Health is True Wealth
“Quality Healthcare for All” — Message from Health Conclave 2026
“Health is the real wealth; without it, life loses its meaning,” said Dundra Kumara Swamy, National President of BC Dal, while addressing the national-level “Health Conclave–2026” held on the occasion of World Health Day. The event was jointly organised by Bliss Berg Future Of and SIMS Hospital, bringing together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from across the healthcare sector.
The conclave was attended by Dundra Kumara Swamy as Chief Guest, along with Dr. Srinivas, Medical Director of SIMS Hospital, Executive Director Sattar Kurma Rao, Dr. Somayajulu (General & Laparoscopic Surgeon), Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy (Robotic & Orthopaedic Surgeon), Chakravarthi (General Manager), and a host of medical professionals, surgeons, intellectuals and nursing staff. Participants engaged in comprehensive deliberations on current healthcare challenges and future priorities.
In his address, Dundra Kumara Swamy remarked that while the military safeguards a nation, it is the health of its people that truly builds it. He emphasised that health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Reiterating the core message of World Health Day, he stressed that access to quality healthcare must reach every citizen, especially during emergencies and future health crises.
Highlighting contemporary concerns, he pointed to the rise of digital and lifestyle-related diseases, underlining the importance of the principle “prevention is better than cure.” He advocated simple yet effective lifestyle practices such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental well-being, adequate hydration and periodic health check-ups. Citing WHO data, he noted that at least three out of every ten people globally lack access to basic healthcare services, and observed that India’s public health expenditure, at around 2.1% of GDP, reflects the need for greater policy priority.
He further drew attention to disparities in rural healthcare, where doctor availability remains limited and public hospitals face infrastructural challenges, while the high cost of private healthcare places an additional burden on ordinary citizens. According to the National Health Profile, the availability of just 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 population highlights the severity of the situation. He noted that economically weaker sections, particularly SC, BC, OBC and other marginalised communities, are disproportionately affected, often unable to afford private treatment and lacking adequate insurance coverage. Issues such as malnutrition, unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation continue to widen health inequalities.
Calling for urgent reforms, Dundra Kumara Swamy urged the government to increase public health expenditure to at least 5% of GDP, strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, expand the medical workforce and ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines. He also emphasised the need for targeted health schemes and expanded insurance coverage for disadvantaged communities, warning that neglecting health today would endanger the nation’s future.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Srinivas, Medical Director of SIMS Hospital, observed that modern healthcare must move beyond treatment to focus on prevention and early intervention. He stressed the importance of extending advanced medical technologies to rural areas and enhancing public awareness through sustained initiatives.
The conclave concluded with a strong message: healthcare must be recognised not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right. The call for “Health for All” resonated as the central theme of the event.
