Pune:  Whatever needs to happen in a particular period, that time period is sustainability. The important issue of sustainability is what is going to sustain by that effort? Whether it is the people? Or the institution? Or the planet at large? Timelines are important for sustainability. Achieving prosperity is also an important factor. Sustainability has to be equitable, said Dr. Nitin Kareer, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra.

The Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences (FoMHS), Symbiosis International University (SIU) organized the 26th edition of “SYMHEALTH” a national conference on Sustainable Healthcare Systems for Population and Planet Health on 26th and 27th April 2024 at SIU campus, Lavale, Pune. The Valedictory Session of the conference was held on 27th April 2024. Dr. Nitin Kareer, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, was invited as the Guest of Honour for the session. Prof. (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and President, Symbiosis and Chancellor, Symbiosis International University presided over the function.

Dr. Nitin Kareer spoke on the topic “Governance for Sustainability”. Speaking at the occasion he said, Governance is the power given to run the institution. A strong sustainable governance is needed to get the desired results. The best example of sustainable governance is Symbiosis.

Talking about the healthcare industry Dr. Kareer said, 5% of all the emissions come from the medical field. Medical waste is a burden we are putting on the planet earth. Around 40- 45% of the laboratory tests done in India and in the world are unnecessary. However, medicine is not a pure science it is also an art hence how to decide which test is required and which is not is a challenging thing for sustainability. Healthcare industry might have a monetary loss if we decide to do anything like this.

Dr. Mujumdar in his presidential address mentioned that, the development of a nation depends upon the two important parameters, which are Education and Health. The same are also important for the development of an individual. Prosperity of a nation depends upon the prosperity of quality education. Individual health is ultimately the health of a country. The most important takeaway of this conference is - from now onwards each one of us should take care of our health.

Health of a country's population and health of a planet both are interlinked. They are interdependent. In Fact in this world, everything is interlinked and interdependent Dr. Mujumdar added further.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis and Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International University were the other distinguished dignitaries present for the function. 

Dr. Rajiv Yervadekar, Provost, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), gave the welcome address and Dr. Parimala Veluvali, Director, Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL) gave the vote of thanks.