NITI Aayog’s PPP project, an excellent slot for private players in health sector

Indian policy think-tank, the National Institution for Transforming India or NITI Aayog, has recently unveiled a grand plan to effectively privatize district hospitals in Tier-I and Tier-II cities. The new strategy is in the light of the realization that the current capacities in public facilities to manage disease conditions in cardiology, pulmonology and oncology are practically insufficient in Tier-I and Tier-II towns. Most civil hospitals in many states are not equipped to effectively address the medical requirements of many non-communicable diseases prevailing in the country. It is understood that the scheme will be initially piloted in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, etc.

The project will be a prospective opportunity for private health service providers who wish to strike a public – private participation or PPP. In this scheme, private partners will be able to cherry-pick the most lucrative districts where patients have a higher paying capacity. Addressing the major financial concern in PPP model, the scheme will also provide an escrow account for private partners that would reduce the risk of delayed reimbursement by the government. Providers would also secure access to utilize all public facilities such as ambulance services, blood banks, mortuaries etc.

In a nut shell, the new initiative of NITI Aayog is government’s solid attempt of handing over public assets to private partners and a clear abdication of the risky duty of providing service where government capacities are totally insufficient. As Health care is primarily a state subject, state governments are expected to soon look into adopting PPP projects in association with respectable private hospitals. Given the large presence in the sector, a well-defined role in the provision of NCD care is welcome but has to be accommodated within a well-designed framework of Universal Health Coverage that integrates pre-paid primary, secondary and tertiary care through a combination of tax funding and social insurance. The proposed PPP model will not only improve the deliverance of appropriate and equitable care to the public but also will prove how the private partners can effectively intervene in reviving the health sector of India.

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NHP 2017 revives PPP model to achieve global health standard

National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 envisioned to build on the progress made by the last NHP, is primarily to address problems with respect to the three A’s, ie, access, affordability and accountability of healthcare services in India. Since the last 15 years, the healthcare context of the country has drastically changed in four major dimensions. The country witnessed a growing burden of some non-communicable and infectious diseases and a rise in catastrophic expenditure of health care. At the same time, India has also observed a considerable progress in the healthcare sector and also enhanced fiscal capacity due to size-able economic growth. In this scenario, NHP 2017 was the need of the hour to address these factors effectively.

NHP 2017 foresees to widen primary healthcare network in India, enabling to cover a larger section of people. Primary health packages are upgraded from a very basic one to a comprehensive package including geriatric, palliative and rehabilitative care services. Up to two-third of the fund has been allocated to resource primary, secondary and tertiary care. The guidelines on finding sustainable solutions to defend the surge of lifestyle disease are another notable annexures in the document.

This is the first time in India; a national policy has so intensely recognized the role of private sector in taking the healthcare sector of the nation to the next level. Realizing the scale of PPP model in the sector, the government proposes to help private hospitals subsidize costs for people below the poverty line. Combining the advantages of less expense to the government and better service from a private partner, the goal of universal healthcare could be achieved faster and more comprehensively.

“I am quite hopeful about the outcome of the implementation of NHP 2017 since it looks at problems and solutions holistically with the private sector as strategic partners. As a private entity, we are wholeheartedly willing to extend all support to this policy;” says Dr. N Pratap Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, Meditrina Hospitals, pioneers in PPP model SIH cardiac care units across India and Maldives.

When most of the foreign countries including the UK and Australia follow an approach to hospital PPPs focusing on facilities, India on contrast has initiated more comprehensive service delivery PPPs. Reportedly, India will end up with a total bed density of 1.84 per 1,000 people against the global average of 2.9 and WHO guideline of 3.5 in 2022. If the figures has to be improved, the private sector has to be successfully intervened not only in investments but also in project planning and optimum of capital at all income levels, especially the rural and urban poor sectors.

Text by: Manila Manohar | manila@respublica.in
Photo Credit: www.nhp.gov.in

Being a key player!

Arun Sudhaman takes charge as the CEO of Holmes Report. Being the most authoritative voice in the global scenario of PR industry, Holmes Report covers every aspect within the wide spectrum of PR beyond just reporting. With a distinct stamp of its own Holmes has taken another huge leap in its legendary journey.

Sudhaman has played a key role in transforming the Holmes from a company based in the conventional print publishing world to a multi channel business generating a wide range of digital content, Industry specific events and world’s largest PR Award program. He has led the comprehensive relaunch of the company’s content platform and played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of Holmes Report to Asia- Pacific.

In his new role as CEO, Sudhaman is responsible for expansion of the Holmes’ product portfolio and geographic footprint.

Indulge yourself in smart phone games to treat depression

Depression and anxiety can be huge obstacles for many of us. Whether you are struggling with mild depression or anxiety, or you feel yourself buried by it, for one it’s challenging to deal with it. To find a way out can seem nearly impossible for the victim. People with late –life depressions generally have trouble focusing their attention on personal goals due to worries.

Luckily, things are changing and more and more methods of treatment are being developed for depression, anxiety and other mental health related issues. What’s even more exciting is that people have started to realize how helpful video games or smartphone games can be for those people who struggle with mood disorders or mental illness.  That’s right! Scientists and doctors are seeing medically beneficial reasons for people to play electronic games.

A recent study proves that playing mobile –based video games may help to treat depression by targeting underlying cognitive issues associated with the disorder, rather than just managing the symptoms. The study enrolled older adults diagnosed with late life depression into a treatment trial where they were randomized to receive either a mobile, tablet based treatment technology called Project EVO or an in person therapy technique known as problem solving therapy.  Project EVO runs on phones and tablets and is designed to improve focus and attention at a basic neurological level.

It’s an amazing fact that science is starting to understand how to use video games to help people struggling with mental illness.  Almost above 1.2 billion people play games in the world. Smartphone gaming is currently growing in popularity in how fun addictive and accessible they are.

So now in this era of inventions, it’s a great thing to know that, playing the occasional mobile game for fun is typically harmless. It is after all, just one of many recreational activities one can enjoy during their leisure time. Besides social entertainment, some games even come with further benefits as they can build decision making skills, give education and help the general well-being of a person.  So they are not only to entertain and a way to kill time but it also relieves stress in great extent.

As with anything, moderation is the key mantra to be followed, one should not get fully immersed in their games. So while you indulge yourself in smartphone game therapy to overcome anxiety or depression, it’s important to keep your gadget games for a moderate time.

Importance of Public Affairs Personnel in development Scenario

Though studies talk about declining job opportunities and shrinking white collar class, Public Affairs jobs are obviously on a rising platform. The present development scenario depicts technological advancements and startups being nurtured with utmost care.  Beyond brains of innovations, there is also a huge demand for those who have a good knowledge over the concerned laws and government regulatory.

With a lot of development projects in the pipeline, major hurdles are always faced during the implementation stage. These hurdles basically sprout from the regulatory framework. An expertise to trespass these hurdles is as important as the innovation.

Communication plays a major role in the functioning of regulatory authorities. With every communication in papers and every stage involving legal formalities, an expert to deal with the situation is unavoidable. There’s always a demand for tactical approach to be followed to avoid controversies and issues while handling regulatory bodies. In a country where laws remain the barricade and lawmakers the by passers, a specialist with knowledge on the government scenario and concerned rules and regulations is a necessity.

Companies adopt technologies as well as experts to work with innovations, but most important person for any institution is an expert to navigate through public affairs matters and the legal side. Without public affairs team an initial hurdle can turn into a huge crisis and end up tarnishing the company itself. An expert advice would not only clear the permits but also guarantees a trust label for the company.

Public affair consultants are on demand by startups as they face more difficulties into enter the industry. So as the startup friendly environment prevails in the country, PA jobs would be on hike. Thereby an expert in the field could expect new ventures in the upcoming years.

A dog who captured the man’s heart

A long challenging journey which could be exhausting went like a breeze for Naveen, when a stray dog whom he later named Malu joined the devotee on his walk from Mookambika temple in Kollur, Karnataka to Sabarimala in Kerala -the abode of lord Ayyappa.

The incident followed, reminds us why dogs are called a man’s best friend. 38-year old Naveen from Kozhikode district in Kerala was accompanied by an extraordinary dog who undertook a 600-kms journey, which is 17 days trip on foot to Sabarimala. At first Naveen tried to shoo the dog away but Malu was adamant on accompanying him to his destination and throughout she guarded his belongings like a helpful companion.

The journey earned her the name – Malu, which resembles “Malikappuram”, a term used to address female Sabarimala devotees. Naveen made her wore a black belt and Rudraksh necklace around her neck and allowed to follow him to Sabarimala. After reaching the temple, Naveen lost Malu, but soon he got informed from the fellow devotees that she had been waiting for him on the stairs leading to the shrine for one and a half days, sniffing every devotee passing by. The reunion was even more memorable, when Malu joyfully jumped at Naveen when he arrived. While returning, Naveen took special permission from KSRTC special officer to make arrangements to bring Malu back home with him.

Malu now has a large cardboard box that she calls her home in Naveen’s house in Beypore, Kozhikode. And also wears a brown-beaded necklace around her neck to remind herself and all those around her of her incredible journey.

Pets are the most adorable companions a person could have in life, and among these dogs are known to be the most loyal. The story of Malu and Naveen conveys the same. A stray dog who walked 600 Km to a shrine to keep the pilgrim company and finding a forever home, will make every one smile and reaffirm once faith in the loyalty of animals towards human beings. It’s indeed a whiff of fresh air, when the state is gripped with the fear of stray dog’s terror on the door.

Gods Own Country – Desserts Of Rajasthan: An Incredible Road Trip

Have you ever thought of taking up the laymen’s vehicle, Rickshaw, from Kerala to Rajasthan?? A big No, Right!!..

The UK based adventure company has again come up this year with the Rickshaw Run, a 3 –wheeler run from Fort Kochi, a water- bound region towards the south-west of the mainland Kochi to Rajasthan. The adventure race with charity in mind started from Fort Kochi and will end at Mount Abu, Rajasthan after a two weeks’ time.  A total of 82 autos are taking part in the event and in this 35 participants are Ladies.

The participants representing 29 countries shall be riding, rolling and wiggling their way across in their tinny steeds covering approximately 26,000 on their way to Rajasthan.   What makes the journey even more memorable is the fact that the amount collected during this 12 days trip will be used for a noble course.

For many of the participants it will be their first experience – whether it’s travelling to India, driving a rickshaw or just experiencing the enthusiasm and love that the people of our country are so famous for.

However, the brave team members from around the world have gathered in Kochi, for the carnival and met their marvelously painted rickshaws. After a magnificent celebration to mark the beginning of the New Year, they are about to embark on an epic journey to the vast desserts of Rajasthan.

Extending the ‘Literacy tag’ to Third Genders

Kerala has always been in the forefront in extending its support to the transgender community. With many historic and path breaking steps the state itself has played a key role in removing the social stigma associated with the third genders. Being always a model state in literacy, Kerala now opened country’s first transgender school; named Sahaj International School.

In this epic move, the school was opened in Thrikkakkara, Kochi. It is the first residential school in India to open its doors exclusively for the adults, who dropped out of schools after it was found that they belong to the transgender community and faced discrimination in society. The school aims at educating the third gender individuals so that they would also be an eligible community to work in various fields.

The school is run by transgender for the transgender community. According to the authorities, school aims to provide safety, sustainability and security to third genders. It also aims at ending the discrimination towards the transgender community. The curriculum also offers vocational skill development training along with traditional curriculum which would further help the third gender individuals to get employed and treated as ordinary citizens. Even though various organizations including Kochi Metro have offered job opportunities to transgender, their lack of education would always be a hindrance. Educational projects like Sahaj International School would enable the third gender individuals to lead a normal life with dignified jobs.

Through this school, the third gender community could also maintain an independent financial system along with educational mechanism. The finance for the school is mostly from their personal savings and funds from social organizations and individuals. The teachers are also transgenders.  As part of their independent venture, the authorities have also arranged sponsors for providing food, accommodation and school aids to students.

These kind of ventures for the third gender community should be supported so that they could lead a normal life. Even when the state supports the cause, to some extend the society still frames them as “different”. Such projects should be initiated through government bodies, so that they are not considered different anymore.

Detour of Indian Villages

Indian villages are always portrayed as backward community by the media. Though the stereotype revolves around villages as agro-based economy, place of illiteracy and poor infrastructures; some villages of the country have completely changed this perspective. Within the country, we have worthy example to showcase the exceptional characteristics of villages. These villages have outnumbered even the major metros in the country with their excellence.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future of India lies in its villages”. With the villages in the country becoming self-sufficient than the developed cities, the present developments and changes have evidently marked the future of India safe in the hands of villages. The aid and assistance provided to villages on developmental and innovative grounds through various government initiatives and programs have evolved a new culture among the villagers. This had truly made possible the new trend of positive outlook towards villages. After all, rural India is not a bad place to live in.

On the grounds of developing villages, our 100% literacy state, Kerala have also made its mark.  Pothanikkad, a village in Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala , have unsurprisingly become the first village to achieve 100% literacy in India.  This particular village has a very systematic education system, which made it achieve this recognition.  Being part of the most advanced metro city of the state, the achievement by this village is of great prominence. With the most advanced educational institutions and IT hub in the proximity, this Pothanikkad village with the recognition of 100% literacy is the perfect example of self-sufficient rural India.

Being the most educated and culturally advanced village in Kerala, Pothanikkad, provides better educational opportunities for youth through its pioneering educational institution from primary level onwards.  Promising future generations could be nurtured from this village with more technological and innovative advancements through government schemes and aids.

Such recognitions by small villages across the country would further encourage other villages to develop and also grab authoritative attention for further innovative, technical and developmental assistance.

IPRCCA 2016: Crisis PR Award to ResPublica Consulting

ResPublica Consulting bagged national award for Crisis Public Relations Management at the India PR and Corporate Communications Awards (IPRCCA) 2016, at New Delhi. The boutique agency, specialists in Public Affairs and Public Relations, was honoured for the exceptional crisis communication campaign it designed and implemented for an international gold & diamonds retail chain, outpacing leading global PR agencies and corporate communications departments of large corporates. At the gala award night held at FLYP@MTV Café, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Lisna Ismail, Director-Operations and Nikhil Harindran, Senior Account Director received the award for ResPublica Consulting.

Founded by corporate communications industry veteran Saji Varghese, ResPublica Consulting renders consulting services in Public Affairs, Public Relations, Crisis Communications and CSR Advisory and serves several global majors in the Southern markets. Group’s content vertical provides content and language services including translation and linguistic validation.

The India PR & Corporate Communications Awards 2016, hosted by Exchange 4 Media, are the most extensive and exhaustive awards to recognise the contribution and success of the PR Industry and is considered as a path breaking initiative to salute and recognise the contribution of PR Consultancies and Corporate Communications.

“IPRCCA 2016 actively discussed the growth of PR and Corporate Communications outside the metros, given the changes taking place nationally subsequent to the demonetization efforts, there is an emerging need of more process driven approach both in Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. Specialists agencies like ours making their presence felt loud at the national scape marks a new era in the Indian PR industry;” said Ms. Lisna Ismail, Director-Operations, ResPublica Consulting.