Asia Press Agency

Tag: healthcare infrastructure

  • Jitendra Singh Stresses on Digital Healthcare’s Role

    Jitendra Singh Stresses on Digital Healthcare’s Role

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, underscored the significant role of digital healthcare in disease prevention during his address at the 3rd Healthcare Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. He highlighted how digital healthcare can effectively combat a range of diseases, from lifestyle disorders like Type 2 diabetes mellitus to infectious diseases like Covid-19.

     

    Speaking on the theme of “India’s digital roadmap for Healthy India for accessible and affordable healthcare,” Singh expressed that digital healthcare, focusing on preventive measures, will take center stage in the coming years.

     

    Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for a public-private partnership (PPP) model in healthcare services to eliminate the urban-rural healthcare divide. He stated that leveraging science and technology can bridge disparities by ensuring affordability, inclusivity, and accessibility in healthcare.

     

    Reflecting on India’s healthcare evolution, Singh noted that the country has made substantial progress in enhancing its overall healthcare infrastructure. He pointed out that disease patterns have transitioned over the years, including the emergence of lifestyle diseases and changes in life expectancy. The increased life expectancy, reaching close to 70 years, signifies India’s health progress.

     

    Highlighting the importance of science and technology in addressing societal needs and global challenges, Singh discussed the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill. He highlighted the government’s initiative to encourage industry participation in research and development by establishing a unique PPP entity. Under this model, ₹36,000 crore of research funding will come from the private sector, while the government will contribute ₹14,000 crore.

     

    Given India’s leading role in diabetes research, Singh stressed the priority of preventing diabetes in youth and pregnant women. He emphasized the potential of preventive healthcare and mass screening, especially with 70% of India’s population below the age of 40. He emphasized that these efforts will contribute to achieving the expected rate of economic growth set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India in the coming years.

  • Telangana Government to Rebuild Osmania General Hospital

    Telangana Government to Rebuild Osmania General Hospital

    The Telangana government’s decision to demolish the Osmania General Hospital (OGH) building marks a significant step in addressing the hospital’s pressing issues. The formal presentation of the decision in an affidavit to the Telangana High Court on July 27 signals the government’s determination to address the hospital’s unsuitability as a healthcare facility. Alongside the demolition of the existing OGH building, the government also plans to raze other associated satellite structures, making room for a state-of-the-art new hospital building covering an expansive area of 35.76 lakh square feet.

     

    The decision was reached after a crucial meeting attended by prominent figures such as ministers Mahmood Ali and Talsani Srinivas, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, and officials from various departments, including health, GHMC, MA&UD, and R&B, as well as representatives from Osmania General Hospital. The meeting served as a platform to reinforce the government’s position on the matter, and safety concerns were underscored as the primary motivation for demolishing the current building and embarking on the construction of a new one.

     

    In the affidavit presented on behalf of the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare department of Telangana, the inadequacy of the existing Osmania General Hospital building for patient care was prominently highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive replacement.

     

    Currently, the Hospital operates with a bed capacity of 1100. However, the deteriorated state of the old building has led to a reduction in capacity. Dr. B. Nagendar, the hospital’s superintendent, has pointed out that the hospital requires a total of 1812 beds to effectively manage the current patient load. The decision to demolish OGH was not taken lightly, and it has evoked a mixed response from various quarters.

     

    Several petitions and Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in response to the decision, with some expressing support for the government’s stance, while others voice opposition. The Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute has particularly advocated for the renovation of the current structure and the construction of new buildings, as specified in GO 313, issued on November 3, 2010.

     

    On Friday, the government laid to rest the uncertainty surrounding the hospital’s future by unequivocally confirming its definitive decision to demolish the current structure and proceed with the construction of a new and modern hospital building. This move signifies the government’s commitment to providing accessible and advanced healthcare facilities for the citizens of Telangana and stands as a crucial step towards improving the healthcare infrastructure in the region.