On World Diabetes Day, Union Minister and renowned diabetologist Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a collaborative effort to combat the growing diabetes epidemic in India. Speaking to an audience of leading experts in the field, including Dr. Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation, Dr. Singh emphasized this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” He urged a unified approach to provide all individuals with affordable, high-quality diabetes care.
Dr. Singh shed light on the alarming prevalence of diabetes in India, which affects millions, creating a burden not just for the healthcare system but for society as a whole. He noted that the challenge is not limited to treatment but extends to significant barriers such as lack of healthcare accessibility, insufficient awareness, and non-adherence to treatment. These systemic issues, he said, result in nearly 50% of diagnosed patients being unaware of their condition or unable to adhere to regular treatment due to financial or informational hurdles. “Diabetes is a national issue that impacts millions, and through combined efforts, we can bridge the gaps in awareness, care, and treatment accessibility,” Dr. Singh remarked.
Diabetes care and prevention are far too significant to be left solely to medical professionals. It demands unified national action.
Dr. Jitendra Singh
To address these multifaceted challenges, Dr. Singh introduced an innovative concept he termed “PPP plus PPP”, representing “Public-Private Partnerships domestically and internationally.” This two-tiered model focuses on uniting India’s public and private healthcare sectors to bolster infrastructure and resources internally while simultaneously engaging with international public-private collaborations. This layered approach, according to Dr. Singh, will accelerate innovation, improve healthcare access, and provide sustainable and scalable solutions to address the diabetes crisis in India.
Dr. Singh elaborated on how domestic partnerships could strengthen India’s healthcare framework by addressing gaps in infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and ensuring affordable access to medicines and technologies. Simultaneously, international partnerships with entities like the International Diabetes Federation offer India an opportunity to learn from global best practices. Highlighting this, he said, “With leaders like Dr. Peter Schwarz, we have the potential to enhance diabetes care in India by learning from successful global models and adapting them to our needs.”
Dr. Peter Schwarz, a prominent figure in global diabetology, was acknowledged by Dr. Singh for his efforts in addressing diabetes worldwide. The Minister expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the International Diabetes Federation to bring innovative practices and resources to India. Such partnerships, Dr. Singh noted, could transform the management and prevention of diabetes, especially in underserved areas.
With leaders like Dr. Peter Schwarz, we have the potential to enhance diabetes care in India by learning from successful global models and adapting them to our needs.
Dr. Jitendra Singh
The Minister also discussed the Ministry of Science and Technology’s initiatives aimed at leveraging technology and innovation to combat diabetes. These efforts include developing cost-effective, smart, non-invasive devices to help patients monitor and manage their health more effectively. Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s focus on AI-driven solutions and affordable medical devices, ensuring that cutting-edge tools become accessible to even the most vulnerable populations.
Additionally, he stressed that the fight against diabetes is not just a medical challenge but a societal one, requiring collective action. Policymakers, healthcare providers, communities, and families must come together to address the growing epidemic. From raising awareness about preventive measures to improving adherence to treatment regimens, a multi-pronged approach is essential to achieve long-lasting results.
In conclusion, Dr. Singh reaffirmed that diabetes care must extend beyond clinics and hospitals, demanding a national-level response. “Diabetes care and prevention are far too significant to be left solely to medical professionals. It demands unified national action,” he said, urging stakeholders to collaborate for a future where every Indian has access to quality diabetes care.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
