India boasts the world's largest cohort of young individuals, with over 350 million persons aged between 10 and 24 years. This demographic configuration presents an unparalleled opportunity, often termed the 'demographic dividend'. In the backdrop of a rapidly digitalising world, where 90% of all jobs necessitate some element of digital prowess, this dividend becomes even more potent. India's young, dynamic population in a consumer-centric economic landscape is a catalyst for exponential growth.
India is also at the forefront of a significant demographic transition, bringing into focus the need for healthy ageing. By 2030, the elderly population is projected to reach 193 million, constituting around 13% of the total population. This ageing demographic poses both challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems. The growing elderly population requires specific healthcare interventions, but at the same time, it offers a potential "Silver Dividend" — the economic and social contributions of a healthier, more active elderly population.
In light of these demographic changes, achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) becomes not only an imperative but also a strategic goal for India. The government’s expanding initiatives, such as PMJAY, reflect a growing focus on ensuring healthcare access for all, including the elderly. However, gaps remain in outpatient care, financial security, and social inclusion.
This invite-only event, co-organised by ORF and UNFPA India in the run-up to the Universal Health Coverage Day, seeks to explore these issues and develop actionable strategies that enhance healthcare access for India’s evolving demographic. The discussions will focus on UHC within the context of the Silver Dividend, bridging the digital divide, and rethinking the narrative around India’s population as a resource for healthcare development. These insights aim to influence policy and programmatic approaches to ensure inclusive, equitable, and sustainable health systems.
This is an Invite-only event.
10:00 - 10:05 (IN)
Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy and Observer Research Foundation Kolkata Center
10:05 - 10:10 (IN)
Andrea M. Wojnar, Resident Representative, UNFPA India
10:10 - 10:25 (IN)
Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to The Prime Minister and Secretary, Government of India
Theme: Universal Health Coverage in the Context of India’s Demographic Transition
10:30 - 11:20 (IN)
This panel will explore how India can harness the Silver Dividend to advance healthcare access and improve the quality of life for the growing elderly population. It will focus on the current gaps in geriatric care, financial security, and healthcare infrastructure while examining potential policy solutions.
Panellists:
Moderator: Jaydeep Biswas, UNFPA India
To be followed by Q&A
11:20 - 11:40 (IN)
11:40 - 12:30 (IN)
This panel will focus on leveraging India’s demographic strengths to achieve Universal Health Coverage by addressing digital health solutions and inclusivity for both elderly and younger populations. It will explore how India can bridge the digital divide, and how digital health platforms, AI, and telemedicine can transform healthcare access, and empower diverse demographics across rural and urban areas.
Panellists:
Moderator: Oommen C. Kurian, ORF
To be followed by Q&A
12:30 - 12:35 (IN)
Shoba Suri, Senior Fellow, ORF
12:35 - 13:35 (IN)
