On the 5th of July 2024, the 2nd Roundtable Discussion on Healthcare Innovation in Chhattisgarh was organized by IIT Bhilai and IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF) - A section 8 company of IIT Bhilai in Collaboration with AIIMS Raipur, IIM Raipur and NIT Raipur, facilitated by Stanford Biodesign. This session aimed to address critical issues such as the current state of healthcare, the impact of government policies, healthcare infrastructure, technological advancements, community involvement, and funding strategies for Chhattisgarh.

 

The session commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Prashant Mathur, CEO of IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, highlighting the objectives and significance of the event.

The event was patronized by Prof. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai, who emphasized advancements in drone taxi technology for delivering small medicine containers to villages and remote areas, as well as developments in healthcare app technology, during his address.

 

Esteemed dignitaries from renowned institutes, hospitals, and various industries were present and actively participated in the brainstorming sessions. They discussed critical issues faced by the state and explored potential solutions to address them.

Hon’ble Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh, inaugurated the conference. Addressing the conference, Shri Jaiswal emphasized that health is a lifelong concern, and true health isn't just about curing diseases but preventing them altogether. He proposed that the younger generation should consider the genetic compatibility before marriage, aiming to eradicate diseases like sickle cell anemia completely.

 

Highlighting technological advancements, Shri Jaiswal cited the use of drones for medicine delivery by Ambikapur Medical College as a pioneering example in remote healthcare. He urged leading institutions to innovate in healthcare, promising full government support for such endeavors, and mentioned that the state government is actively enhancing healthcare facilities in remote regions. This initiative includes plans to construct 700-bed hospitals in Raipur and Bilaspur, as well as super-specialty hospitals in Bastar and Surguja.

 

Among other key speakers, Dr. Dhirendra Tiwari, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, highlighted rural healthcare challenges, stressing the need for upskilling technology to ensure equitable healthcare access and advocating for comprehensive infrastructure and skill development upgrades.

 

Lieutenant General Ashok Jindal, Director of AIIMS Raipur, emphasized the crucial role of innovation in transforming healthcare delivery and outcomes, especially in states like Chhattisgarh with unique challenges. He highlighted the need for tailored healthcare solutions for Chhattisgarh’s diverse, often remote population, stressing the importance of empowering frontline healthcare workers like Aanganwadi workers with tools, training, and technology to improve care.

 

Prof. N.V. Ramana Rao, Director of NIT Raipur, echoed the importance of collaboration in healthcare, particularly in advancing ambulatory monitoring technologies.

 

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, host of the 1st Roundtable discussion on Healthcare Innovation in Chhattisgarh held on 18th of April 2024 at IIM Raipur, summarised key takeaways from the first-round table and thanked Hon’ble Minister Shri Jaiswal for accepting the invitation to participate in this second conclave.

 

Prof. Anurag Mairal, Director of the Global Outreach Program, Stanford Byer Center for Biodesign, and Dr Megha Agrawal, an alumna of Stanford Biodesign, facilitated the brainstorming sessions and will work with the Chhattisgarh healthcare innovation community to advance the goals of this ambitious initiative.  Mr. Prashant Mathur, CEO of IBITF, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.

 

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