Nachiket Mor

Commentary | The people’s health manifesto released by the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan presents a comprehensive yet realistic agenda for health sys­tem change in India in the context of the Lok Sabha elections. https://lnkd.in/gxZqnaqj

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Reliable Mortality data are the bedrock of public health policy and practice. India has the necessary data systems in place and they are digitized, but yet due to some critical neglects and disconnects, we are unable to get the information we need, and remain reliant on external global institutions for even state and national burden of disease estimates. In this conversation Dr. Chalapathi Rao, one of the most accomplished researchers in this area, discusses how it is possible for the public health community to support state governments to be able to generate reliable annual district level mortality information- even in the short tun.

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Based on a comparative analysis of about 100 economies, Shishir Gupta (Centre for Social and Economic Progress) argues that lack of government spending constrains healthcare in India, and suggests putting a moratorium on new subsidies & rationalising existing ones to increase public spending on healthcare Read here: https://lnkd.in/dihueYig

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Drawing on qualitative research conducted across Haryana, Rajasthan, Kerala and Meghalaya, Sreerupa (Institute of Social Studies Trust (ISST)) examines the experiences of digitalisation among ASHAs, as digital tools both improve work processes, and create new burdens and inequities Read here:

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Based on a comparative analysis of about 100 economies, Shishir Gupta (CSEP) ) argues that lack of govt spending constrains healthcare in India, and suggests putting a moratorium on/rationalising subsidies to ⬆️ public spending on healthcare. Read here: https://lnkd.in/dihueYig

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What is the role of fiscal transfers from the Union government compared to States’ own revenue in explaining their healthcare spending? Janak Raj, Rahul Ranjan, Vrinda Gupta & Aakanksha Shrawan find out what really impacts health spending. Read: https://lnkd.in/gRnZKVP5

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In India, while the informal sector is focused on primary care, the large corporate sector on tertiary care, and the rest of the private sector on secondary care, the public sector is the ONLY provider of end-to-end healthcare—from public health to tertiary care. It is thus well-positioned to deliver on the promise of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) -- entirely free and easily accessible healthcare to every citizen of India (no insurance, no paperwork, no claims processing, just free healthcare). An instrument that has become increasingly popular worldwide to unleash the full power of the public sector is referred to as the "purchaser-provider" split -- government buying from the government but on an arm's length basis with the public sector hospitals and the primary care providers being trusted more, given a lot more freedom to function, and held accountable, not for the number of gloves they used, but for the health outcomes that they achieved. To explore this instrument further, learn more about how it has been deployed, and understand its associated benefits and challenges, I had the opportunity to sit down for an extended conversation with four experts: Dr Inke Mathauer of the WHO, Dr Kheya Melo Furtado of the Goa Institute of Management, Dr Rifat Atun of Harvard University, and Dr Jack Langenbrunner, a senior health systems expert. If you are interested in issues relating to the performance of the public sector in healthcare, you will enjoy listening to these experts (https://lnkd.in/g4w5rTnb) as much as I enjoyed talking to them and learning from them.

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Join us for a Three-Day Hybrid Workshop on Realist Evaluation for Health Policy and Program Evaluation organized by the Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH). Dates: July 3-5, 2024 Venue: Bangalore, India, with options for both in-person and virtual participation Realist Evaluation approach seeks to explain how and why complex interventions work (or don’t work) in particular contexts. This methodology is well suited to tackle evaluations of complex interventions and focuses on generative mechanisms in evaluating health policies and systems interventions. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms realist evaluation provides deep insights into the effectiveness of public health interventions, informing better policy decisions and practice. Who Should Attend: This workshop is designed for public health professionals, researchers, postgraduates, and PhD students with an interest in health policy and systems research and evaluation. Participants should have a basic understanding of public health concepts and research methodologies. Those currently exploring realist methods or applying them in their research are encouraged to participate to get hands-on experience of application of this methodology. Learning Outcomes: - Understand the principles and practices of Realist Evaluation. - Develop skills to design and conduct realist evaluations in health policy and systems research. - analyze and interpret data using a realist approach. - Enhance capacity to apply realist evaluation findings to improve health policy and practice. Facilitators: Dr. Prashanth N S Director, Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru Dr. Pragati Hebbar Assistant Director (Research), DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Intermediate Fellow Guest Lectures: Prof Bruno Marchal Associate Professor and Head of the Complexity and Health Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp Dr. Sara Van Belle Senior Research Fellow Belgian Science Foundation FWO, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp Dr Brynne Gilmore Assistant Professor (Ad Astra Fellow) UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland Registration Fee: Offline Participation: Rs. 25,000 which includes refreshments for 3 days and workshop material. Online Participation: Rs. 15,000 Limited partial waivers available. Logistics: This is a hybrid workshop, with options for both in-person and virtual participation. Detailed information on accommodations, transportation, and virtual access will be provided upon registration. Contact Us: For inquiries and registration, email arushi@iphindia.org Registration Link: https://bit.ly/IPHRE2024 look forward to your participation in this enriching workshop. Join us to enhance your skills and knowledge in Realist Evaluation and contribute to advancing health policy and systems research.

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🏥 We need an independent Indian Healthcare Administrative Services (IHAS) Cadre: https://lnkd.in/dstD9zY7 The Indian healthcare sector stands at a crucial turning point. It is evolving rapidly in scope, scale, and complexity. Current Scenario Evaluation: Diverse Healthcare Administrators: Senior healthcare officials at the Central and State levels are mainly IAS officers with varied educational backgrounds, often lacking specialized knowledge in healthcare administration. Experience vs. Expertise: While heads of healthcare institutions have over 35 years of experience in their specialties, their expertise in managerial and administrative functions is limited, requiring a shift towards adaptive leadership skills. Communication Challenges: A significant communication gap between senior administrators (IAS cadre) and medical professionals hampers effective collaboration, underscoring the need for a more integrated approach. Why IHAS is Essential: Holistic Management: IHAS professionals, coming from medicine, dentistry, or allied health sciences backgrounds, provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare ecosystems, ensuring informed decision-making that prioritizes patient welfare and operational efficiency. Effective Collaboration: IHAS will facilitate seamless collaboration between administrators and medical staff, fostering mutual respect and shared accountability crucial for sustainable healthcare improvements. Adaptability and Innovation: Equipped with diverse skill sets and interdisciplinary perspectives, IHAS professionals will drive innovation in healthcare management, addressing emerging challenges and enhancing patient care. Professional Growth: Establishing IHAS as a dedicated cadre will nurture skilled healthcare administrators, fostering long-term professional growth and leadership capabilities to confidently navigate sectoral challenges. The Urgent Need for IHAS: Healthcare Expenditure: India's healthcare expenditure is expected to reach $372 billion by 2022. Efficient management of these resources is critical to ensure equitable and effective healthcare delivery. The Vision for IHAS: The advent of IHAS is set to revolutionize healthcare management in India. The entry-level educational requirement for IHAS should be MBBS, BDS, or BAMS, leveraging the expertise of professionals with a deep understanding of both clinical and administrative realms to strengthen the healthcare system's efficiency and efficacy. Let's champion the cause of IHAS and pave the way for a more integrated and impactful healthcare administration landscape in India. 🌟 Join us in making a difference! #HealthcareRevolution #IHAS #BetterHealthcareForAll

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Healthcare in India: A Tug-of-War Between State Governments and the Central Government Healthcare in India is experiencing a significant tug-of-war between state governments and the central government, as both entities navigate their roles and responsibilities in delivering health services. This ongoing conflict has implications for the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of healthcare for millions of citizens, revealing the complexities of governance in a diverse and populous nation. https://lnkd.in/g77sep73

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India has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, yet challenges remain in ensuring equitable, high-quality care for all mothers. By leveraging the strengths of both public and private sectors, and fostering collaborative efforts, we can work towards a future where every mother receives safe, respectful, and high-quality care. Pompy Sridhar's (India-Director, MSD for Mothers) article, titled "Private Sector Integration: Key To Reducing Maternal Mortality In India," explores how the integration of the private sector into the maternal health landscape, supported by initiatives like LaQshya-Manyata and Manyata, can play a crucial role in enhancing care standards and bridging gaps in service delivery. Read the full article to understand how this approach can help India move closer to achieving its vision of Universal Health Coverage and meeting SDG targets: https://lnkd.in/dp2HDYQ7 Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India - FOGSI Jhpiego Swasti Sattva Consulting PharmAccess Avegen iKure Techsoft Pvt. Ltd. Nivi, Inc.

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Caritas India has launched Global Programme’s balanced diet campaign in schools to tackle some of Odisha’s highest malnourishment rates among young children. Among the tribal-dominated districts, 39.8 per cent of children under five years are suffering from malnutrition in Rayagada. The percentage increase has also been seen in severely wasted cases among children under the age of five. Nutrition and Food security are one of the priority themes of Caritas India’s Global Programme in Odisha, and the launch of the campaign is instrumental in improving the food practices and eating habits among children. https://lnkd.in/gN9e_SQa

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Special Article by Jean Dreze, Reetika Khera, and Rishabh Malhotra | The findings of a recent survey of public health centres in five north Indian states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan) are presented, in light of earlier surveys in the same areas from 2002 onwards. Contrary to a common narrative whereby public health services in India have “collapsed,” there is a general pattern of improving quality and utilisation over time. The pace of improvement, however, is far from adequate. The recent conversion of many health centres into health and wellness centres, in particular, has been largely cosmetic so far. In states like Bihar and Jharkhand, the standards of healthcare in public facilities remain abysmal. Hope lies in the experiences of states that have shown how decent standards of healthcare can be achieved in the public sector, notably Himachal Pradesh. Even in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, there have been valuable initiatives in recent years. https://lnkd.in/guzFGKx3

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Approx 4.5 billion people across the world lack equitable access to essential health services (WHO data) though access to highest quality of healthcare is a fundamental right of every human being. Even U.S. strugggles with this issue and ranks last among 10 comparable nations on health equity measures, despite the fact it spends the most on healthcare (Blumenthal D, et al. The Commonwealth Fund; September 19, 2024). Clearly it's not an issue of resources or funds, it's the strategy that counts. The world is off track to achieve universal health coverage (Sustainable Development Goal 3.8) by 2030. Improvements in health coverage have stagnated since 2015 across all regions and the majority of countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted progress on this front (Global Health Observatory - Universal Health Coverage Factsheet, WHO). In the latest episode of Princeton Foundation's "What Matters" series, let's hear from Mr. C. K. Mishra, former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India the highlights of India’s recent healthcare advancements, major policy initiatives, and how the nation is navigating strategically through the structural and financial challenges. Mr Mishra is credited with leading some of the world's largest public health programs during his tenure including 'Indian National Health Mission' - to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care services; and 'Mission Indradhanush’ – world's largest ever focused campaign to immunize children. His proactive policy reforms helped India see a huge reduction in maternal and child mortality, Mr Mishra discusses India's approach to enhance equitable healthcare access, sustainable infrastructure development, innovative public health solutions, resilient policy frameworks, and learnings from these endeavors that other nations can employ. https://lnkd.in/ebswzfJF www.pfplus.org Ministry of External Affairs, India The Commonwealth Fund Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

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GivingPi Member Lata Krishnan is the Co-Founder of the American India Foundation - USA (AIF), an operating foundation addressing multi-dimensional poverty in India through high-impact interventions in health, education, and livelihoods. As part of its program portfolio, AIF spearheads the AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship, a transformative bi-national volunteer service program, vital to strengthening the US-India corridor. Both Lata and her husband Ajay Shah have been deeply involved in advancing the Fellowship, serving as significant financial contributors and supporters. By fostering collaboration between young professionals from both nations, the program nurtures future leaders dedicated to sustainable change and deepens the US-India relationship. Through a service-leadership model, fellows engage with communities across diverse themes - such as education, public health, climate justice, and social inclusion - contributing to projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2001, AIF has supported 573 fellows and 255 partner organizations across 25 Indian states, and with the introduction of new segments, it continues to expand its reach by enabling Indian social change professionals to serve in the US. To know more, click below - https://lnkd.in/gsWGWXG #givingpi #familyphilanthropy #familygiving #philanthropymatters #philanthropy #socialimpact #fellowship #education #publichealth #climatejustice #inclusion #leadership

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JHU signs MoU with Ajit Isaac Foundation to bring essential palliative care services to rural India’s terminally ill https://lnkd.in/gQKqzcXc The Johns Hopkins University  Ajit Isaac 

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