The PAFI Healthcare Council aims to spearhead comprehensive discussions concerning critical issues within the healthcare and wellness domain. It will help foster an inclusive platform for meaningful dialogues with pertinent government stakeholders, industry bodies, and subject matter experts. These engagements will be facilitated through roundtable meetings and panel discussions.

The timing of this initiative is particularly significant considering the focus of the Government of India, which is actively working on critical legislation and regulatory mechanisms. Post-COVID-19 and with the advent of Ayushman Bharat, new reimbursement models, improved access, and affordability of healthcare have reduced out-of-pocket expenses for patients and have enhanced health consciousness and health-seeking behaviour.

The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and respiratory ailments, has brought new challenges and a need to rapidly scale up hospital infrastructure, increase healthcare investments, and forge public-private partnerships. For vast parts of the country, especially in rural areas and among women, concerns of accessibility, affordability, and awareness persist. These developments significantly impact numerous PAFI members across diverse sectors.

These developments impact several of our members. The PAFI Healthcare Council aims to provide a platform to support and facilitate leadership-level meetings to discuss the progress, implications, and impact of new legislation and other related policies.

Ishteyaque Amjad, Past President & Managing Committee Member, PAFI and Managing Director, Policy & Government Affairs, Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd., will chair the council for 2023-24.