The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 10th Knowledge Millennium Summit on ‘Curing the Incurables – Sharing of Innovations’ organized by ASSOCHAM today (January 16, 2013) at a function at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said time has come for Indian Healthcare System to revolutionize itself and make India self-reliant in its Healthcare requirements.

The President stated the challenges that the Indian healthcare sector faces are substantial, but the opportunities equally compelling. For companies that view the Indian healthcare sector as a glass half full, the potential is enormous as India is one of the few locations in the world with the latest in healthcare technologies including automation, surgical robotics, modular operating theatres, minimal access surgery systems, telemedicine, radiology, etc.

The President said the public health system must be greatly expanded and strengthened across the Nation. We need to take health services closer to the homes of the families. We need out of the box managerial and administrative reforms in the health departments at the state and central level. We need to develop effective models of healthcare for the ever-increasing urban population and at the same time not ignore rural healthcare needs. The foundation of India's national health system must be strong, sensitive and efficient, he added.

The President presented the Millennium Award to Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Recipient of Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the year 2004.

This release issued at 1320 hrs