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Recently, the 2nd National AHPI Leadership Summit 2024 took place at the Hilton Hotel in Chennai, focusing on the theme "Empowering and Developing Healthcare Leaders." The summit, organised by the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), brought together prominent leaders from healthcare and other industries to address evolving challenges in healthcare management and collaborate on strategies to improve healthcare outcomes across the nation.
The event was led by Organising Chair Venkat Phanidhar, CEO of Medway Hospitals, and Organising Secretary Sandhya Cherian, Vice President of Frontier Lifeline Hospital, with guidance from AHPI Director General Dr. Girdhar Gyani. Discussions at the summit emphasised leadership and governance as key drivers of change, covering topics such as healthcare policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, and the importance of ongoing training for healthcare professionals.
Key Focus Areas at the Summit
One of the primary topics of discussion was the shortage of trained healthcare professionals, increasing patient expectations, and the need for financial sustainability. Leaders also explored best practices from other sectors to improve governance and operational efficiency within the healthcare system. The summit stressed the need for increased public awareness about healthcare needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, saying, "The AHPI Leadership Summit 2024 marks a significant milestone in uniting leaders to drive impactful change in India’s healthcare landscape. By addressing the challenges we face, we can shape a resilient healthcare system that prioritises the well-being of our communities and positions India as a global leader in health."
Recognising Healthcare Icons
Several healthcare leaders were honoured for their contributions to the sector. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, was awarded the "Healthcare Icon of the Century" title, accepted on his behalf by Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals. Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT University, was named "Iconic Healthcare Leader," and Dr. Davinder Kaur was recognised as a "Role Model in Nursing Leadership" for her outstanding contributions to advanced nursing practice.
AHPI Leadership Forum and New Appointments
Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Director of AHPI (National), spoke to attendees about the AHPI Leadership Forum and its membership benefits. He also announced that Sandhya Cherian has been appointed as the Convener of the AHPI Leadership Forum’s Tamil Nadu State Chapter, where she will lead membership efforts.
Leaders from healthcare and other industries emphasised the importance of innovation, effective management, and leadership development to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of India’s healthcare sector. The summit facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing among leaders aiming to improve the quality of healthcare services across India.
