Tag: Chair

Business

National Geographic India’s documentary ‘Rays of Change: AVAADA Energy’ brings forth the efforts of preparing one of the world’s largest solar plants in India

Dec 4, 2021 by Agency 0 Comments #AVAADA, #Chair, #Vineet Mittal

 India: Solar power, today, has become a key to a clean & carbon-free energy future and highlighting the importance of solar energy and ground-breaking engineering to fulfill the needs of people for sustainable solutions, National Geographic in India is launching a new documentary ‘Rays of Change: AVAADAEnergy’. The film, which premieres on December 4, 2021, at 8 pm on National Geographic, will give the viewers a glimpse of the efforts to develop one of the world’s largest single-location Solar Plants.

The film brilliantly captures the monumental effort involved in making one of the largest solar plants in the world, showcasing different project elements and their synergy. It also touches upon the human aspect by underscoring the influence of the project on human lives in the short and long term. From the plant’s planning, land acquisition, engineering innovations, and tackling the construction challenges of this gigantic project, the film covers every aspect of project execution for viewers to understand and appreciate.

“At National Geographic, we endeavour to bring inspirational stories of our nation’s growth and development through insightful and ground-breaking storytelling. The AVAADA Bikaner documentary is yet another attempt to further the knowledge of our viewers and give them a deeper understanding of the marvels around us. It emphasizes the increasing importance of sustainable living as we take viewers on this powerful journey of challenges and a project that is committed to bringing value to the lives of many,” a spokesperson from National Geographic.

“We are all aware of the importance of building a sustainable future for the generations to come, and this is a story of our efforts contributing towards it by building one of the World’s largest solar plants. We wanted to tell our story, and the team at National Geographic beautifully weaved in the narrative with their authentic style of storytelling, which will make for a compelling watch for all viewers,” said Vineet Mittal, Chair, AVAADA.

National Geographic’s upcoming documentary,’Rays of Change: AVAADA Solar’, will premiere on December 4, 2021, at 8.00 pm on National Geographic in India.

Business World, News

Chandigarh Startup Policy to be launched soon – Secretary, Chandigarh Administration

Feb 23, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Chair, #Chandigarh Administration, #Chandigarh Chapter, #Head, #IAS, #Invest India, #Mr Madhu Sudan Vij, #Mr Param Kalra, #Mr Yashpal Garg, #Ms Aastha Grover, #Regional Chair, #secretary, #Startup Committee, #Startup Hub

Chandigarh will get its own Startup Policy with special focus on women entrepreneurship soon, informed Mr Yashpal Garg, IAS, Secretary, Chandigarh Administration. He was addressing a video conference on Startups organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with Chandigarh Administration and startup Punjab.

He further shared that Incubation Center at Chandigarh for IT sector is operating since 2001. The new policy will focus on accommodating non IT Startups and expand the scope of incentivizing to private and institutional incubators, co-working spaces and startups.

Ms Aastha Grover, Head, Startup Hub, Invest India conducted a workshop on startup schemes, registration process, recognition schemes, seed funds and special agreements with ministries and corporates to promote products and services of Startups.

During her workshop she informed the participants regarding various modes created by the Government of India to provide market access to startups including access to 30 States / UTs through their policies, International tie ups with 11 countries to open access to their investors and market, tie ups with corporates to promote the products and services by startups, pro bono service with listed companies and government engagement for social startups. She added that exclusive patent application route created for DPIIT registered startups increased the patent registration three times in past 4 years.

She informed the participants about the funding schemes and the application process under various government schemes launched by different departments.

Mr Madhu Sudan Vij, Chair, Chandigarh Chapter informed the participants regarding services provided to startups through PHD – MSME Mentoring & Guidance Center and further encouraged them to take the membership.

While moderating the session Mr Param Kalra, Regional Chair, Startup Committee addressed and tried to get the solutions for the pain points of the startups including the cost of incorporation of a company, higher cost of power and internet supply, need to enhance the exposure and reach for the tier 2 and tier 3 cities based startups, availing the government schemes, access to the funds to incubators and startups.

The Session was attended by over 75 entrepreneurs from the region.

Health, News

UNION BUDGET EXPECTATIONS -Healthcare should be accorded ‘National Priority’ status

Jan 21, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Chair, #Dr Alok Roy, #FICCI Health Services Committee and Chairman, #Medica Group of Hospitals
  • Dr Alok Roy, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals

Union Budget is a much anticipated event every year and more so in FY 21-22, as expectations are running much higher this time. The year that’s ending has been a year of pandemic disrupting lives & livelihoods & causing economic turmoil. From being one of the fastest growing economies, we are still battling with the pandemic gloom.

In 2021-22 budget, prioritization of Healthcare sector shall be of utmost importance. While India fought Covid 19 reasonably well and with vaccines just being rolled out, we must not forget the indomitable spirit of the private health sector which fought the pandemic alongside with the government despite severe financial losses in revenues.

Covid 19 has shown us all that Health is the new normal and going forward health shall be significantly measured by sanitation, hygiene and preventive healthcare. With a market size of 1.4 billion people government must look into attracting investments into these sectors via existing as well as start-ups.

Attracting investments in healthcare start-ups & “Atmanirbhar” in healthcare equipment

The key solution to address this gap in accessibility and affordability of healthcare is making homegrown technology-driven innovations that facilitate production and delivery of medical devices within the country, provided the policymakers use this opportunity to align the resources/budgets to ensure accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare for the citizens of India. The needs to be addressed in the budget this year with a specific allocation of the budget for healthcare delivery, healthcare personnel, infrastructural developments, and a special
focus on innovations in healthcare by supporting start-ups in this field. It is evident that this pandemic has fast-tracked the need and adoption of technology-driven solutions in healthcare and this trend is here to stay. Healthcare providers have embraced technology with virtual consultations, robot-assisted procedures, wearables (AI in medical equipment), and many more innovations that aid smooth delivery of healthcare. Government can consider putting healthcare start-ups under MSME category which will enable them to get the extended advantages. Banks to also consider flexibility in lending to such start-ups as these will add the much needed boost to not just the start ups but also to the healthcare industry.

Digitization of healthcare and the impetus required

2020 has been the year of pandemic and the new normal which have changed the way we look at healthcare. The healthcare sector has been quick enough to change and adapt to the digital transformation. Going forward such changes are all set to go to the next level ably supported by AI, Big Data & Analytics, Electronic Records &
Telemedicine. While we strive for seamless digitization we also have to work for protection against data breaches & safeguard all such data.

Expectations on taxation vis-a-vis healthcare

It is also crucial that the government provides appropriate fiscal incentives and creates sustainable public policy to encourage investment in private healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals should be included under the definition of ‘industrial undertaking’ u/s 72A of IT Act. This has been a long standing demand, critical to expedite private investment in healthcare capacity building and to ensure that healthcare is treated at par with other sectors.

Currently, the benefits of deduction for CAPEX are extended only to hospitals having a minimum capacity of 100 beds. No benefits are provided to encourage the setup of smaller hospitals/nursing homes in rural areas posing as an impediment for organizations to start chains of smaller hospitals. Given that there is an urgent need for expansion of healthcare facilities in smaller cities and rural areas, the benefits u/s 35AD of IT Act should be extended to hospitals having:

(i) min of 50 beds in tier II, III and IV cities and

(ii) min of 25 beds in rural areas

The pandemic has also substantiated that we cannot be over-dependent on only testing and treatment of diseases. Primary and preventive care is vital for a strong healthcare system. It is recommended that tax exemption on Preventive Health check-up be raised from the current Rs 5,000 per person (Rs 7,000 for senior citizens) to Rs 20,000 u/s 80-D of IT Act. This is an opportunity incentivizing health-oriented consumer behaviour for insulating individuals from effects of unanticipated healthcare spending and for institutionalising a Healthcare Savings Fund.

Further, while grappling with COVID-19, hospitals have had to make substantial capital expenditure towards making structural changes in the building layout, air-flows etc. and significant fresh investment in medical equipment, bringing in immense strain on hospital cash flow and operational sustenance. FICCI has recommended that some relief through weighted deduction on CAPEX u/s 35AD be provided to all hospitals who have made any capital expenditure for prevention and/ or treatment of COVID patients.

On the GST front, government need to consider zero rating of GST for healthcare services.

Healthcare Infrastructure investments.

The Finance Ministry has devised an inspiring INR 111 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) for 2020-25, which includes INR 1.69 lakh crores for infrastructure development projects for healthcare.

There is also a need to increase proportion of Health Research allocation in overall Health Expenditure to at least 6% of the funds allocated to MoHFW. The pandemic has ascertained that Health Research is a critical component for forging an effective healthcare response and it is also important for attaining SDG-3 goals.

Healthcare should be accorded ‘National Priority’ status, as was done for the IT sector, to bring in requisite attention and investment. Innovative long-term financing structures, special healthcare zones, subsidized cost for land and electricity, higher FSI for hospital buildings are some of the measures needed for enhancing infrastructure creation in healthcare.

Overall, Budget 2021 must focus on allocation of higher spending towards healthcare with special attention to preventive health and wellness segments.

Education, News

Disrupt, Accelerate and Innovate Key Focus Points of Health Next 2021 – Global Health and Innovation Conference conducted by IIHMR University

Jan 12, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #& Convener GHIC Conference, #Chair, #Chairperson, #CIIE, #Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, #Dean IIHMR University, #Dr. PR Sodani, #Dr. SD Gupta, #Dr. Sheenu Jain, #Ex-MD NHM & Former Secretary Skills & Entrepreneurship, #food, #Govt. of Rajasthan, #IIHMR University, #IIHMR University Jaipur, #Nitin Chugh, #Pharmeasy, #President (Officiating), #secretary, #Shri Naveen Jain, #VP-Customer Retention and Loyalty

The Health Next 2021- Global Health and Innovation Conference is spread across two days conducted by IIHMR University, Jaipur on 11th and 12th January 2021. The conference concluded its first day with the key focus points on innovations in the health care sector, sustainability and integration of these healthcare systems, managing public perceptions, key points on public-private partnerships from the point of view of the state of Rajasthan and their improvisations for apt delivery. The conference had a participation of over 40+ stalwart panellists from iKure, StanPlus/ Red Ambulances, Pharmeasy, NISHTHA/ Jhpiego, Medicover Hospitals, India, Viveo Health, Ai Highway Inc, myresqr.life, TiE Global, Amity Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Startup Oasis. The conference over these two days shall witness the participation of 1000 participants, panellists from 8 plus countries such as Germany, USA, Canada, UK, India etc. The GHIC offered a platform for healthcare start-ups students, alumni or people at large who have a business idea in healthcare, health tech space and want to get it nurtured at the IIHMR University’s Innovation and Incubation Center. 

 

Keynote addressee Shri Naveen Jain, Ex-MD NHM & Former Secretary Skills & Entrepreneurship, Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Govt. of Rajasthan, “The subject of the conclave is very exciting as it focused on encouraging the young generation to initiate startups in Public Health to offer solutions along with promoting innovations in this area. Innovations by start-ups must be encouraged not just in the private healthcare sector but must also be encouraged in the public healthcare sector. Young entrepreneurs must understand the existing gaps and offer solutions for the quick delivery to the end customer in the existing environment.”

 

Shri Naveen Jain said, “We must focus on key public perceptions which include- Availability of huge data not being utilized, lack of implementation of innovations due to less accessibility and acceptability due to lengthy government processes, financial crunch in the state of Rajasthan as compared to its peers such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and even Punjab. He even pointed out that there must be integration in systems for smooth delivery of the end product or service. We must focus to Re-engineer, Re-Build and Re-Design where we utilise the existing resources to offer the best in class services in the public health sector and I would humbly request our entrepreneurs to do the same.”

 

Dr. SD Gupta, Chairperson, IIHMR University said, “COVID-19 has brought in an urgency to innovate. We face tremendous challenges in the systems as of today, however, what is more, important is to integrate these services for the best in class services to be offered to the end customer. I feel the utilization of IoT and AI in healthcare which include telecommunication and telemedicine have played an important role during the time of the pandemic. We see a huge potential for the upcoming start-up to explore a lot of gaps in the healthcare sector and innovate products that would be fruitful for the benefit of the patient and the entire healthcare fraternity on the whole.”

 

Dr. PR Sodani, President (Officiating), Dean IIHMR University said, “The Health Next 2021 – Global Health and Innovation Conference is a global conference that will witness strong business leader representation across provider, payer, pharmaceutical and academic organizations attracted industry suppliers, media and venture capital. We are excited to witness key trends driving the health industry, virtual networking with peers, and newfound business opportunities. We hope to see the participation of many healthcare enthusiasts during this two-day Global Healthcare Conclave.”

 

Dr. Sheenu Jain, Chair, CIIE, & Convener GHIC Conference, IIHMR University Jaipur moderated this conference. She deliberated that the most important focus of the Health Next 2021- Global Health and Innovations Conference would be Disrupt, Accelerate and Innovate. 

 

Nitin Chugh, VP-Customer Retention and Loyalty, Pharmeasy said, “The conference is a great platform for all healthcare start-ups. It highlights innovations which will be fruitful for the healthcare industry and would prove to be beneficial for the outcome during the tyrannous time of COVID-19.” Likewise Sahil Kapoor, Lead Digital Health and Program Manager Partnerships NISHTHA/ Jhpiego shared similar views and said, “IIHMR University’s initiative of the Health Next 2021 platform is one of a kind which not only highlighted the trends in the healthcare sector but also highlighted that innovations pertaining to technology and otherwise would be beneficial for the industry. We look forward to many such conclaves that uplift the spirits of the young talent in India who would love to make a change in the health sector especially at the bottom of the pyramid.”

 

The GHIC demonstrated the need for an all-in, must-attend health ecosystem conference where all major stakeholders shared new solutions and strategies, where networking was curated and key business-to-business exchanges took place. GHIC was unique in facilitating serious conversations among leaders about our healthcare system and innovation. Health Next 2021- Global Health and Innovation Conference. The conference focused on 5 thrust areas, Driving Innovation in New Healthcare Landscape- Post COVID-19, IoT in Health Ecosystem.

 

The second day shall see topics such as Building a Sustainable healthcare model, Creating Personalized healthcare experience for every patient and Health Beyond Hospitals.The Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at IIHMR University contributes to health eco system of start- upsproviding mentoring and incubation support to the budding start-ups at our centre.