At the ‘FICCI HEAL 2024’ conference, Prof. V.K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized that the Indian government is dedicated to fully revitalizing the primary healthcare sector. He stated that this effort is part of the broader goal to transform the sector into a robust, future-ready system that will support the country’s journey toward becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047. 

Prof. Paul highlighted that “Viksit Bharat” signifies not only a $32 trillion economy but also a significant rise in per capita income—from $2,500 to $18,000. He stressed that the health sector will play a crucial role as the foundation of this transformation, underscoring its importance in enabling the growth of other sectors. "Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat, and Niramaya Bharat are the sentiments I hope we all share," he remarked.

The government is also focusing on incorporating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), into the healthcare sector. Prof. Paul emphasized that India should aim to be the world’s largest consumer and creator of AI for health. "AI for health leadership belongs to India," he said, urging the industry to ensure that AI technologies are thoroughly validated before implementation.

Prof. Paul also discussed efforts to enhance India's healthcare infrastructure. He revealed that the government aims to increase the average life expectancy from 71 to over 85 years by 2047 and improve the physician-to-population and bed-to-population ratios. Furthermore, he highlighted the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat program to include senior citizens above 70 years, ensuring access to healthcare with dignity through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card.

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During the session, L.S. Changsan, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, spoke about the private sector's role in driving innovation, research and development, and cost-effective models to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote regions.

Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee, also emphasized the digital revolution in healthcare, stating that AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are making quality healthcare accessible even in the most remote areas of India. This technological progress aligns with both the 'Digital India' and 'Swasth Bharat' initiatives.