Health Sector Key to 'Viksit Bharat' Vision, says Prof VK Paul

Prof Paul explained that the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ encompasses a $32 trillion economy and a rise in per capita income from $2,500 to $18,000.

At a recent event, Prof VK Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalizing the primary healthcare sector to elevate it to the next level.

"We are not just running a scheme but are building the entire primary healthcare system which will be future-ready and will serve our nation's journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047," he stated.

Prof Paul explained that the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ encompasses a $32 trillion economy and a rise in per capita income from $2,500 to $18,000.

"For the journey towards becoming 'Viksit Bharat,' the health sector is going to be the base of it. The health sector being an enabler should try to do much better than other sectors. Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat along with Niramaya Bharat is the sentiment that I hope we all share," he emphasized.

Dr Paul also spotlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, ensuring that new technologies are validated.

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) for health leadership belongs to India. We would like India to not only become the biggest consumer of AI for health but also the biggest creator of AI for health," he said, urging the industry to step forward in this regard.

Dr Paul further advised the industry to ensure that AI technologies are validated, stressing, "Please ensure that AI technologies that we put forth are validated."

The NITI Aayog member outlined the government's goal to build a robust healthcare system that will increase the average life expectancy from 71 years to over 85 years by 2047, along with improving the physician and bed ratios. He also highlighted the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat program to cover all senior citizens over 70 years of age, with the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card.

"The government is ready with extra capacity to handle the elderly through dignity," he noted.

Further, LS Changsan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in driving innovation, research and development (R&D), and new healthcare models.

"This will enable us to provide healthcare to even the poorest and most remote regions in our country," she emphasized.

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