Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare SP Singh Baghel inaugurated the first-ever National Public Health India Conference (NPHICON-2024) in the national capital on Friday. The three-day conference, organized by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Directorate General of Health Services, is being held from February 23 to 25. NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul was also present at the event.
During his address, the Minister underscored the importance of the conference in advancing discussions on public health and aligning policies with the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India. He commended the NCDC for its leadership and dedication in organizing this significant event, aimed at contributing to the development of robust health policies and interventions.
The conference has gathered a diverse array of experts and doctors, all converging to discuss the latest research and developments in the health sector. The Minister particularly highlighted the Ayushman Bharat Scheme as one of the pivotal initiatives of the Government of India. He noted that previously prevalent diseases such as Kala-azar, Japanese fever, and dengue have seen a significant reduction due to initiatives like the construction of 4 crore toilets in rural areas.
Improvements in living conditions, including the provision of water through taps, distribution of smokeless gas cylinders to 12 crore people, and the construction of 4 crore ‘pucca’ houses, have played a role in decreasing diseases in rural areas. The Minister emphasized that access to 24-hour electricity enables even the most economically disadvantaged individuals to prevent mosquito-borne diseases by using fans.
Dr Atul Goel, DGHS of the National Center for Disease Control, highlighted the conference’s focus on infectious diseases. He mentioned significant progress in the elimination of diseases like Kala-Azar, TB, rabies, and malaria. Dr. Goel emphasized the Health Ministry’s programs aimed at eliminating Kala-azar, noting the role of the rural housing scheme in this effort. The construction of ‘pucca’ houses has provided relief from diseases like Kala-azar, previously prevalent in ‘kutcha’ houses.
Dr Roderico H Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, also participated in the conference and commended the NCDC for bringing together experts, researchers, students, and practitioners. The event aims to share best practices, research papers, and presentations over the three days of the National Public Health India Conference.
During the conference, the NCDC launched a revamped website, a new e-journal titled Epi-Dis-Phere Public Health Resilience, and an e-techno-doc containing oral and poster abstracts of presentations to be delivered at NCDC. This conference represents a significant step towards advancing public health discourse and fostering collaboration among health professionals for the betterment of health outcomes in India.
