To prioritise health needs of the rural population, India hosted the 15th World Rural Conference in New Delhi recently. The event, in collaboration with Niti Ayog’s National Rural Health Mission, highlighted the need for rural and remote healthcare.
In context of delivering primary healthcare in far-flung areas and remote access, several workshops were conducted focussing on bringing rural healthcare to the forefront of healthcare policy.
“The National Rural Health Mission addresses issues around rural healthcare infrastructure and human resource development. India being largely rural, its healthcare needs have to be addressed urgently. Active participation of all stakeholders, NGOs, health workers and policy makers is required to revolutionise the primary health care structure in the rural areas,” Dr Raman Kumar, AFPl president said. The event screened short films and art festivals to inspire healthcare workers and celebrate their work at the grassroots level. Until now over 1,000 abstracts and scientific programme proposals have been received in the landmark event. Global doctors visited some rural healthcare centres.
“With the participation of over 50 nations, this conference hosts all major health delivery systems with an emphasis on supporting and promoting rural healthcare, developing young MBBS doctors into leadership roles and draws them into the primary and comprehensive community healthcare domain. The concept of family doctors should be promoted in rural areas as it will not only save patient time but also curb treatment costs. Educating rural masses on health is our next agenda,” said organising secretary Dr Pratyush Kumar.