Pitroda favours traditional healthcare model for masses (Lead)

National Knowledge Commission chairman Sam Pitroda Thursday advocated traditional Indian model to take healthcare facilities to all, especially the masses who are at the "bottom of the pyramid".

"We need to adopt the traditional Indian model to provide healthcare facilities to the masses, as the western method reaches only the top of the pyramid," Pitroda said at the sixth India Health Summit, organised by the Confederation Indian Industry (CII) here.

The Indian healthcare system developed vastly over the years, as evident from the progress made on important healthcare indices.

Proposing a 10-point agenda to reach out the "bottom of the pyramid", Pitroda said a comprehensive solution to address healthcare shortcomings was the need of the hour.

"We need to lay out a plan at the state and district levels to implement the target through healthcare communication, healthcare education and research facilities related to health," Pitroda told delegates participating in the two-day event on Taking Quality Healthcare to the Masses.

Assuring stakeholders of government help in their efforts, Pitroda called for setting up working groups at state and district levels for taking healthcare to the masses.

"Though there is huge potential in the sector, a comprehensive approach is needed to provide quality and affordable healthcare treatment at the grassroot level," Pitroda noted.

Earlier, Apollo Hospitals group chairman Prathap C. Reddy called for newer healthcare solutions and easier access to the masses for availing the best facilities.

Fortis Healthcare chief executive Bhavdeep Singh said the healthcare sector had to enhance technology to spur growth and reach, with greater accountability and preventive rather than curative approach.

GE India chief executive Tejpal Chopra advocated a collaborative approach to take healthcare to the masses.

Last updated on Nov 5^th, 2009 at 19:45 pm IST--IANS