New Delhi, 6th December 2024: In a ground breaking initiative to accelerate TB elimination efforts, healthcare leaders from corporate / private hospitals across Haryana gathered at Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad, on December 2, 2024. The meeting, which saw participation of 60 delegates from about 30 major corporate and other private hospitals such as Fortis Hospitals, Max Hospital, Paras Hospitals, Accord Hospitals, Ujala Cygnus Hospitals, Narayana Health, Kailash Hospitals, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Amcare Hospitals, Sarvodaya Hospitals, Park Hospitals, Al Fala Medical College, ESIC,among others marked the launch of the “Consortium of Corporate Hospitals for a TB-Free Haryana.”
Organized by the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI) – the largest representative of private healthcare providers in the country, with the technical support from the ‘Corporate TB Pledge’ initiative by The Union, as part of the USAID -supported iDEFEAT TB project, the event represents a pivotal step toward tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts in Haryana through a unified, private sector-led approach. This initiative is being implemented under the guidance and support of the Central Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in the fight against TB.
According to the Global TB Report 2024, India bears the world’s highest tuberculosis (TB) burden, accounting for over 26% of newly diagnosed cases and one-third of global TB deaths. Given that private healthcare accounts for diagnosing more than 50% of TB cases, this consortium underscores the vital role of corporate hospitals to contribute to the nation’s fight against tuberculosis.
Distinguished stakeholders, including hospital administrators, public health experts, and government representatives, participated in the discussion to effectively engage private healthcare sector to support NTEP Haryana in TB elimination effort.
The consortium is designed to strengthen the commitment of private hospitals towards a TB-Free Haryana and advocating for systems such as STEPS (System for TB Elimination by Private Sector). STEPS is a model based on social responsibility of the private sector where both the sectors assume accountability to End TB and ensures STCI to all the clients reaching them.
The consortium will ensure sustained and strategic engagement of private healthcare sector for supporting NTEP, with a focus on:
- Standardizing TB Diagnosis and Treatment: Ensuring consistent, high-quality care for people affected with TB within private healthcare settings.
- Promoting Public Health Services: Strengthening measures such as contact tracing, TB prevention treatment, airborne infection control, and adherence support for TB patients, healthcare workers, and the broader community.
- Policy Advocacy and Review Mechanisms: Introducing a private-sector-led framework to enhance adherence to Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and engaging in policy discussions.
The meeting featured keynote addresses from – Dr Sanjay K Mattoo, Addl. DDG TB, Central TB Division, MoHFW, Govt of India, and Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, and special address by Dr Virender Yadav, Directorate of Health Services, Govt. of Haryana, Dr Brahmdeep, DHS, Govt. of Haryana, Dr Shibu Balakrishnan, NPO WHO, Ms. Nidhi Bansal, Country Director and Dr Sunil K Khetarpal, Director, AHPI and Mr Mahipal Bhanot from FMRI, Gurugaon, Dr Rakesh P S, Deputy Director Programme and Mr Mohd Shadab, Head Partnerships, The Union.
A highlight of the meeting was an engaging panel discussion and a roundtable session aimed at fostering open dialogue on the role of corporate hospitals in supporting national TB elimination efforts. The panel discussion had presentation on STEPS ‘System for TB Elimination by Private Sector’ an established mechanism for private hospitals to ensure Standards of TB Care to all clients reaching them. The presentation was further enriched by experience-sharing sessions that demonstrated the impact of STEPS in improving the quality of care in private hospitals.
These discussions reinforced STEPS as a pivotal initiative for bridging the gap between private healthcare providers and public health systems, strengthening India’s journey toward eliminating TB and addressing broader healthcare challenges.
Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, underscored the importance of grassroots engagement in achieving the mission. “India has the determination to end TB. With over 40,000 nursing homes operating with less than 30 beds, the ‘Spoke and Hub’ model can effectively deliver care at the grassroots level. Corporate hospitals must take the leadership in mentoring these smaller facilities to ensure uniform, high standards of TB care. We must explore certifications as a recognition to the hospitals in TB management.” He remarked that review meetings shall be held at least on a monthly basis
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Director of AHPI, emphasized the importance and the role of the private sector in supporting the Nations TB Elimination efforts. “More than 50% of people with TB are diagnosed in the private sector in India. The need of the hour is Systems such as STEPS by the Private Sector -To ensure Standards of TB Care in India (STCI) and To address the missing TB cases and ensure quality care for all individuals seeking care in the private healthcare facility. Dr. Khetarpal also highlighted the AHPI End TB initiative, which advocates for member hospitals to adopt systems like STEPS.
Dr Brahmdeep, DHS, Govt. of Haryana reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Consortium of Corporate Hospitals in their efforts toward a TB-Free Haryana. He emphasized that initiatives like these play a crucial role in complementing government efforts to achieve the TB elimination targets., He assured full support in this endeavor.
Dr Shibu Balakrishnan, National Program Officer, WHO, briefed about how private sector can demonstrate camaraderie and how corporate social responsibility can be demonstrated without compromising business interests. He remarked that “The consortium serves as a bridge, fostering collaboration and ensuring quality care, ultimately aligning with the nation’s mission to eliminate TB,” He emphasized that the private healthcare sector can play a pivotal role in supporting the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) by balancing social impact with sustainable business practices.