Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare S P Singh Baghel inaugurated the first National Public Health India Conference (NPHICON) here on Friday.

The three-day long conference is being organized by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Directorate General of Health Services.

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Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted the significance of the conference in advancing public health discourse and in formulating policies aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’.

He commended NCDC for its leadership and dedication in organizing this event that will contribute to the development of resilient health policies and interventions.

“At the heart of our vision for India’s development is the recognition that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of sustainable development. A healthy population is not only more productive but also more resilient in the face of adverse conditions. It is therefore imperative that we prioritize health as a central tenet of our development agenda,” Baghel said.

The minister said, “With a large population, rapid urbanization and increasing health care needs, the challenges are immense. However, amidst these challenges lie unique opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and pave the way towards a healthier and more prosperous future for all.”

He also said that the conference will provide a common platform for exchanging experiences and best practices on public health concerns and relevant allied health practices in the country.

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra conveyed a message acknowledging the importance of NPHICON in providing a forum for sharing experiences and best practices at the local level.

He underscored the role of the conference in supporting policy development and interventions for the advancement of public health. He also extended his best wishes to NCDC and all participants for a successful and impactful conference.

Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), commended NCDC for organizing NPHICON 2024 and bringing together national experts, program implementers, and students.

Goel emphasized the collaborative nature of the conference, fostering innovative solutions and contributing to the larger goal of building a resilient and healthy nation.