AHPI unites corporate healthcare leaders to launch consortium for a TB-free Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating the fight against tuberculosis (TB), healthcare leaders from corporate and private hospitals across Uttar Pradesh came together recently at Ghaziabad.

With approximately 50 leading corporate and private hospitals, including clinicians, among others, the gathering marked the launch of the “Consortium of Corporate Hospitals for a TB-Free Uttar Pradesh,” a collective effort to strengthen the state’s healthcare response to TB.

The event was organized by the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), the largest representative body of private healthcare providers in India, in collaboration with Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi. It further received technical support from the ‘Corporate TB Pledge’ initiative by The Union as part of the USAID/India-supported iDEFEAT TB project, marking a significant milestone in tuberculosis elimination efforts in Uttar Pradesh. Implemented under the guidance and support of the Central Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the initiative highlights the critical role of public-private collaboration in advancing a unified, private sector-led approach to combat TB.

The event brought together distinguished stakeholders, including hospital administrators, public health experts, and government representatives, to discuss strategies for effectively engaging the private healthcare sector in supporting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) in Uttar Pradesh. As per the Global TB Report 2024, India carries the world’s highest tuberculosis burden, contributing to over 26% of newly diagnosed cases and one-third of global TB-related deaths. With private healthcare diagnosing more than 50% of TB cases, this consortium highlights corporate hospitals’ role in supporting the nation’s battle against tuberculosis.

Further, it aims to strengthen private hospitals’ commitment to a TB-free state. It advocates for systems like STEPS (System for TB Elimination by Private Sector) based on the private sector’s social responsibility. This model encourages both the private and public sectors to take joint accountability in the fight against TB, ensuring that STCI (Standards of TB Care in India) are met for all clients and that the elimination of TB remains a shared goal.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Upasna Arora, MD, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi, said, “Tuberculosis remains one of the most significant public health challenges in India, and private healthcare must be at the forefront of this fight. At Yashoda, we aim to foster meaningful partnerships that strengthen early diagnosis, ensure effective treatment, and raise awareness about TB. This consortium represents a unified approach to addressing TB, leveraging the strengths of corporate hospitals to close gaps in care delivery. Together, we can pave the way for a TB-free Uttar Pradesh.”

Indra Vikram Singh (IAS), District Magistrate-GZB, added, “Quality healthcare standards are vital in effectively addressing the TB burden. This consortium emphasizes collaboration and ensures that care delivery meets the highest standards of excellence.”

Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar; State TB officer, Uttar Pradesh, said, “The government and NABH are proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our mission to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem and make it more patient-centric and outcome-driven. The success of the TB elimination program hinges on strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. Initiatives like this consortium are pivotal in enhancing capacity, driving innovation, and creating impactful partnerships to tackle the TB burden in our state.”

Dr. Girdhar J Gyani, DG-AHPI, remarked, “Early detection and treatment are key to breaking the chain of TB transmission, and private healthcare facilities play a pivotal role in achieving this. By bringing corporate hospitals into the fold, this initiative not only enhances care accessibility but also aligns with our goal of a seamless and integrated healthcare system to eliminate TB.”

The participants engaged in interactive panel discussions and Round Table Sessions for open discussions highlighting the importance of corporate hospital support for national TB elimination efforts.

In addition, Dr. Atul Mohan Kochar, CEO of NABH, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mattu, Deputy Director General of TB Central division, and Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar joined the consortium meeting and shared their knowledge and experience to advance this initiative.

Dr. Akhilesh Mohan CMO Ghaziabad, said, “The consortium aims to ensure the sustained engagement of the private healthcare sector in supporting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). Key initiatives include standardizing TB diagnosis and treatment across private healthcare settings, strengthening public health measures such as contact tracing, prevention treatment, airborne infection control, and adherence support, and advocating for policy changes. The consortium will introduce a private-sector-led framework to enhance adherence to STCI and engage in policy discussions to improve TB care standards in India.”

Through these efforts, the event concluded on a positive note. It intends to create a unified and effective response to TB in Uttar Pradesh, involving both sectors in a comprehensive and strategic approach.