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Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, inaugurated the inaugural National Public Health India Conference (NPHICON-2024) alongside Dr. V.K. Paul, Member NITI Aayog. The three-day event, organized by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Directorate General of Health Services, commenced on February 23 and will run until February 25, 2024.
The conference, held to advance public health discourse and formulate policies aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India (Viksit Bharat), was praised by Prof. Baghel for its pivotal role in shaping resilient health policies and interventions. He commended NCDC for its leadership and dedication in organizing the event, highlighting its potential to contribute significantly to national health development.
“Health is not merely the absence of disease but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development,” emphasized Prof. Baghel, stressing the importance of prioritizing health in the national agenda. He underscored the unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration amidst challenges posed by a large population, rapid urbanization, and increasing healthcare needs.
Dr. V.K. Paul lauded NCDC’s efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of India’s robust health infrastructure, particularly the Aushman Arogya Mandir network, in strengthening healthcare systems. He urged researchers to adhere to rigorous methodologies to better equip the country to handle future health emergencies.
The conference, designed to serve as a common platform for exchanging experiences and best practices on public health concerns, drew praise from Sh. Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, who highlighted its role in supporting policy development and interventions for advancing public health.
Prof. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), hailed NCDC for organizing NPHICON 2024, emphasizing its collaborative nature in fostering innovative solutions and contributing to the broader goal of building a resilient and healthy nation.
Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, emphasized India’s potential to become a global leader in expanding programs and resources for health security preparedness, underscoring the importance of showcasing best practices in public health.
During the inauguration, several initiatives were launched, including a revamped NCDC website, a new E-Journal of NCDC, and Epi-Dis-Phere Public Health Resilience and E-Techno-doc, comprising oral and poster abstracts of presentations to be made at the conference.
The NPHICON-2024, featuring seven scientific sessions focusing on various public health initiatives, aims to address critical health issues, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), tuberculosis, and infrastructure strengthening. Over 100 oral and poster presentations by public health professionals from across India are expected to provide valuable insights into addressing current challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, delegates, experts from State Public Health Programs, professionals, post-graduate medical students, and key stakeholders from 30 states and union territories of India, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort towards enhancing public health in the country.
