The Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council in partnership with the Indian Medical Parliamentarians Forum (IMPF) convened a National Leadership Roundtable on Patient Centricity.

During the deliberations, gaps in patient representation, access to high-cost therapies and disability accessible healthcare emerged as key concerns.

The roundtable brought together senior clinicians, policy experts, patient advocacy groups and pharmaceutical leaders to discuss the need for a more patient-first healthcare system.

Kamal Narayan, CEO, IHW Council, said, “Healthcare must be designed around the patient. Whether we plan, build, regulate or facilitate healthcare, the patient must remain at the centre. A strong patient-first approach can make healthcare more efficient, effective, accessible and affordable for everyone.”

A major concern raised during the discussion was the difficulty patients face in accessing high cost and targeted therapies. Patient advocates representing lung cancer, thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) called for faster access to advanced treatments and their inclusion under government health schemes including Ayushman Bharat and CGHS.

Dr. Vivek Tomar, Cancer Patient Advocate and Co-Founder, ALK Positive India, said, “Cancer care cannot be determined by where a patient lives or what a patient can afford. Patients need timely access to the right therapies, affordable medicines and clinical trials, irrespective of their location or economic background. Patients and caregivers must also have a meaningful place in policymaking, so that healthcare decisions reflect the realities of those living with disease.”

Dr. Shivaji Kalge, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Latur and member of the Indian Medical Parliamentarians Forum (IMPF) said, “As policymakers, it is our responsibility to ensure these ground realities are reflected in government policy. We need to understand the concerns of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals and take these into account while shaping health policies. 

Dr. Avinash, DADG, NCD & Patient Safety Division, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, highlighted the importance of prevention and health promotion, noting that more than 27 national health programmes under the National Health Mission focus on these areas.  

Dr. Shafali Gulati, Child Neurology and Neurodevelopment, during the discussion said, “Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and other neurological conditions, need to be recognised as an important public health priority. These conditions require timely identification, early intervention and continued support across the lifespan.”