admin
India
healthysoch
Faridabad/Chandigarh, December 06, 2024:
In a ground breaking initiative to accelerate TB elimination efforts, healthcare leaders from corporate / private hospitals across Haryana gathered at Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad, on December 5, 2024. The meeting, which saw participation of 60 delegates from about 30 major corporate and other private hospitals such as Fortis Hospitals, Max Hospital, Paras Hospitals, Accord Hospitals, Ujala Cygnus Hospitals, Narayana Health, Kailash Hospitals, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Amcare Hospitals, Sarvodaya Hospitals, Park Hospitals, Al Fala Medical College, ESIC,among others marked the launch of the "Consortium of Corporate Hospitals for a TB-Free Haryana.
Organized by the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI) – the largest representative of private healthcare providers in the country, with the technical support from the ‘Corporate TB Pledge’ initiative by The Union, as part of the USAID -supported iDEFEAT TB project, the event represents a pivotal step toward tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts in Haryana through a unified, private sector- led approach. This initiative is being implemented under the guidance and support of the Central Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), underscoring the importance of public- private collaboration in the fight against TB.
According to the Global TB Report 2024, India bears the world's highest tuberculosis (TB) burden, accounting for over 26% of newly diagnosed cases and one-third of global TB deaths. Given that private healthcare accounts for diagnosing more than 50% of TB cases, this consortium underscores the vital role of corporate hospitals to contribute to the nation's fight against tuberculosis. Distinguished stakeholders, including hospital administrators, public health experts, and government representatives, participated in the discussion to effectively engage private healthcare sector to support NTEP Haryana in TB elimination effort. The consortium is designed to strengthen the commitment of private hospitals towards a TB-Free Haryana and advocating for systems such as STEPS (System for TB Elimination by Private Sector). STEPS is a model based on social responsibility of the private sector where both the sectors assume
accountability to End TB and ensures STCI to all the clients reaching them.
- The consortium will ensure sustained and strategic engagement of private healthcare sector for
supporting NTEP, with a focus on: - Standardizing TB Diagnosis and Treatment: Ensuring consistent, high-quality care for people
affected with TB within private healthcare settings. - Promoting Public Health Services: Strengthening measures such as contact tracing, TB
- prevention treatment, airborne infection control, and adherence support for TB patients,
healthcare workers, and the broader community. - Policy Advocacy and Review Mechanisms: Introducing a private-sector-led framework to
enhance adherence to Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and engaging in policy
discussions.
A highlight of the meeting was an engaging panel discussion and a roundtable session aimed at fostering open dialogue on the role of corporate hospitals in supporting national TB elimination efforts. The panel discussion had presentation on STEPS ‘System for TB Elimination by Private Sector’ an established mechanism for private hospitals to ensure Standards of TB Care to all clients reaching them. The presentation was further enriched by experience-sharing sessions that demonstrated the impact of STEPS in improving the quality of care in private hospitals.
These discussions reinforced STEPS as a pivotal initiative for bridging the gap between private healthcare providers and public health systems, strengthening India’s journey toward eliminating TB and addressing broader healthcare challenges.
Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, underscored the importance of grassroots engagement in achieving the mission. “India has the determination to end TB. With over 40,000 nursing homes operating with less than 30 beds, the ‘Spoke and Hub’ model can effectively deliver care at the grassroots level. Corporate hospitals must take the leadership in mentoring these smaller facilities to ensure uniform, high standards of TB care. We must explore certifications as a recognition to the hospitals in TB management.” He remarked that review meetings shall be held at least on a monthly basis.
Dr Sanjay Kumar Mattoo, Joint Commissioner, Addl DDG – TB, Central TB Division, MoHFW enlightened the participants on the vision for partnerships and appreciated the initiative taken by AHPI in this regard. He highlighted the role of private hospitals in supporting NTEP through STEPS, CSR projects, Nutrition support and Nodal DR TB centres. Dr. Mattoo acknowledged the contributions of leading corporate hospitals, including Medanta, Fortis, Artemis, Amrita Hospitals, and Yashoda Superspecialty Hospital, Koushambi, etc in advancing the nation's TB elimination efforts. He also emphasized on the importance of more intensive participation from the corporate
healthcare sector in achieving the goals, particularly through the upcoming 100-days campaign for TB elimination.“Private sector collaboration is vital to achieving a TB-free India,” Dr. Mattoo remarked, urging hospitals to amplify their efforts and align with the national mission.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Director of AHPI, emphasized the importance and the role of the private sector in supporting the Nations TB Elimination efforts. “More than 50% of people with TB are diagnosed in the private sector in India. The need of the hour is Systems such as STEPS by the Private Sector -To ensure Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and To address the missing TB cases and ensure quality care for all individuals seeking care in the private healthcare facility. Dr. Khetarpal also highlighted the AHPI End TB initiative, which advocates for member hospitals to adopt systems like STEPS.
Dr Rakesh P S, Deputy Director Programme, presented on Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and STEPS (System for TB Elimination by Private Sector) Dr. Sanjeev K Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospitals, shared practical insights into how the STEPS and Anti TB Stewardship frameworks has elevated TB care standards within his institution.
Ms. Gracy Mathai, Chair of the Consortium of Private Hospitals in Calicut, shared her success story and detailed the positive outcomes achieved through STEPS in her region, emphasizing its role in fostering uniformity and excellence in not only managing TB but also other public health issues such as Covid -19.
Dr Brahmdeep, DHS, Govt. of Haryana reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Consortium of Corporate Hospitals in their efforts toward a TB-Free Haryana. He emphasized that initiatives like these play a crucial role in complementing government efforts to achieve the TB elimination targets., He assured full support in this endeavor.
Dr Shibu Balakrishnan, National Program Officer, WHO, briefed about how private sector can demonstrate camaraderie and how corporate social responsibility can be demonstrated without compromising business interests. He remarked that “The consortium serves as a bridge, fostering collaboration and ensuring quality care, ultimately aligning with the nation’s mission to eliminate TB,” He emphasized that the private healthcare sector can play a pivotal role in supporting the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) by balancing social impact with sustainable business practices.
Mahipal Singh Bhanot, Business Head Fortis Hospital stressed that corporate hospital consortium in Haryana can play a critical role in supporting the vision of honorable prime minister in achieving the goals of NTEP. He also stressed on the need for inter-operability of hospital information system. He also agreed that Fortis hospital would take the lead for the next meeting of the corporate hospital consortium.
Mohd Shadab, Head Partnerships, The Union presented on the 100 days campaign for TB Elimination by the Govt. of India and emphasized on the role of Corporate Hospitals in supporting the campaign through Early case finding efforts.
healthysoch
HealthySoch
