NEW DELHI: At the launch of Project “Charaka”, a healthcare digital technology initiative, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also a renowned Diabetologist and a former Professor of Medicine, advocated the significance of combining telemedicine with physical consultation to achieve optimum outcomes in health care.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that a “combination of telemedicine and physical consultations” is essential to address India’s diverse healthcare needs. The use of artificial intelligence, telemedicine platforms, and digital tools enables the efficient delivery of medical services to remote and underserved areas, while in-person consultations ensure nuanced and comprehensive care. This hybrid approach, he said, would catalyse better health outcomes across the country.
Reflecting on India’s rapid progress in healthcare, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted how the country, once lagging in curative health services, has emerged as a global leader in preventive care. This transformation was most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where India’s proactive response through large-scale vaccinations, widespread testing, and enhanced healthcare accessibility set a benchmark for the world. He attributed this achievement to the nation’s integration of advanced technologies with its rich repository of traditional knowledge, positioning India as a model for healthcare innovation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the critical role of partnerships in advancing healthcare. “Public-Private Partnerships and stakeholder synergy are essential for driving progress and building a stronger, more resilient, and healthier India,” he stated. He expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of PPHF, Ericsson India Private Limited, the NLLF, and the Haryana district administration, emphasizing that such alliances are instrumental in generating actionable evidence and scaling up transformative initiatives.
He particularly lauded flagship programs such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which exemplify the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for every citizen. Dr. Jitendra Singh urged greater involvement of corporate and philanthropic organizations under their CSR mandates to further accelerate healthcare innovation and outreach.
Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for the strides India has made in the healthcare domain, aligning with the broader aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047. He praised the establishment of more than one and half lakh Health and Wellness Centres, which have significantly enhanced community-level healthcare delivery. “Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, we are not only addressing present healthcare challenges but also preparing for future demands through robust infrastructure and technological integration,” he said.
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in healthcare. He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, India would continue to set global benchmarks, ensuring no one is left behind in the nation’s journey toward a healthier future.
The event saw the participation of distinguished individuals, including Dr. Vinod Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Mr. Abhay Vaish from Ericsson India; Dr.Vrinder Garg; Mr. Dharampal; Dr. Shankar; and Dr.Ramdeep, among others, reflecting a strong commitment to collaborative healthcare innovation.