International Health Research Convention, an International Conference, was organized during 19th -21st July 2019 at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University. The department of Community Medicine in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute organized a conference on ‘Ayushman Bharat’, to provide an overview of the new national health protection scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), launched by the Government of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the scheme on September 23, 2018 and termed it a “game-changer initiative to serve the poor “.
The conference was enlightened by various eminent internationally acclaimed speakers from Government of India such as Dr. Sanjay Zodpey, (Director of Indian Institute of Public Health, New Delhi and National President -IAPSM), Dr. Ravikumar (Vice Chairman, Indian Medical Association) & Dr. K.V. Raman (DMS, Director of Health & Family Welfare Services, Govt. of Puducherry) to name a few. The theme of the conference was much in need to be discussed in the domain of financial aspect of Health Sector Reforms in India. The conference was also complemented with a special session on Adolescent Vaccination which was again enriched by eminent speaker like Dr. Pradeep Haldar (Deputy Commissioner, Immunization, MoHFW), Dr. Pritu Dhalaria (Director, ITSU, MoHFW) and Dr. Saira Banu (SMO, WHO – country office, Puducherry). Delegates from various colleges all over the country took part in the conference. Poster competition was held in which the postgraduate students and faculty members from various medical colleges participated enthusiastically.
Ayushman Bharat guarantees coverage for inpatient expenses of up to INR 5 lakh per year for eligible families. PMJAY scheme has been implemented in conjunction with existing state insurance schemes, and most states and union territories have already got agreements with PMJAY. The scheme covers inpatient care received in either public or private hospitals, using a fixed price schedule. Another major component of the reform is the extension of comprehensive primary health care. Existing sub-centres are being upgraded to health and wellness centres across the country to deliver a wide range of services, including not only maternal and child health services and infectious diseases, but also for the increasingly common conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Dr. Ravikumar, Vice Chairman of Indian Medical Association, Hospital Board of India said “Health insurance in some form, either Private or Government is essential for every citizen.” Dr. K. V. Raman said “Empanelment of Government hospitals for insurance scheme actually helps in improving the quality of services.”
To conduct an event of this scale is no small task and requires co-ordination and co-operation by multiple dedicated individuals at all levels. Dr. Abhijit V. Boratne (Prof & Head of the department of Community Medicine) the Organizing Secretary and Dr. Partha Nandi (Vice Principal-student affairs & Prof. Community Medicine) the Organizing Chairman very ably organized the event with the support of the faculties, postgraduates, social workers and staff of Department of Community Medicine, with the gracious support of the Chancellor of SBV, Shri. M.K. Rajagopalan and the Vice Chancellor Dr. Subash Chandra Parija.
