Dr. P. Ram Manohar, Research Director, Amrita School of Ayurveda, participated in a Panel Discussion on “Integrated Healthcare Models” during FICCI Heal Conference on “Indian Healthcare: The Patient’s View” in New Delhi on 18th August 2017. The other distinguished panelists were Mr. Franklin, Director of Ministry of AYUSH, Dr. Narottam Puri, the legendary medical doctor and cricket commentator, Dr. KK Agarwal, the National President of Indian Medical Association, Dr. Rajiv Vasudevan, MD and CEO, AyurVAID and Dr. Harish Pillai, CEO, Aster Medcity.
The word ‘Integrated’ denotes a holistic approach to healthcare in general and not confined by the narrow definitions of any ‘Ism’ or systems. The WHO definition of health covers the physical, mental, spiritual & social aspects. The overwhelming burden of disease spearheaded by the tsunami of non-communicable diseases due to the dramatic spread of urbanization around the world especially in the developing world, begs all of us to shed a spotlight on the more cost effective models that are available pertaining to education, behaviour modification, alternative forms of therapy and of course quality of life. A lack of modern methods based on scientific facts, practice by non-qualified practitioners supported by erroneous advertising promising cures for everything has thus hampered the genuine promise of non-allopathic modalities. The entire attempt of this session is to bring in experts to share experiences & knowledge and go beyond the traditional mindsets of delivering care. With healthcare, within our country becoming the centre stage of politico- economic deliberations, it is even more important for all stake holders to weigh the pros and cons of spreading elements of integrated care extending throughout the life span and also touching the end of life phase through palliative or home care support.
The session focussed on the current status, policy & procedures at centre and state level, discussion of various pathfinders which are excellent case studies, connecting the dots starting from the relevance of Yoga to the world audience to the latest fit bits which encourages healthy living, status of Supply-Demand for healthcare in India and how Integrated Healthcare policy frameworks are necessary to address India’s burgeoning health needs, forces shaping the Integrated Healthcare marketplace – Payers, consumer trends, 3 A’s of Healthcare, etc, possibility of a ‘Made in India’ Integrated Healthcare services model that can be taken to the world, opportunity of high value Medical Value Travel – market segments encompassing new geographies, non-surgical services that modern medicine can appropriately integrate with Ayurveda and the economics of integrated healthcare.
