India Eyes A 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, With Health Sector At Its Core: Prof V K Paul

India is ambitiously steering toward a 'Viksit Bharat' or a developed India by 2047, placing the healthcare sector at the heart of this journey. At FICCI HEAL 2024, Prof V K Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, underscored India’s commitment to re-energising the primary healthcare sector as an important step towards achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Prof Paul highlighted the government’s comprehensive vision to build a future-ready primary healthcare system that supports the nation’s aspiration to become a developed economy, with an anticipated rise in per capita income from $2,500 to $18,000 and a projected economy of $32 trillion.

Prof Paul emphasised that the journey towards a developed India places healthcare as the bedrock of transformation. “We are not merely implementing a scheme; we are building a resilient healthcare system to enable ‘Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat,’ he stated, adding that the health sector must outperform others as an enabler of development.

Addressing the theme of integrating technology, Prof Paul discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. He expressed India’s ambition to lead in AI for health, aspiring not only to be the largest consumer but also a major creator of AI-driven healthcare solutions. He called on the industry to participate actively, emphasising the need for validated AI technologies. “Ensure that AI applications are validated for healthcare,” he advised, stressing quality and safety.

Prof Paul also shared government goals aimed at improving health indicators, including boosting average life expectancy from 71 to over 85 years by 2047 and enhancing the physician and bed ratios. He pointed out that the expansion of Ayushman Bharat for senior citizens over 70 years with the introduction of the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card demonstrates the government’s dedication to elder care and dignified healthcare for all age groups.

L S Changsan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, echoed this sentiment, urging the private sector to drive innovation, research, and new models for economic viability to expand healthcare access across even the most underserved regions.

Jonathon Robin Gray, Director of Innovation and Improvement at Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, addressed the importance of youth leadership, proposing an international platform for young leaders that includes conferences, communities of practice, and year-long fellowships to foster collaboration and innovation in healthcare.

Other industry leaders at the event shared insights on digital advancements in healthcare. Dr Harsh Mahajan, Chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee, noted how technologies such as AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are driving accessible, quality healthcare across India. Dr Anupam Sibal of Apollo Hospitals emphasised partnerships and collaboration as keys to paving the way for India’s future in healthcare.

During the event, several knowledge papers were released, including:

• FICCI-BDO’s “Expanding the Reach of Diagnostics: The Digital Advantage”
• FICCI-EY compendium “Road Map for Making Cancer Care Affordable and Accessible in India”
• FICCI-KPMG paper on “The Future of PG Medical Education in India: The 2047 Roadmap”
• FICCI-Symbiosis white paper “Synergising Healthcare Proficiencies through Interdisciplinary Education”
• FICCI’s report “Advancing Primary Healthcare in India through AAMs”

The event highlighted a collaborative vision for transforming India’s healthcare system, uniting public and private sector efforts to create an inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive health sector.