New Delhi – The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), in collaboration with Primus Partners, hosted a strategic meet titled “Advancing Public Health: Priorities, Innovations, and Global Partnership” at the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi. The event was graced by the Honourable Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Ms. Anupriya Patel, and saw participation from leading public health organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), NITI Aayog, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, AIIMS Bibinagar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) Mumbai, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH) Kolkata, Gates Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, Ashoka University, and many more.
The meet aimed to outline strategies for establishing NIHFW and other public health training institutions as globally recognized centers of excellence, striving for leadership in Public Health and Family Welfare to contribute to a healthier and stronger India.
Key sessions focused on:
• National Public Health Priorities: Addressing emerging health challenges and pressing needs.
• Innovative Solutions: Exploring advancements to enhance public health outcomes.
• Capacity-Building Initiatives: Identifying opportunities for skill enhancement and institutional development.
The inaugural session featured a keynote address by the Honourable Minister of State, Ms. Anupriya Patel, and an inaugural address by Mr. Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary of MoHFW, Dr.Dheeraj Shah Director at National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) and Mr. Nilaya Varma MD & CEO Primus Partners. A high-level panel discussion delved into current public health priorities, needs, and challenges while identifying new capacity-building initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Honourable Minister of State Ms. Anupriya Patel emphasized the importance of institutions like NIHFW in shaping the future of public health through education, research, and policy development. She highlighted the need for strategic collaboration to position NIHFW as a globally recognized center for excellence in public health. “This strategy meet is a crucial step in advancing our public health vision, fostering innovation, and strengthening global leadership. Through partnerships and knowledge sharing, we will enhance NIHFW’s role as a hub for research, education, and capacity-building, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous India,” she stated.
Mr. Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare contextualized India’s evolving public health landscape, acknowledging both progress and challenges. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between accessible yet overcrowded public healthcare and world-class but expensive private hospitals. He emphasized the pressing need to address both traditional communicable diseases and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases linked to lifestyle changes and environmental factors.
“India has made commendable strides in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and achieving key Sustainable Development Goals ahead of schedule. However, our greatest challenge lies ahead—adopting a ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to tackle complex public health issues that extend beyond healthcare alone. Collaborative action across multiple sectors will be key to sustaining our progress and ensuring an inclusive healthcare system for all,” he stated.
Nilaya Varma, Founder & CEO of Primus Partners, shared his thoughts on the impact of the NIHFW event and the importance of advancing public health in India.
“I’ve always believed that for India to be a developed country, healthcare has to be world-class—not just general healthcare, but public health. And today’s workshop is a step in that direction. NIHFW is an extremely important element of the overall healthcare delivery system, especially in building the capacity of the healthcare system in India to deliver world-class services. I am so happy with the kind of inputs we’ve received—not just from experts in India, but also from global experts—who are helping envision NIHFW’s role in strengthening India’s healthcare system and making it one of the best in the world.”
The event also programmed interactive group discussions emphasizing the importance of international, national, and regional collaborations, joint research endeavors, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These discussions set a clear roadmap for NIHFW’s future initiatives, ensuring a strategic and results-driven approach.
This meet is expected to enhance collaboration among various public health agencies, organizations, and training institutions, driving impactful policy recommendations. The outcomes will play a crucial role in strengthening NIHFW’s programs, broadening its influence, and fostering global partnerships in public health and family welfare.
