering public health and nutrition to the most vulnerable in collaboration with the community-based NGOs and the private sector; and three, complete reliance on 100 per cent scientific and evidence-based interventions to health and nutrition. Government of India’s vision of Jan Bhagidari and Mission Poshan 2.0 seems on point. The only missing piece now is further increase in health expenditure, and a solid on-ground execution.
-Sunish Jauhari, President, Vitamin Angels in India
Good health is not just about curing illness, but it is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of oneself. On World Health Day, let us pledge to prioritise our health and well-being, and work towards building a healthier world for ourselves and future generations.
-Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder, Ujala Cygnus Hospitals
“Health is Wealth” no longer remains a common phrase as the recent COVID-19 pandemic taught us the value of good health and immunity to remain safe from diseases.
Celebrating World Health Day is an opportunity to draw global attention to a subject of major importance and accelerate activities to achieve universal health. Human health is always vulnerable to some life-threatening diseases like late-stage cancer, end-stage heart, lung, and kidney failure. When a person suffers from such a terrible disease, then palliative care plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life through specialised palliative care. Recently, the WHO has also endorsed the need for palliative care because of the aging population and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases e.g., cancer, obstructive lung disease, heart & kidney failure, and strokes. As pioneers of palliative care in the country, Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre has chosen the theme of palliative care for all. Good palliative care adds years to the lives of incurable patients, improving their quality of life, besides providing mental peace to the patient & their families.
–-Dr Suversha Khanna, Director, Dharamshila Rahat Supportive and Palliative Care Centre
Our country has shown unparalleled commitment towards good health and wellbeing in the last decade, the unprecedented efforts of the Indian government during the pandemic are a testimony to the fact that the country is not only ‘Atmanirbhar’ as far as health needs are concerned but can also play a significant role in the global health ecosystem. However, the stride towards SDGs requires integrating multi-level stakeholders in a comprehensive manner, seeking to create conducive partnerships while focusing on ensuring accessible and affordable health for all, in keeping with the vision of WHO.
-Kamal Narayan, CEO, IHW Council
Even as the government has for most part sent all the right signals on healthcare in this year’s budget, the World Health Day must serve as a reminder of the need to make Indian healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems even more efficient than before. So, training and developing a skilled healthcare workforce would truly complement their wider initiatives for this sector. In this regard, while the focus on nursing education and the proposed establishment of nursing colleges as well as the announcement on a unified Skill India Digital Platform for healthcare skilling is a step forward, it is imperative that we go beyond, given the huge demand-supply gap that persists in our delivery systems. The rural-urban and the big city-small city gap is particularly a troubling handicap in our country. So, as the theme for this year’s World Health Day happens to be health for all, we must pledge and seek to implement this idea in totality on this important day. And to achieve this, the government must bring in and give sufficient policy and financial stimulus to private players who are willing to shoulder the responsibility of imparting healthcare education, skilling and training to present and prospective healthcare workers — across ranks including medical and nursing students, practising doctors, working nurses, paramedics, emergency care staff etc. Today, digital and internet technologies have made it relatively easier to design, share and deliver globally accredited and recognized training programmes and curricula accounting for the latest research insights, protocols and best practices. Those private health training providers making such courses available in the country must be encouraged fully. Health for all is not merely a policy goal, but a moral imperative.
–Deepak Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO, MedLern
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