On World Diabetes Day, Union Minister and renowned diabetologist Dr. Jitendra Singh issued a compelling call for collaborative action to curb the escalating diabetes epidemic in India. Addressing a distinguished audience of diabetes experts, including Dr. Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation, Dr. Singh highlighted this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” and advocated for a united approach to ensure accessible, high-quality diabetes care for all Indians.

India currently faces one of the world’s largest diabetes burdens, with millions diagnosed but many more undiagnosed or untreated due to healthcare accessibility issues. Dr. Singh emphasized that the challenge goes far beyond treatment. He pointed to “systemic gaps” in healthcare awareness, access, and adherence, noting that financial or informational barriers prevent nearly half of those diagnosed from receiving consistent treatment. "This is a national issue demanding immediate action," Dr. Singh remarked, stressing the urgent need for a cross-sectoral response to address these barriers.

To address these healthcare gaps, Dr. Singh introduced an innovative approach termed “PPP plus PPP” – a model involving both domestic and international public-private partnerships. He explained that by integrating India’s public and private healthcare sectors while actively collaborating with global counterparts, the nation can drive scalable, sustainable advancements in diabetes care. This two-tiered model, he said, would accelerate innovation, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and enhance accessibility.

Expressing his support for the global diabetes agenda, Dr. Singh lauded Dr. Peter Schwarz’s leadership, describing him as a vital partner in addressing the global diabetes crisis. He expressed optimism about forging impactful international collaborations that would bring best practices and resources to India. “With leaders like Dr. Peter, we have the potential to enhance diabetes care in India by learning from successful global models and adapting them to our needs,” Dr. Singh noted, highlighting that international cooperation could significantly advance the quality of diabetes care in India.

Dr. Singh also spotlighted the Ministry of Science and Technology’s efforts to make diabetes monitoring tools more accessible, including the development of smart, non-invasive devices to aid in self-care. He underscored the government’s commitment to advancing cost-effective medical technologies and AI-driven healthcare solutions, aiming to make health management simpler and more affordable for Indian citizens.

As he concluded his address, Dr. Singh stressed that diabetes prevention and care require a collective national response from healthcare providers, policymakers, families, and communities alike. “Diabetes is a national issue that impacts millions, and through combined efforts, we can bridge the gaps in awareness, care, and treatment accessibility,” he asserted.

On this World Diabetes Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh’s message stands as a call to action, urging India to rally together to build a future where quality diabetes care is within reach for every Indian.