siliconindia | | AUGUST 20259Technology, Mobile Healthcare, and Emergency ServicesThe pandemic demonstrated the capability of tech-enabled PPPs. The CoWIN portal, a publicprivate digital infrastructure shared by both the government and private entities, drove the globe's largest vaccination campaign. Telemedicine applications such as eSanjeevani, built in collaboration with private technology partners, enable rural patients to access specialists. The 'Vaccine on Wheels' model mobile hospital-like vaccination centers in Pune have enhanced last-mile immunization reach. Emergency treatment has also gained, with the 108 and 102 ambulance services running on a privately managed government-funded model. Mobile health units in Rajasthan and Assam, run under PPP contracts, provide diagnostics and primary care in rural locations.Key supporting projects include:· eAarogya Bharati Telemedicine Network Integrating private tech firms for nationwide virtual consultations.· 108 Ambulance Services Expansion Plan Extending coverage through state-private service operator partnerships.Financing, Education, and Community OutreachPolicies such as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY rely on private hospital empanelment to provide cashless care to millions. Disruptions, though, in the form of delayed payments such as the Rs 500 crore pending reimbursement in Haryana can cause continuity breaks. To ensure the sustainability of PPPs, fast payment systems and transparent systems are essential. In medical education, the KMC model proves that collaboration between teaching institutes and public hospitals can provide both trained professionals and quality care. Recently, the Adani Foundation and Datta Meghe Institute have come together to establish a global center for Healthcare Education with Clinical Research and outreach. PPP projects that are community-oriented, like the R. Jhunjhunwala Sankara Eye Hospital in Patna, are made to function on cross-subsidization, offering free eye operations to economically weaker sections.Other projects making a difference include:· Sankara Eye Foundation's PPP Outreach Model Combining philanthropic and government resources for mass cataract surgeries.· CSR-backed Cancer Screening Camps Private hospital teams conducting government-supported screenings in rural belts.Pharmaceuticals, Supply Chains, and Preventive CarePublic procurement models such as Jan Aushadhi tap into private manufacturers to deliver low-cost generic drugs via a national distribution system. In COVID-19 times, partnerships such as the one between ICMR and Bharat Biotech showcased PPP success in vaccine production and supply chain management. PPP programs for preventive health are increasing, with private laboratories joining government-sponsored TB, diabetes, and cancer screening initiatives.Flagship supporting examples include:· National TB Elimination Programme's Private Lab Tie-up Subsidized diagnostic services through accredited labs.· GAVIGovernment Immunization Alliance Leveraging vaccine manufacturers and logistics partners for coverage expansion."For long-term and impactful change, the government and the private sector needs to work together", says Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group.ConclusionFrom district hospital upgrades to AI-enabled telemedicine, PPPs in India are leveraging complementary strengths: the government's reach and subsidies alongside the private sector's innovation and capital. Yet, the promise of PPPs comes with challenges particularly in sustaining financial flows and ensuring accountability. Strengthened regulatory frameworks, timely reimbursements, and context-sensitive design can help India unlock the full potential of PPPs, building a resilient healthcare system that reaches every citizen, even in its remotest corners. PPPs have been instrumental in enhancing health care infrastructure, especially in underserved rural and semi-urban settings
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