In a significant move towards fostering ethical business practices and integrity within the healthcare sector, the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) hosted a Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable on Thursday. The event took place at the FTCCI premises in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network India and Kapiti Group.
Organizers and Partners
The conference was organized by the UN Global Compact Network India, a voluntary initiative under the United Nations that supports Indian companies, SMEs, institutions, media houses, corporate foundations, and industry chambers committed to responsible business practices. This initiative aims to institutionalize the Ten Universal Principles of the UN Global Compact, which encompass Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption.
Keynote Addresses and Discussions
Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, a retired bureaucrat and the Chief Guest, emphasized the timeliness and urgency of the Roundtable. He praised the organizers for addressing critical issues such as the high healthcare expenses that push 63 million Indians into poverty annually, making healthcare accessibility and affordability significant concerns. Highlighting the disparity in healthcare spending, he noted that India allocates only 1.2% of its GDP to healthcare, compared to 18% by the United States and around 12% by the United Kingdom. Despite substantial investments in education and healthcare, meaningful outcomes remain elusive due to ineffective professional regulation and self-serving unions. Dr. Narayan advocated for a well-conceived regulatory mechanism to address these challenges.
Dr. Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network India, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the Network's role as an apex-level nodal agency representing diverse Indian corporate bodies and institutions committed to the UN Global Compact principles. He highlighted the Network's pioneering efforts in local initiatives and its custodianship of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. The Roundtable aimed to explore ways to enhance healthcare accessibility and reduce corruption within the sector.
Operational Overview and Commitments
Dr. Somnath Singh, Deputy Director of UN Global Compact Network India, provided an overview of the organization's operations and key areas of concern. Dr. Suresh Kapiti, MD and CEO of Kapiti Overseas Pvt. Ltd, in his welcome address, reaffirmed their commitment to creating impactful solutions that address global challenges, improve quality of life, and promote environmental stewardship.
Inaugural Function
The inaugural function saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Mr. Meela Jayadev, President of FTCCI, Mr. Ashok Singha, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, and Ms. Tarakeswari Polaki, Founder and Director of Kapiti Group.
Conclusion
The Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable at FTCCI underscored the pressing need for collective action in promoting ethical business practices and integrity in healthcare. It brought together key stakeholders committed to addressing the critical issues of healthcare affordability, accessibility, and corruption, paving the way for a more responsible and inclusive healthcare system in India.