Category health

Bangalore, 27th July 2023: Indira IVF, India’s largest chain of infertility treatment hospitals, pledges to train 300 and 350 embryologists and fertility specialists, respectively, needed by 2028. This initiative has been taken up to match the demand and supply gap for such professionals in the future, owing to the increase in the requirement of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in the next five years.

At present, India has roughly 1,350 trained embryologists whereas the demand was for 2,800 in FY23 as per estimates considering 1 embryologist per 100 cycles. In terms of fertility specialists, India has 1,950 gynaecologists that perform IVF treatment whereas the industry will need an approximate 3000 in the coming years. Estimates suggest that there are 40,000 gynaecologists in India in 2023.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Nitiz Murdia – Managing Director and Co-Founder of Indira IVF said, “The infertility treatment sector in India is currently on a growth path. In India alone, an estimated 280,000 IVF cycles have been performed in FY23; this number is expected to notch as high as 5,20,000 IVF cycles in FY28. This calls for a clear demand for trained professionals – both embryologists and fertility specialists – who can ensure patient satisfaction with the best possible outcomes. We would need approximately 6,250 embryologists and 3000 gynaecologists performing IVF by 2028 to meet the increasing demand, which is 4-5x and 1.5-2x respectively of the current demand.”

Dr Kshitiz Murdia – CEO & Co-Founder of Indira IVF added, “The Indian infertility treatment industry can strategically match the demand of embryologists and fertility specialists through effective targeting and training. For instance, India currently has over 35,000 gynaecologists who can be trained to become specialists while leveraging post-graduate students in life sciences and clinical embryology to become expert embryologists.”

“Thus far, we have already trained 150+ andrology technicians, 200+ embryologists and 350+ fertility specialists at our state-of-the-art training centre in Udaipur, Indira Fertility Academy. The Academy has access to world-renowned scholars and educators from the fertility treatment world and beyond, bringing together inspiring faculties from across the globe to train learners in IVF. The laboratory is equipped with a cloud-based simulator that takes the learner through 1,500 modules and varied scenarios, equipping them to navigate real-life scenarios just like an expert with 10 years of experience would,” Dr Kshitiz Murdia added.

Indira Fertility Academy (IFA) is the academic wing of Indira IVF, set up with a vision to develop and groom talent for infertility treatment. The Academy is based in Udaipur, Rajasthan and is recognised by Merck Foundation and the British Fertility Society. In addition to training talent from India, students from countries in Africa, from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other South-East Asian countries, gain knowledge and experience with the Academy’s hands-on training approach.

New Delhi, July 26, 2023 –

The much-anticipated event titled “Evidence of cure for incurable” was held at the LTG Auditorium, located at Copernicus Marg, opposite Doordarshan Bhawan, Mandi House. Organized by prominent figure Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, the event witnessed the presentation of astonishing medical recoveries from patients previously deemed to have incurable diseases.

The gathering of medical professionals, researchers, and patients was also live telecasted on www.coronakaal.tv, Sudarshan News, and Saadhna TV, reaching millions worldwide.

The event was centered around the success stories of patients who had experienced remarkable recoveries from seemingly incurable ailments. A couple of patients shared their journeys to health and presented their medical reports and evidence supporting their extraordinary transformations.

Pathan Abdul Gaffur, who received treatment at Parul Hospital in Baroda, recounted his experience of enduring 2-3 dialysis sessions due to his condition. However, through the innovative approach adopted by Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Gaffur’s health took an unexpected turn for the better, defying the odds of his initial prognosis.

Laxmi’s story echoed similar sentiments, as she had undergone 2-3 dialysis sessions at Maharana Bhupal Hospital in Udaipur before embracing the groundbreaking treatment that led to her incredible recovery.

Vikas Gupta, a patient at BL Kapoor Hospital in New Delhi, expressed his gratitude while sharing his experience. Gupta underwent ten cycles of immunotherapy as part of the innovative treatment approach introduced by Acharya Manish Ji. Remarkably, Vikas Gupta’s journey was devoid of any discomforts, a testament to the effectiveness and patient-centric nature of the groundbreaking therapy.

Bebi Manik Deshmukh, who had ovarian cancer, connected via a Zoom call to narrate her inspiring story. Deshmukh received treatment at Lodha Multispeciality Hospital in Raigarh, where she underwent the transformative medical approach. Throughout her treatment journey, she experienced no discomfort, further highlighting the potential of Acharya Manish Ji’s groundbreaking method in tackling challenging cancer cases.

Shabana’s testimonial from Bapuji Hospital in Karnataka revealed the success of her treatment, which involved 2 dialysis sessions, and how the groundbreaking methodology changed her life for the better.

During the event, Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury launched the much-awaited book titled “Fish Tank Model for Heart Care.” The book extensively documented the evidence and methodology behind the breakthrough approach that has been transforming the lives of countless patients worldwide.

Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, renowned for his academic accomplishments with a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering, a Post Graduate degree in Diabetes, and a PhD in Diabetes & CKD, is also the inventor of the groundbreaking GRAD* system. He said, “Today marks a momentous occasion where we challenge the notion of incurability and showcase the power of innovative medical approaches. The recoveries of these remarkable patients stand as evidence that with the right knowledge and methodologies, we can conquer diseases once deemed insurmountable. Our Fish Tank Model for Heart Care, along with the GRAD* system, has opened new horizons in the realm of medical treatments. Let this day be a beacon of hope for those seeking healing from seemingly incurable ailments.”

Everyone must get health insurance as Ayush cover does not work in all Ayurvedic hospitals, which government must address at the earliest. Asia’s biggest Ayurvedic Hospital, HIIMS, is in Meerut with a bed capacity of 1000 beds. The Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Mumbai facilities have 100 and 150 beds respectively.

The event culminated with a sense of hope and optimism as the remarkable recoveries and groundbreaking approach offered promising prospects for countless patients worldwide. The research presented during the event is expected to shape the future of medical treatments, providing new avenues of hope for those in need.

Delhi, 26th July 2023: In an era where primary healthcare systems worldwide are striving to accommodate an aging and chronically ill population, technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility, affordability, accountability, transparency, and quality of healthcare services. Connect and Heal is at the forefront of this transformation, addressing the urgent need to improve access to healthcare services and reduce mortality rates. Through its innovative approach, the company brings diagnostics, ambulance services, clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies under one umbrella, thus eliminating the need for patients to interact with multiple stakeholders separately. This simplifies the overall healthcare journey while reducing complexity and costs.

A recent report by EY reveals that 75% of India’s population living outside urban areas faces limited access to hospitals and healthcare facilities. In this context, Connect and Heal offers various groundbreaking services, including teleconsultation, to overcome infrastructural challenges and reduce patient waiting times, effectively bridging the accessibility gap. By embracing emerging technologies such as digital health applications, telemedicine, and secure information exchange, Connect and Heal ensures that clinicians and patients alike benefit from these advancements while prioritizing patient data protection and privacy.

We understand that personal health information is highly sensitive and can be exploited for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. As a result, we have employed advanced encryption techniques to protect the confidentiality of the information. We also maintain strict access controls, allowing only authorized personnel to access patient data on a need-to-know basis. Additionally, we regularly update our security protocols to stay ahead of emerging threats and adhere to industry best practices. By prioritizing data protection, we aim to prevent scenarios where specific disease or terminal illness details are leveraged for coercion or extortion. Our commitment to maintaining the privacy and safety of patient data is unwavering, ensuring a secure environment for our valued patients.

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Chennai, Tamil Nādu,26th July 2023Post signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK. Stalin in the month of May 2023, OMRON Healthcare Manufacturing India (a subsidiary of OMRON Healthcare Corporation Japan) has begun the construction of its new plant in Chennai with a groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony was held with SMCC Construction India -the Indian subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., a leading Japanese general contractor supporting OMRON for the construction of the facility.

This state-of-the-art facility will mark OMRON’s debut in the healthcare manufacturing space in India and will further strengthen its presence in the home healthcare device industry in the country as well as its global network of production facilities with locations in Japan, China, Vietnam, Italy, and Brazil.

Team OMRON and SMCC at the ceremony

“The new manufacturing plant will house advanced machinery and cutting-edge technologies to ensure efficient and precise production processes. Also, I would like to state that OMRON is committed to putting safety as a top priority at every stage of the manufacturing as well as the construction process. One of our key objectives is to ensure all workers come to work and go back home safe and happy. So, to start with, every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of the staff during the construction period,” says Takuto Iwanaka, Director, OMRON Healthcare Manufacturing India Limited.

He further added, “This milestone event is also a gesture for us to recognize the significant role played by the Indian government in creating a favorable business environment for the healthcare industry. The company is grateful for the support and encouragement received throughout the planning and execution of this project. The new manufacturing plant will not only generate employment opportunities and will also contribute to the overall economic development of the region.”

The new manufacturing plant will commence operations by March 2025

Profile of the factory

Name: OMRON HEALTHCARE MANUFACTURING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Date of establishment: July 14, 2022

Operation start date: March 2025 (TBD)

Area size: approx. 24,000 m2

Items to be manufactured: Blood pressure monitors.

Rendering of the factory:

Source: OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd.

Vineet Anand, a talented makeup and fashion stylist known for challenging online beauty standards, has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As someone who constantly strives to redefine beauty norms, Vineet’s hair has always played a vital role in their self-esteem and self-expression. However, struggling with hair loss for an extended period took a toll on how they perceived their own beauty. But Vineet refused to let that define them.

Over a year ago, Vineet made a life-changing decision—to undergo a hair transplant that would help them reclaim their confidence and challenge the very beauty standards they sought to redefine. They found an incredible ally in Dr. Kavish, a renowned hair transplant specialist, and the exceptional team at DermaClinix. Vineet is filled with gratitude for their expertise and unwavering support throughout this transformative journey.

“We are dedicated to helping individuals like Vineet Anand reclaim their confidence and embrace their authentic selves. Our goal is not just to restore hair, but to empower our patients to challenge societal beauty standards and celebrate their uniqueness. It has been an honor to be a part of Vineet’s transformative journey, and we are thrilled to see the incredible results they have achieved.” – Dr. Kavish, renowned hair transplant specialist at DermaClinix.

As a queer individual pushing the boundaries of conventional beauty, Vineet feels incredibly fortunate to have had the unwavering support of their loving parents. Their parents’ understanding, encouragement, and belief in their journey have been immeasurable. Acting as pillars of strength, they have empowered Vineet to embrace their true self and challenge societal expectations.

Today, Vineet proudly showcases the extraordinary results of their hair transplant journey—a testament to their resilience and the skill of Dr. Kavish and his team. Not only has their hair been restored, but their confidence has been reignited, enabling them to continue breaking barriers in the world of beauty and fashion.

Vineet’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing authenticity and celebrating uniqueness. As a makeup and fashion stylist who constantly challenges online beauty standards, they encourage others to recognize their inherent worth and express themselves fully. Vineet believes that by uplifting and supporting one another, individuals can overcome any obstacle and foster self-confidence and empowerment.

In an era where social media often imposes narrow beauty ideals, Vineet Anand’s hair transplant journey serves as an inspiration to their followers and the wider community. By sharing their story, Vineet hopes to inspire individuals facing similar struggles, urging them to embrace their authenticity and challenge societal norms.

As a queer stylist who dares to redefine beauty standards, Vineet Anand continues to make waves in the industry. Their hair transplant journey is not just a personal triumph but also a powerful statement—a reminder that self-acceptance and self-expression can lead to true liberation.

Mumbai, 25th July 2023: PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network, has launched the Health Correspondents* Program with an aim to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to the country’s most vulnerable and last-mile population. This is in line with the company’s nation-building pledge to make all essential services available for the country’s underserved population and ensure the overall transformation of Bharat through a mass transformation approach. The company’s existing network of retailers, such as kirana stores, mobile recharge stores, medical shops, customer service points (CSPs) and travel agents, along with new appointees through Gram Panchayats and local institutions, will be leveraged for this initiative.

The Healthcare Correspondents (HCs) will act as intermediaries between healthcare providers and the rural population, aligning with the Ayushman Bharat vision of the Government of India to enhance primary healthcare in tier II regions and beyond. PayNearby plans to leverage its Distribution as a Service (DaaS) network to bring essential healthcare services to rural Bharat, ensuring equitable access across the country. The program includes promoting various healthcare-related products and services through its HCs, including a Health Card mapped to the citizen’s PayNearby account, to provide discounts on medicines, medical tests, basic medical equipment and doctor consultations via telemedicine. Furthermore, to safeguard citizens from financial risks and life’s uncertainties, the HCs will offer tailor-made healthcare insurance schemes as well.

PayNearby aims to recruit HCs in every corner of the country, utilizing existing infrastructure like gram panchayats. By the end of FY23-24, the company plans to convert at least 1 lakh of its million+ active retailers into HCs, expanding the reach of telemedicine services.

Speaking on the occasion, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “Healthcare is one of the most important parameters of a country’s progress. The true growth of a nation lies in its ability to provide comprehensive health services to its population. PayNearby understands the importance of prioritizing people’s health and empowering them to take care of themselves and their families. By introducing Health Correspondents Program in our portfolio, we seek to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services, enabling citizens in Bharat to access all the necessary facilities available to their urban counterparts.

Our retailers are the flagbearers of the massive inclusion mission that we have undertaken. In times of crisis, they have always been at the beck and call of the citizens. Their role during the pandemic, as community managers bringing government relief funds to the masses or ensuring mass registration for the immunization program, gave us the confidence that our retail partners can double up as HCs and use technology to enable quality healthcare services in their communities. With time and adequate handholding, HCs will be trained to bring about a behavioral shift so that technology can be used for all primary healthcare needs, whether it is teleconsultation with specialists, ordering medicine at discounted rates or health-related awareness and training programs locally.

With this initiative, we are committed to helping the country achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and take the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Swasthya’ mission a notch higher.”

During the pandemic, the local trust of PayNearby’s retailers came into play when they doubled up as frontline warriors and ensured DBT and other relief funds reached the hands of the intended. In addition, they also helped people register on the CoWIN app for vaccination, creating large-scale community awareness for the immunization program. Success of societal welfare programs like these has augmented the trust and reach of the PayNearby network and elevated them as community managers in their territories, which will now be leveraged to enable affordable healthcare at the last mile.

By Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology & Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital

Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Causes bronchial asthma

The exact cause of bronchial asthma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, air pollutants, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of bronchial asthma is made based on a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. These may include spirometry, which measures lung function, and bronchoprovocation tests to assess airway hyper-responsiveness. Allergy testing may also be performed to identify specific triggers.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of bronchial asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), coughing (especially at night or early morning), shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms may vary in intensity and frequency among individuals.

Cure

Bronchial asthma is a chronic condition that currently has no cure. However, with proper management and treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives with minimal symptoms. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve quality of life.

Treatment

The treatment of bronchial asthma involves a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications. Medications include short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators to relieve symptoms and reduce airway inflammation. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation in the airways. In severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be necessary. Avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also important.

Preventive measures

While bronchial asthma cannot be completely prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk of developing asthma or prevent asthma attacks. These include avoiding exposure to allergens and irritants, practicing good respiratory hygiene, getting vaccinated against respiratory infections, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet.

Bronchial asthma can occur at any age. It is more commonly diagnosed in childhood, but it can also develop in adulthood. In some cases, asthma symptoms may improve or disappear during adolescence, only to reappear later in life.

While bronchial asthma can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition during severe asthma attacks, most asthma cases are well-managed with appropriate treatment and do not pose a significant threat to life. It is crucial to work with healthcare professionals to develop an asthma action plan and promptly seek medical help during exacerbations.

Bronchial asthma and pregnancy

Yes, with proper management, most women with bronchial asthma can have a healthy pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women with asthma to work closely with their healthcare providers to adjust their medications and develop an asthma management plan that is safe for both the mother and the baby. Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby

PCOS is Polycystic ovarian syndrome, it is increasing swiftly worldwide and fortunately, so is the research work for the PCOS treatment options according to a 2011 study. As per a 2021 study, the occurrence of PCOS in India is increasing, such that one in every five girls suffers from this disorder. A female suffering from it worries about the different symptoms of PCOS ranging from reproductive problems to hair fall.

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that manifests as acne, hirsutism (scalp hair thinning and excessive hair elsewhere), insulin resistance, irregular menses and problems in the physiological ovulation cycle often resulting in infertility. The PCOS causes include the bad effects of stress, lifestyle changes, etc. PCOS-induced hair fall is one of the commonest unmanageable hurdles a woman faces. Moreover, several nutritional deficiencies like iron, vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, etc. may act as a trigger for more hair loss.

Why does PCOS cause hair loss?

he excess of androgenic hormones (male hormones) are responsible for all the symptoms of PCOS. In a 2020 study, involving female hair thinning, almost 8% of the women were having a diagnosis of PCOS confirmed through a sonography and hormone levels tests. The manifestation and extent of female pattern hair loss in PCOS varies as per the androgens hormone levels in our blood stream, and sensitivity of androgens in our hair follicle units.
Symptoms of PCOS-related hair loss

Various symptoms are associated with PCOS-related hair loss including:

•  The hair becomes easily damaged as they are very limp and are lustreless.
•  Daily increasing hair shedding with the reduced density of hair parting.
•  Overnight collection of excess hair cast off on the pillows.
•  While bathing, especially during hair wash, hair comes off in clumps.

If you suffer from such alarming symptoms, you need not get scared but opt for hair fall treatment immediately. Consult your trichologist for early hair fall control.

Is PCOS hair loss curable?

As you may have read till now that prompt action may turn this chaotic ploy of hormones ineffectual. PCOS can be safely dealt with if the appropriate hormonal balance is achieved. There are many treatment solutions available like home remedies, modern medical therapies, and Homeopathy. It is extremely important to opt for such treatment options which targets PCOS causes and not just curbs the symptoms.

Home remedies for PCOS-induced Hair loss:

The home remedies for PCOS related hair fall include the following:

•  Dietary changes: Low glycemic index foods like unprocessed pulses, grains, low-fat dairy foods, nuts, fruits and vegetables are good for minimizing PCOS hair fall symptoms. Additionally, foods rich in saturated fatty acids including butter, cheese, coconut, palm oil, fried foods, skinned poultry, etc. must be reduced from diet to achieve effective control of PCOS.
•  Supplementation of deficiency like biotin, zinc, selenium may help hair loss management in PCOS.
•  It is essential to use good shampoo and conditioner to avoid more damage.
•  Avoid using colors, hair dyes, and other such chemicals on your hair to prevent further weak hair.
•  Always be gentle with your hair as they are already weak, use combs or brushes with care.
•  Refrain from pulling your hair and avoid tight hairstyles and high ponytails.
•  Sleep is also an important factor to consider.
•  Avoiding Smoking forms a major part of lifestyle change.

Modern medicine for PCOS-induced hair fall:

The various medications for PCOS-induced hair fall:

•  Oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, medicated shampoo are quite effective to control hair fall.
•  The PCOS medications like metformin improve hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance and in turn help hair problems.

You must note that these medications have some adverse effects as well, therefore always make an informed decision when you visit your healthcare professional.

Be cautious and see a specialist when:

•  When hair fall has reached a point where you are unable to manage you can visit a health professional.
• In case you are overwhelmed with symptoms then without further ado visit a specialist quickly.

Homeopathic treatment for PCOS

A 2021 study illustrates marked improvement in several cases of PCOS through homeopathic treatment. According to a 2005 study, multiple clinical trials took place in Europe on women having PCOS, it emphasized that 83% of them did not report any symptoms of PCOS and had proper ovulation cycles by taking regular homeopathic treatment. Numerous Homeopathic medicines are associated with PCOS induced hair fall like Thuja, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus, Kali carbonicum, etc. but it is always important to consult a homeopath before intake of any medicines as these medicines need to suit you particularly as an individual.

Homeopathy is a completely natural, safe and side-effects free treatment system that eliminates the root cause of the problem. It relieves the symptoms involved in PCOS along with reduction of hormonal imbalance, checking ovulation and also restores regular menses. A customized homeopathic medicine selected based on all aspects like mind, body and soul and targets the root of the PCOS problem healing from within.

Dr Batra’s® Exemplary Healthcare merit

At Dr Batra’s®, our doctors conduct a detailed consultation for patients affected with PCOS induced hair loss as homeopathy not only addresses symptoms but the root cause of the problem with proper understanding of the cause, onset and extent of the problem.

Homeopathic PCOS treatment help relieve the symptoms of its adverse effects, including acne, weight gain, and unwanted hair growth. Ovarian cysts can be successfully treated with homeopathy, removing the need for surgery.
Our homeopaths perform a video hair microscopic test where the magnification of hair and scalp up to 200 times is done to evaluate the extent of hair loss. A personalized treatment plan involving a single remedy for PCOS patients is devised as per a woman’s individual needs. The patients show improvement in terms of regular periods, hormonal balance, normal conception, along with a reduction in hair thinning, weight, and skin pigmentation. Dr Batra’s® has successfully treated patients for many women’s health problems like PCOS with 96% positive results.

Moreover, Dr Batra’s® has introduced some novel international hair treatment solutions like NewHair, Hair Booster, groHair which stimulate hair follicle and promote hair growth. These hair treatments are non-invasive, painless and safe when integrated with the goodness of homeopathy they give optimum results in PCOS induced hair loss. Dr Batra’s® hair doctors has successfully treated around 6,00,000 hair patients with a 92% positive result seen in every happy patient.

New Delhi, 20th July 2023: “Advancements in technology, such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, are revolutionising healthcare and can be integrated with traditional medicine,” stated, Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, Minister of State, Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women & Child Development, Govt of India, at the National Conference on ‘Traditional and Alternative Medicine- Exploring New Horizons and Advancements’ in New Delhi.

Dr. Kalubhai emphasised the importance of integrating traditional practices with advancements in modern medicine. He stated, “It is our duty to lead the way in promoting the synergy of traditional and modern medicines with cutting-edge scientific research”, at the national conference organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Dr. Kalubhai highlighted the role of technology, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, in revolutionising healthcare. He stated, “From telemedicine to artificial intelligence and big data analytics, we have a wealth of tools at our disposal to improve diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes.”

The Government of India, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, is committed to promoting traditional systems of medicine globally. Dr. Kalubhai mentioned the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit, 2022 (GAIIS), stating, “Ayush sector witnessed Letter of Intents (LOIs) worth 9000 crores in just three days.” He also highlighted the signing of various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for country-to-country cooperation, collaborative research and development, and the establishment of Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign universities/institutes.

Dr. Kalubhai mentioned the growth of the Ayush sector in education and global business. He stated, “The Ayush Export Promotion Council (Ayushexil) has not only grown in education but also in global business.” The establishment of this council aims to promote Ayush products and services worldwide, contributing to the sector’s business growth.

Dr. Kalubhai highlighted the collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Government of India, stating, “WHO and Government of India have established the world’s first and the only Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.” This center aims to integrate traditional medicine with technological advancements and evidence-based research.

Dr. Kalubhai’s address concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future of healthcare in India, emphasising the potential of traditional and modern medicines working harmoniously. He stated, “By doing so, we can truly unlock the full potential of our healthcare system, providing affordable, accessible, and effective solutions for the health and well-being of every Indian.”

Dr. Raman Mohan Singh, Director Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, presented insights on the importance of product quality in healthcare in his special address. “Industry bodies all over the world are eager to investigate Ayurvedic methods in their systems,” he added. Stakeholders and government agencies both demanded that Ayurveda be elevated. According to WHO criteria, API is at par with the other international institutions,” he said.

Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Co-Chairperson of ASSOCHAM National Wellness Council and Chairperson of Aroma Magic Pvt Ltd., made an inspiring welcoming speech and emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare. She continued, “Especially in the post-COVID era, it’s not just about treating the symptoms; we must address the roots.” “It is necessary to empower people to actively participate in their healthcare and to maintain a critical mindset when making healthcare decisions. Healthcare advancements are substantially facilitated by technological breakthroughs and increasing scientific awareness of the mind-body connection. Holistic healthcare is the way of the future,” Ms. Kochhar added.

Mr. Abishek Ramesh, Co-Chair ASSOCHAM National Wellness Council, Executive Director Kairali Ayurveda Group, remarked in his closing remarks, “There are 8000 hospitals under the Ministry of Ayush and 20,000 practitioners showcasing Ayush healthcare services.”

Mr. Madhusudan Chauhan, CEO Jiva Ayurveda highlighted that Ayush and Ayurveda are not alternative systems, they significantly impact the nation’s healthcare landscape. In India, Ayush follows a structured, regulated, and standardized approach with over 7 lakhs+ registered technicians, 3000+ hospitals, and 20,000+ dispensaries. He further said, Events like International Yoga Day and National Ayurveda Day have gained momentum globally. Setting up a global sector for traditional medicine has been a major achievement in the last 7 to 8 years, with India leading a pioneer in practice-based medicine.

Mumbai, 20th July 2023: Quess Corp, India’s leading business service provider today published the ‘New Collar Generation Report’ which uncovers the aspirations of India’s informal economy post-pandemic. The report reveals that a majority of workers in India are still without any social security coverage, and their aspirations to move into an inclusive, secure lifestyle are taking shape.

As per the report, ‘New Collar’ defines a generation of workers whose priorities and aspirations are converging with those of formal employees, and who value security and benefits over their daily wages. This is an evolution of the term coined in 2016 by Ginni Rometty, Former Chairman and CEO of IBM.

Commenting on the report, Lohit Bhatia, President of Workforce Management, Quess Corp said, “The findings of our study offer a clear direction to policymakers on the desires of the informal workforce. With high aspirations regarding skilling, social security, and healthcare benefits, India’s informal economy is as aspirational to benefit from EPFO, ESIC, and other social security benefits as their formal counterparts. Our current laws enable coverage of such social security benefits only for organizations that have above 10 or 20 employees. This leaves behind a huge class of citizens that are not benefitted by these laws.”

He further added, “Recent efforts by several states to implement social security programs, such as life insurance and healthcare coverage, for gig workers in the informal economy are commendable steps in the right direction. However, it is crucial to recognize that there is still a long way to go and we must all continue to make efforts to create an inclusive and secure environment for all Indian workers.”

Findings from the report indicate that informal employees are prioritizing factors such as prestige and career potential over wages today. Moreover, 97% of those informally employed agree that they have a better chance of improving their lifestyle and that of their families with a formal job as opposed to one without a contract.

Convergence between expectations of India’s informal and formal Workforce

According to the survey, 80% of the informal employees expect their employers to provide them with the security of ESI and other medical benefits; the expectation of ESI is even higher for the younger, informal employees (83% – 18 to 25 years and 81% – 26 to 35 years). Furthermore, 79% of respondents claim they would compromise on 20% or more of their salary if it provided security and benefits equivalent to their formal counterparts (78%), indicating that the New-Collar Generation’s priorities and aspirations are converging with those of formal employees and that they value security and benefits over their daily wages.

Impact of tech on job discovery for the informal

Technology has played an important role in educating workers about the benefits of formal employment, with the survey revealing that 84% of the informal respondents agree that technology has helped create more awareness about the advantages of formal employment. As digital natives, informal employees aged between 18 to 35 have more confidence in the awareness technology has brought than their older counterparts. Interestingly, it was found that 70% of respondents employed informally have leveraged tech portals such as job hunting portals, online news portals, and company websites to search for information about job security and benefits any prospective employer offers.

The aspiration to transition from informal employment to the formal sector is higher for women

While both genders are looking beyond wage rates when assessing professional opportunities, the priorities of women working in the informal sector are skewed towards health and security, while for men, it’s more inclined toward career building. The report found that 63% of women claim that they would be ‘very likely’ to compromise on a higher salary in lieu of health benefits and a formal agreement, compared to only 28% of men. Furthermore, 38% of women (and 29% of men) believe that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of job security. The study also found that men are more focused on career building, prestige, and are more cognizant of the value of professional networking, while women believe education holds the key to securing a formal job.

Methodology

The report is based on interviews with 4,179 respondents of all ages across 7 metros: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, and 7 non-metros: Ahmedabad, Baroda, Coimbatore, Indore, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Nashik conducted between September 2022 and January 2023. All the findings from the survey are supported by the latest secondary research across the country.