The World Health Day theme — Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures — is seen as long overdue, with many in the sector welcoming its attention to maternal and newborn health, as well as broader women’s health. Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta Hospital, notes that it’s encouraging to see a more inclusive healthcare conversation taking shape. Care is being strengthened across all stages of life, from birth through ageing, with an emphasis on access and security in healthcare delivery.
India’s Maternal Care Gains
It is observed that India has made notable progress in maternal and child health outcomes through comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. These efforts are being integrated into large-scale schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which has expanded healthcare accessibility, particularly in under-served areas.
Pushing Towards SDG 3
India is recognised for having made considerable strides in health and well-being. However, it is acknowledged that the country is still not fully on track to meet its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets by 2030. Dr Trehan points out that while health challenges persist globally — irrespective of wealth — India has taken steps to address them by expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing hospital capacity, and investing in medical education.
Two Major Opportunities Identified
Firstly, there is a concerted effort toward ensuring universal access to high-quality care for all citizens. Secondly, India is positioning itself as a global healthcare hub, offering world-class treatment at a fraction of international costs. Dr Trehan highlights that Indian medical professionals are known globally for their dedication, and medical value travel is rising as more international patients opt for treatment in India.
The NCD Burden
Over half of deaths in India are attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular conditions being a significant concern. Once dominated by communicable diseases, the country has addressed the issue through improvements in sanitation, clean water access, and immunisation. Now, rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease require urgent attention.
Preventive Approach Needed
Community awareness is described as critical in addressing NCDs. While doctors can advise and monitor, prevention starts locally. Dr Trehan shares that Medanta conducts free rural health camps, screening lakhs for NCDs and offering basic dental and eye care. With India’s vast population, even small percentages equate to large numbers, and he stresses that every healthcare provider must own responsibility for certain regions.
Example of Scalable Interventions
Medanta has adopted Haryana under the TB-Free India programme, deploying mobile vans equipped with digital X-ray and molecular testing to screen extensive rural populations. Dr Trehan says collaborative approaches like these are vital for meaningful change.
Mental Health Stressors
Rising mental health issues are tied to environmental and social factors, including job pressures, pollution, climate change, and the breakdown of traditional family systems. Dr Trehan mentions that there is even emerging evidence linking extreme weather to increased heart problems.
Accessible Support Systems
Efforts to reduce mental stress must include accessible counselling, education, clean environments, and job opportunities. While many digital platforms offer support, Dr Trehan believes services must be economically inclusive. He suggests that hospitals should integrate mental health offerings as part of standard patient care.
Climate and Health
Medical professionals are being urged to understand the health risks posed by climate change. Pollution is said to trigger respiratory issues and affect child brain development. Dr Trehan emphasises that this is not a future threat but a current crisis. Temperatures have already risen 1.5°C, earlier than many projections.
Local Action Can Help
He believes local measures — such as reducing dust, PM2.5 and PM10 levels, and curbing crop burning — can significantly improve outcomes. He sees public awareness and citizen pressure as key levers for environmental health reform.
Sustainable Hospitals
Acknowledging the healthcare sector’s high energy usage, Dr Trehan shares that Medanta is actively reducing its carbon footprint. By shifting to solar power and improving grid reliability, diesel use has been reduced to under 10%. Green building certifications and sustainable practices are becoming integral to operations.
Vision for Healthcare
Dr Trehan underlines that quality healthcare should be a fundamental right. Going forward, India faces three main challenges:
· Managing NCDs calls for surveillance, early detection, and timely care.
· Preventing Infectious Diseases calls for improving sanitation and water quality.
· Enhancing Public-Private Coordination calls for elimination of inefficiencies and ensuring strategic deployment of resources.
The Medanta Advantage
Medanta continues to receive international recognition, consistently ranking as India’s top private hospital, and among the world’s best. Dr Trehan attributes this to its unwavering focus on patient outcomes over profit. The hospital’s model rests on three core pillars:
· World-class infrastructure: ensures safety and efficacy
· Frontier technology: ensures pursuit of innovation
· Expert Personnel: ensures commitment to transparency and excellence
Patients, he concludes, care most about three things: the best treatment, compassion, and affordability — and it’s this alignment of values that has brought Medanta both trust and acclaim.
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