STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: On World Diabetes Day, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a renowned diabetologist, called for a collaborative effort to combat the growing diabetes epidemic in India.
Addressing an audience, including Dr. Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation, Dr. Singh emphasized this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that every individual has access to affordable, high-quality diabetes care, especially in a country like India, which faces a staggering number of diabetes cases.
Dr. Singh pointed out that diabetes care in India is not just about treatment, but also about addressing critical gaps in healthcare accessibility, awareness, and adherence to treatment. He highlighted the troubling fact that nearly half of those diagnosed with diabetes remain unaware of their condition, and many others face barriers such as financial constraints or lack of information, making consistent treatment difficult. He described these as “systemic gaps” that need urgent attention from both public and private sectors.
To tackle these challenges, Dr. Singh introduced a new concept called “PPP plus PPP”-a two-tiered model of collaboration. He advocated for strengthening public-private partnerships domestically to improve healthcare infrastructure, while also engaging with international public-private partnerships to bring global expertise and resources to India. This framework, he argued, would accelerate innovation and create scalable, sustainable solutions for diabetes care.
Acknowledging the work of Dr. Peter Schwarz and the International Diabetes Federation, Dr. Singh expressed optimism about working together to adapt successful global models for India’s needs. He also highlighted initiatives by the Ministry of Science and Technology to develop accessible, cost-effective diabetes monitoring tools, including smart, non-invasive devices and AI-driven solutions.
In conclusion, Dr. Singh emphasized that diabetes care and prevention require a unified national response, involving healthcare providers, policymakers, families, and communities. “Through combined efforts, we can bridge the gaps in awareness, care, and treatment accessibility,” he said, urging a concerted effort to ensure quality diabetes care for all Indians.
